The Executive’s Guide to Responsible Relaxation with CBD

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, executives often find themselves navigating a constant whirlwind of meetings, deadlines, and high-stakes decisions. The pressure to perform at peak levels can lead to significant stress and burnout. Enter CBD—an increasingly popular natural remedy that’s gaining traction as a tool for relaxation and stress management. In this blog post, we’ll explore how CBD, a compound derived from the cannabis plant, can offer corporate executives a path to unwinding and rejuvenating amidst their demanding schedules.

We’ll delve into the science behind CBD, its potential benefits for stress reduction, and practical tips for integrating it into a busy executive lifestyle. Whether you're a seasoned leader or an aspiring one, understanding how CBD can support your well-being might just be the game-changer you need to achieve a healthier work-life balance. 

What is CBD? 

CBD (cannabidiol) is the most abundant of more than 113 potentially beneficial cannabinoids in full spectrum hemp extract. But it's not, however, the first cannabinoid produced in the plant. That distinction belongs to the "stem cell" or "mother" of all cannabinoids, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). As crops mature, naturally occurring plant enzymes convert CBGA to CBCA (cannabichromenic acid), CBDA (cannabidiolic acid, and THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid).¹ Over time, heat and sunlight convert the acidic precursors to CBD, CBG, CBC, and THC through a process called decarboxylation.² 

How CBD Works 

CBD asserts its influence on more than 65 molecular targets,³ including your endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors, the largest regulatory system in the human body.⁴ Based on decades of research, the signaling between ECS messengers and receptors plays a crucial role in nearly every aspect of health and well-being, from emotional regulation and memory to immune system function, sleep cycle regulation, and muscle movement. Although most of their evidence is based on lab results, animal studies, and a steadily increasing number of clinical trials, cannabis researchers believe CBD helps support ECS function in a way that promotes internal balance (homeostasis).⁵ 

Choosing the Right CBD Products 

The purity and potency of your CBD can have a significant impact on your experience. As you're comparing brands, look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA), the document that confirms your purchase is as potent as the manufacturer claims and tested for impurities by an unbiased third-party lab. Once you've verified that any claims of third-party testing are backed by a COA, you can narrow the field by extract type. There are three: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate. 

Full spectrum CBD products give you all the additional cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytonutrients produced in the plant. It's the only type with a small amount of THC (0.3%). Broad spectrum CBD has additional cannabinoids and terpenes, but the THC is reduced to non-detectable levels. CBD isolate is flavorless, odorless, and has 0% THC. While there's no product type that appeals to everyone, the following descriptions could help nudge you in the right direction. 

CBD Oil Tinctures  

CBD oil tinctures are made with a blend of hemp extract and a carrier oil. The oil helps maximize the absorption of fat-soluble cannabinoids. If you add your tincture to foods and drinks, it can take up to an hour (or more) for the cannabinoids to enter your bloodstream. Many CBD users find that holding the oil beneath their tongues for 45-60 seconds before swallowing can deliver an effect in as little as 20 minutes. The bulbed dropper makes it easy to adjust serving sizes.   

CBD Gummies & Softgels  

 Gummies and CBD softgels deliver a precise, pre-measured amount of CBD in every serving. They're convenient, easy to use, and portable. They're great for travel because you won't have to worry about measuring serving sizes or carrying a glass bottle. When you're trying to find your ideal serving size, CBD gummies are the better choice. You can cut them into smaller portions. Like any other product that processes through your digestive system, it can take an hour (or more) for their effects to peak.   

CBD Topicals 

Ingestible CBD products have a system-wide effect. If your inability to relax leaves you with muscle tension in your neck and shoulders after a hectic day, you might prefer a CBD topical. They're fast-acting, long lasting, and make it easy to target a specific area of your body. Many CBD users report relief in as little as 10 minutes. Topicals can be used on their own or to complement the effects of your favorite consumables. For best results, apply liberally to clean, dry skin.   

Quality and Safety Considerations 

Since there are so many variables to consider in the creation of quality hemp oil products, checking random product samples does little to ensure consistent product quality. As a leader in the hemp industry, CBDistillery was one of the first companies to provide consumers with access to the third-party test results of every product offered. 

Any company can make a claim about their products; any company can claim their products are third-party tested, the most reputable companies back their claims with verifiable evidence. For quality, third-party tested and verifiable hemp oil products, including CBD capsules, tinctures, and CBD pet products, visit CBDistillery. At CBDistillery, we control every aspect of product production, from initial pre-planting soil testing to the packaging and distribution of our hemp oil supplements. Knowing the significance of independent third-party testing can help you make informed purchasing decisions with confidence. 

