If you’ve spent any time in Wisconsin, chances are you know the feelings of terror and stress when a deer or other critter runs out in front of your car. One minute you’re cruising merrily along, and the next you slam on the brakes to avoid hitting the panicked animal. Your heart is pounding, you feel sweat prickle to the surface of your skin, and you’re breathing hard. That was close!

Those sensations are a part of your body’s fight-or-flight stress response. When faced with a perceived threat, your brain signals the adrenal glands which, in turn, releases hormones.  Epinephrine (commonly known as adrenaline) and cortisol help prepare your body by sharpening your senses and flooding you with energy. After the threat has passed, hormone levels return to normal and you’re able to calm down.

What is chronic stress?

The demands of work and family, along with concerns about the state of the world, can make us feel like we need to be on high alert all the time. This causes a condition known as chronic stress.

Chronic stress and your health

Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your body, and it may increase your risk of developing health conditions.  Anxiety, insomnia, heart disease, and depression are all commonly associated with chronic stress. It has also been linked to weight gain and obesity, possibly because it causes us to crave high-calorie comfort food.

3 ways to manage chronic stress

Since it’s unlikely we can eliminate stress from our lives, what can we do to manage it? Here are some ways to keep your stress levels in check:

  1. Exercise – In addition to keeping you physically fit, exercise is a great way to blow off steam and boost your mood. If the thought of squeezing a workout into your already busy day adds to your stress, try taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work or going for a quick walk after dinner
  2. Get outside – Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Even spending your lunch break on a park bench or sitting in your backyard for a few minutes makes a difference
  3. Find your inner calm – Incorporating a relaxing practice like yoga or meditation into your routine may improve your ability to handle stressful situations.

Does CBD work for chronic stress?

Research indicates CBD may be useful for relieving anxiety, a common problem for people who are constantly under stress. And a recent study found that CBD can improve sleep, which could be particularly helpful for people who struggle with stress-induced insomnia but want to avoid the potentially dangerous side effects of conventional sleeping aids.

Interested in learning more about using CBD for chronic stress? Get in touch with us. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have about using CBD for stress, anxiety, sleep, pain, or whatever you’re dealing with. Because we’re a Wisconsin CBD company, we might even be able to offer some suggestions about how to avoid hitting a deer while driving.

Read Next: Are You Paying Too Much for CBD?