Do you feel overwhelmed by stress? With 8 in 10 Americans reporting that they feel stressed during their day and 44 percent experiencing stress frequently, you’re certainly not alone. Despite the ubiquity of stress, doctors offer few options to manage it. If meditation, therapy and medications have failed to control your stress, read on to discover how a natural compound called CBD can help you cope.

Calms Without the High

Although CBD is derived from cannabis, it lacks the psychoactive properties of THC, its parent plant’s more well-known compound. This means that CBD can help you destress without feeling high, drowsy or disoriented, so you can used it whenever you need it. CBD is even safe to use while driving or operating heavy machinery, which makes it a great way to manage stress at work.

Bonds to Neurotransmitters

CBD acts on some of the same chemicals in your brain as popular anti-anxiety medications. Neurotransmitters like serotonin play a critical role in regulating your mood, and CBD bonds to their receptors to reduce anxiety, depression and stress. Managing your stress with CBD instead of prescription drugs offers a reduction in side effects and long-term health risks.

Use It Anytime

Unlike medications that must be taken every day, CBD can be used on an as-needed basis. There are also many different forms of CBD so you can take it whenever and wherever you need it. Oil tinctures are one of the most common ways to deliver a dose of CBD, but you can also find topical applications, capsules and edible candies. Consider using CBD gummies for stress if you want a discreet and great-tasting way to take your CBD.

Generates New Brain Cells

Adult humans grow new brain cells in a complicated process called hippocampal neurogenesis. Impairment of neurogenesis has been linked to mood disorders and stress, but CBD may help promote the growth of new brain cells in adults. Increased neurogenesis can lead to lasting improvement of anxiety and stress management, which means you may experience permanent results and need less CBD the more you use it.

While CBD is an effective way to manage your stress, it’s important to consider seeking therapy if your stress is severe or interfering with your daily life. CBD can manage mild to moderate incidences of stress and is also a great adjunct therapy for severe, chronic stress. If you’re currently using prescription drugs for stress, consider asking your doctor if CBD is an appropriate alternative.

Author's Bio: 

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.