Marijuana has a bad reputation for making people lazy, but there’s more to that story. As further studies are beginning to prove, Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, might have the opposite effect. Cannabis contains many compounds, not just its most prevalent THC, the compound which makes you high. CBD is the second most prevalent compound found in cannabis, and unlike THC, it has no psychoactive elements. What it does have are curative properties which have now been shown to treat many health issues both physical and mental, from epileptic seizures and chronic pain to anxiety and insomnia.
Because of the health benefits of CBD, it should also be considered as a potential source of increased productivity. CBD isn’t a magical potion that stimulates productivity directly, but because of the relief it can provide in other areas of health and life, it can play a significant role in the outcome of a person’s day.
The Relationship Between Anxiety and Productivity
Experiencing occasional anxiety is quite common. However, overwhelming, persistent anxiety that clouds rationality and induces irrational fear can be debilitating, especially if it occurs frequently. Anxiety should not get in the way of every day activities, but for some, it does. The pharmaceutical drugs that are used to treat anxiety often have heavy side effects that cause other kinds of problems, like drowsiness, headaches, nausea, and even dependence.
Finding the best CBD to treat anxiety has had promising results according to various studies and extensive, ongoing research. What’s even more promising is that it may allow people to live with anxiety more productively, as it does not have the kinds of strong side effects that would interfere with work of any kind. Some clinical studies of the side effects of CBD have shown that it can cause mild to moderate tiredness, however, those are generally in only a minimal percentage of patients. Additionally, CBD in low doses is instead known to cause wakefulness rather than tiredness.
Anxiety can get in the way of productivity by causing people to think irrationally about just about anything. For instance, anxiety might lead to overthinking work and social interactions, causing a person to dwell on things they should not be dwelling on instead of accomplishing what they would like to accomplish. Treating anxiety with a natural substance like CBD, which has minimal or even no side effects, would eliminate many barriers to productivity.
CBD, Sleep, and Productivity
If you are not well-rested, you’re not as productive as you would otherwise be. That is common knowledge. Without sufficient sleep, a person’s ability to focus, concentrate, and make decisions becomes more difficult. Not getting enough sleep can also have a negative impact on memory and stress levels, causing enhanced irritability.
While studies are showing that a low dosage of CBD makes a person more alert and awake, in high doses, CBD can lead to better sleep and better rest, and even help with sleep disorders like insomnia. CBD has been associated with not only increased sleep time, but less disturbance during sleep, leading to more restful sleep. The more rested you are, the better your chance of operating at your full mental capacity. This makes an indirect, yet apparent connection then between productivity and the use of CBD.
Which CBD Product to Choose When Thinking About Productivity
There are tons of CBD products on the market, which vary in price, potency, and ingredient transparency. The product you choose will depend on what you are using it for, but it is generally advised to begin with a low-potency product, as the effects of CBD on each individual can vary. Also, you can always use more of low-potency product as necessary if you’re planning to use it for different reasons throughout the day. For instance, with a low-potency CBD oil, you’ll be able to easily take a low dose during the day to avoid potential drowsiness, and a higher dose in the evening if you are using it for better sleep.