Incorporating CBD into Your Routine 

CBD products are generally well-tolerated and carry no risk of chemical dependency. In a detailed report published by the World Health Organization, the agency found no indication of "public health-related problems."⁸ But side effects are possible. Some people find that hemp-derived products cause unexpected fatigue, diarrhea, stomach upset, and changes in appetite. Most often, their mild symptoms resolve with smaller serving sizes. 

To minimize the risk of adverse effects, most experts recommend that first-time users start with less CBD than suggested on product labels – a partial serving – and increase gradually (if needed) over time. Starting low and going slow is the best way to find the serving size that's right for you – the amount of CBD you can rely on to support your wellness routine at multiple points throughout the day. 

Adding CBD to Your Morning Routine  

The key to making CBD part of your wellness routine is consistency. For most people, that means starting their day with CBD. What that looks like is different for everyone. If you start your day bulletproofing your morning coffee, for example, you might prefer adding a serving of a CBD oil tincture to your cup before frothing. If you take vitamins or supplements every morning, CBD softgels or gummies could be the best fit. 

Using CBD Mid-Day  

Although individual results can vary, most adults can expect the effects of CBD oil tinctures, softgels, and gummies to last 6-8 hours. At some point mid-day, you might find it helpful to add a second serving to keep the effects going strong. You may also want to consider keeping a CBD sports stick or full spectrum CBD balm on hand to ease muscle tension before, during, or after your workout. 

Adding CBD to Your Nightly Routine 

To ensure you're getting the rest you need to wake feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, support your nightly wellness routine by enjoying one of your CBD gummies or maybe a soothing cup of CBD-infused herbal tea about an hour before you plan on turning in for the night. 

CBD for Executives: How the Cannabinoid Helps Support Common Wellness Goals  

Whether your company numbers 10 or 10,000 employees, the demanding schedule, inevitable worries, and never-ending list of high-level responsibilities can make it difficult to prioritize self-care. Whether your current wellness routine is practically non-existent, or you've managed to stay relatively consistent, CBD could be just what you need to support your wellness goals. According to a 2019 CBDistillery® survey of 1,900 customers, most CBD users report positive results for multiple aspects of overall health and well-being, including the following examples. 

Better Sleep  

Workday stress, physical discomfort, and even seemingly minor changes in daily routine can make it difficult to fall asleep. Once your sleep patterns are disrupted, you could be missing out on the restorative sleep needed for cellular repair, optimal cognition, emotional equilibrium, and appetite regulation.⁹ Of 1,900 respondents in a 2019 CBDistillery customer survey, 89% reported better sleep while using CBD. 

Relaxation  

Stress impacts everybody differently. Some turn to wine, alcohol, or comfort foods for temporary relief; others end up feeling too tense, overwhelmed, or agitated to relax and unwind. Of our 1,900 survey respondents, 89% say CBD calms their minds, 79% prefer CBD over wine for relaxation, 82% feel CBD is more effective than meditation, and 79% prefer the effects of CBD over yoga. 

Discomfort After Physical Activity 

Whether caused by a productive workout, a long day on the floor supervising staff, or just being stuck at your desk for hours on end, the inevitable discomfort you'll feel after strenuous activity could keep you on the sidelines for several days. Eighty-four percent of our survey respondents report that CBD helps with pain after physical activity, and 9 out of 10 choose CBD over turmeric to support recovery. 

Mild or Temporary Anxiety   

For many executives, occasional bouts of mild or temporary anxiety seem part of the job description. Regardless of the circumstances triggering the amplified response from your central nervous system, the impact can make it difficult to focus on anything but the cause of your distress. An impressive 88% of CBD users responding to our survey say CBD helps with mild or temporary anxiety. 

Using CBD for Relaxation Without Compromising Responsibilities 

Nearly every CBD product has a serving size suggestion printed on the label. But an amount of CBD that works for someone else could be significantly more or considerably less than the amount that's best for you. Using more CBD than you need is not harmful, but there's no additional benefit. You'll just be increasing the cost of daily use unnecessarily. 

It's also important to understand that you may not achieve the results you're hoping for right away. Every CBD user is different. You may need to be patient for a few days or even several weeks because there are multiple variables that factor into the equation, including your age, body composition, metabolism, and tolerance levels. The following suggestion will help you determine the smallest amount of CBD you need to get the best results. 

