Can CBD oil actually help fend off winter sadness?
We are all feeling winter sadness and moodiness this year. Gloomy, cold days make us feel like we are living in a groundhog day, but this year it is especially hard on all of us. Spending the whole winter in social isolation while watching global pandemic change the world as we know it… how can we not feel lovely, down and just simply sad?
However, we cannot let circumstances take the best of us. First things first, if you are feeling sad, have a good cry. Really take a moment to express your feelings and accept where you are at. Once you are done with that, let’s figure out what the next step is that will be a more long term solution.
Using CBD for SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is a type of depression that is experienced around this time of the year and associated with the lack of daylight. Generally, it begins in the fall and continues into the winter months. We previously spoke about CBD and depression, so please check the blog out for more information.
CBD works in various ways in our body to help us deal with SAD and other types of depression. The most important function that CBD has on your brain when it comes to SAD is that CBD can balance serotonin production. Serotonin is a “happiness” chemical in the brain and studies have shown that SAD is associated with unregulated serotonin production. As a result CBD can boost your mood and make you feel more excited to get out of bed in the morning.
The other good news is that serotonin is not just responsible for happiness, but also for digestion, sleep and cognitive abilities. So if you have been feeling like your sleep schedule has been all over the place and your brain has been foggy, CBD might be able to help with that as well.
Bottom Line: CBD can boost serotonin production thus decreasing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder and improving mood.
How to take CBD oil for SAD?
The best way to take CBD oil for any type of depression, including Seasonal Affective Disorder, is to take it regularly twice a day. Since CBD stays in your system for up to 8 hours, it is best to take it in the morning and at night. If you were to take it once a day, we would recommend taking CBD in the morning since it will have the greatest effect on your mood, energy, stress and sleep as a result.
By taking CBD oil regularly, you allow CBD to do what it does best – bring your system into balance. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and a hormone, and it can take some time to bring production and utilization of serotonin into balance. So give it some time.
The amount of CBD you take greatly depends on your body, we are all very different. Please use our Dosage Guide or How Much CBD to Take Guide to help you figure it out.
For everyday long term use, we recommend THEIA CBD oil, since it is flavourless and has a high amount of CBD so that it will last you longer.
Bottom line: Take CBD oil twice daily to see the results the quickest.
CBD is just the first step to helping you with SAD
Actually, the first step is always consulting with a specialist who knows your personal needs and situation the best.
The symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder can also be improved by:
- Light therapy. You can purchase a lightbox on Amazon and just sit next to it for 30 minutes a day.
- Exercise. You don’t have to do anything special, just going for a walk makes a huge difference.
- Chat with a friend. Socializing isn’t easy these days, but Zoom or Facetime are amazing tools that can really help us deal with loneliness.
Stay strong and don’t forget that spring is around the corner!
