Sponsored by CBD Clinic.
Self-care can be a notoriously difficult task for those who are used to spending most of their time caring for others. However, as a massage therapist, it is absolutely crucial for you to stay on top of your game so you can provide the best care for your clients. Forgetting to care for yourself can lead to mental and physical health issues, exhaustion, and burnout, which can make performing your job more difficult.
If you have the tendency to put yourself last on the list, consider trying these strategies on a consistent basis to improve your overall wellness.
1. Be thoughtful about what you are eating and drinking
Instead of processed foods, choose whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables that are packed with nutrients, and eat organic whenever possible.
During stressful times, it can be tempting to grab sugary treats and low-nutrient comfort foods, but this is a time when your body needs as much nutrition as possible. A glass of wine may be a nice way to unwind at night, but don’t overdo it, and avoid the temptation of excess caffeine to help you get through the day. Too much alcohol and caffeine, along with stress, can interrupt restorative sleep cycles. Getting sufficient sleep is critical because it directly impacts one’s productivity and overall health and wellbeing. Sleep deprivation can cause you to lose up to 11 days of productivity per year, and people who only get five to six hours (as opposed to seven-plus) are over four times more likely to get sick. Sleep is also critical to optimal immune function.
2. Try yoga, meditation or a fun exercise
Not only can exercise help keep you in great shape physically, but it can serve as a great stress reliever and benefit you mentally, as well. Any kind of exercise will do, and it’s even better if you can get outdoors and bask in the sun’s warmth for a few minutes—the vitamin D will do you good.
Yoga and meditation are excellent ways to achieve calm, by increasing production of anandamide, also known as the “bliss molecule,” an endocannabinoid that your body makes. Also try to incorporate mindfulness, such as sitting for a few minutes every morning in quiet contemplation. You can really do this anywhere, at any time. You can also try taking a nice bath filled with bubbles, Epsom salts, and essential oils like lavender, chamomile or rose to help calm your mind.
3. Use oral CBD to calm your mind
CBD has been shown to be effective for supporting a sense of calm for focus and managing everyday stresses.* CBD is the great balancer, and has been shown to support normal heart rate and reduced stress levels in animal research studies.
In a clinical trial, researchers recreated a situation likely to induce anxiety in most people, namely public speaking. Participants were divided into a CBD or a placebo group. Their situational anxiety levels were measured using subjective self-reported and objective physiological measures (such as heart rate and blood pressure). The group pretreated with CBD showed significantly less anxiety, cognitive impairment and discomfort in performing public speaking compared to the placebo group.
For occasional stress, you will benefit most from Charlotte’s WebTM full spectrum hemp extract, which provides CBD, phytocannabinoids, terpenes and other beneficial hemp compounds. Charlotte’s WebTM 17 mg or 60 mg CBD Oil comes in a variety of flavors and allow you to customize your daily intake. Charlotte’s WebTM Calm Gummies are also a popular option, as they offer a blend of lemon balm and full-spectrum hemp extract to help counter everyday stress.*
Trying full-spectrum hemp extracts with CBD for occasional anxiety can be an excellent approach to self-care, especially when it’s part of a comprehensive plan that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and other lifestyle practices to alleviate stress.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
About CBD Clinic
CBD CLINIC™ was introduced in 2016 by Abacus™ Health Products, Inc to provide an entirely new class of non-prescription topical medications. Our pain-relieving ointments, creams and massage oils were developed and are produced in an OTC-compliant, cGMP audited manufacturing facility dedicated to the highest levels of quality and customer support.