Start With a Partial Serving  

We suggest starting low and going slow. The total number of milligrams in your serving is up to you. You might want to start with half of a gummy, a partial dropper of a CBD oil tincture, or even just a few drops. If you don't get the results you're looking for, increase the amount you're using gradually in small increments. Some people adjust with every serving, while others stick with the same amount for several days to give their system time to respond. 

Listen to Your Body  

Your body knows best. Although CBD and other hemp-derived cannabinoids are generally well tolerated and safe for most people, side effects are possible. Some people experience fatigue, dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, or changes in appetite.¹⁰ Experiencing side effects after an incremental change could be a sign that you've increased your serving sizes too quickly or by too much. 

Document Your Results  

When you first start using CBD, consider making a chart to document your serving sizes. Write down any changes in the way you feel throughout the day. Your notes can be as brief or as detailed as you choose. Not only can documenting your experience help you dial back if you develop unpleasant symptoms, you'll gain valuable insight about serving size variations if you're using CBD for more than one purpose. 

Enhancing Downtime with CBD 

It's difficult to relax when you're feeling overworked, overburdened, or overwhelmed. When your stress levels rise, an instantaneous release of cortisol and adrenalin initiated by your autonomic nervous system flips your switch to survival mode. Your heart rate increases, breathing patterns change, and muscles tense to prepare your body to fight or flee. Your system remains in a state of high alert until receiving signals that the threat has passed.⁶ 

While there isn't much research delving into CBD's impact on relaxation specifically, numerous publications suggest favorable results for stress-related (temporary) anxiety. During a small-scale study in 2011, for example, research participants given CBD before a simulated public speaking event reported less physical discomfort, less stress-induced cognitive impairment, and lower anxiety levels than control groups receiving a placebo.⁷ During a 2019 study involving 103 participants, CBD's "calming" effect was credited for an overall improvement in sleep scores.⁸ 

Combining CBD with other relaxation techniques 

Starting with that partial serving is the best way to determine the ideal amount of CBD for your unique needs – the smallest amount you can use for the effect you're hoping to achieve. Although some people claim impressive results within hours of their first serving, most of our 2019 survey respondents report achieving their best results within 7-14 days of consistent use. CBD can be enjoyed on its own or paired with any relaxation techniques you find helpful, including the following suggestions.   

Mindfulness Meditation   

Mindfulness meditation is a centuries-old practice that promotes a sense of calm acceptance through non-judgmental awareness of your feelings. While sitting in a comfortable position, focus your attention on your breathing while inhaling and exhaling naturally through your nose. Notice any thoughts that arise, but return your focus to your breathing when your mind wanders.¹² 

Yoga   

Yoga is a popular discipline with significant benefits for your body, mind, and spirit. The focus on alignment and breathing helps build muscle, enhances flexibility, and promotes feelings of overall well-being.¹³ Adding CBD to your routine could help you feel more relaxed as you move through your poses and help ease your post-activity discomfort.    

Breathing Exercises   

Controlled breathing helps promote relaxation by diffusing the impact of cortisol and adrenaline. The relaxation technique is so simple and inconspicuous that you can use it any time you feel the stress and strain of day-to-day life. Breathe in slowly through your nose, hold for five seconds, then exhale slowly while relaxing your shoulders, abdominal muscles, and jaw.¹⁴   

Why Choose CBDistillery® CBD Products for Relaxation    

A quick internet search will direct you to numerous CBD brands. But they're not all the same. The purity, potency, and overall quality can vary from one company to the next. When you choose CBDistillery® products, you can shop with confidence. Our CBD oil tinctures, topicals, softgels, gummies, isolates, and pet products are manufactured in a cGMP-registered facility, rigorously tested, quality assured, and backed by a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.  

Based on a 2019 CBDistillery® survey of 1,900 customers, most respondents reported a positive impact using our hemp-derived CBD products for relaxation, better sleep, mild or temporary anxiety, and discomfort after physical activity. According to our data, most also reported achieving their best results within 7-14 days of consistent use. If you're impressed with what you've learned so far but not quite sure where to begin, consider taking our 3-minute CBD Product Quiz or scheduling a personal consultation. 

References 

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11. World Health Organization. (2020) Cannabidiol (CBD) Critical Review Report. PDF https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/whocbdreportmay2018-2.pdf?sfvrsn=f78db177_2 

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