Top tips for stress management with medical cannabis
5 min read
Sarah Sinclair
We all experience stress occasionally— and sometimes it can even be useful. But if left unchecked it can become problematic, particularly for those living with long-term health conditions, the symptoms of which can be exacerbated by stress.
Wednesday 6 November is National Stress Awareness Day and as a clinic which cares for thousands of patients with stress-related conditions, we're sharing our top tips for stress management.
Contents
National Stress Awareness Day
Millions of people experience stress, and according to the Mental Health Foundation at some point in the last year, 74% of us have felt so stressed that we have felt unable to cope.
National Stress Awareness Day is marked every year on the first Wednesday in November. It is an opportunity to highlight the effects of stress, physically and mentally, and what can be done to manage these feelings before it becomes a problem.
What is stress?
The World Health Organisation defines stress as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. When you are stressed, your body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, as a reaction to deal with pressure or threat— sometimes known as the ‘fight or flight response’. These usually return to normal once the threat has passed.
Why is stress management important?
Stress management is important, because prolonged periods of stress can affect our mental and physical health, as well as other aspects of life such as work and relationships.
Stress management is particularly important for those living with long-term health conditions, the symptoms of which can be exacerbated by stress.
How does stress affect mental health?
Stress is not typically considered a mental health problem, but it is connected to our mental health. Prolonged periods of stress can lead to mental health concerns and, equally, coping with existing mental health concerns can also cause stress.
What does chronic stress do to the body?
As well as mental health problems, research shows that long-term stress can increase the risk of a variety of other health issues including:
- Digestive problems.
- Headaches.
- Muscle tension and pain.
- Heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke.
- Sleep problems.
- Weight gain.
- Problems with memory and focus
Medical cannabis and stress
Medical cannabis can help some people in managing stress, and may provide relief in stressful situations. Cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) which plays a key role in regulating the body’s mood and stress response.
Some studies have found CBD, in particular, can reduce symptoms of anxiety. While THC can also have relaxing effects, it’s important to be aware that it may increase anxiety in some people and in high doses.
Top 10 tips for stress management
While medical cannabis can be helpful for stress relief, it’s best to approach it as part of a broader stress management strategy, which includes lifestyle, diet, exercise, and mindfulness practices.
Here's our top 10 tips:
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Taking a few minutes each day to focus on breathing and clearing your mind can reduce stress and encourage you to focus on the present moment.
- Exercise when you can
Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage stress and increase endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. If a more intense workout isn’t an option, try a brisk walk or gentle yoga session and if you experience chronic pain, you may find it helpful to medicate beforehand.
- Prioritise sleep
Sleep is essential for handling stress effectively, making you more able to handle challenges. Medical cannabis has been found to improve sleep in patients with a variety of chronic conditions.
- Eat well
Diet can have a huge effect on how we feel, with nutrient-rich foods great for boosting your mood and energy levels. Try to limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive caffeine which can exacerbate things.
- Rest properly
Try to set boundaries and maintain a healthy balance between work and down-time. Overworking and not taking time to rest often results in chronic stress and burnout. Some people find medical cannabis can help them switch off and quieten those racing thoughts.
- Find the joy
Make time for things that bring you joy and engage in meaningful and creative activities such as reading, drawing and cooking to help you unwind.
- Set realistic goals
Breaking large tasks into smaller steps and setting realistic goals can make daily tasks feel more manageable and reduce stress associated with feeling overwhelmed.
- Practice gratitude
Taking time each day to reflect on things you’re grateful for, even small things, can help shift your focus. Research suggests that gratitude improves mental well-being and helps with emotional regulation.
- Connect with others
Strong social connections can provide a sense of support and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Spend time with friends and family, or seek out social groups and volunteering opportunities to help you make new connections.
- Share your concerns
Sharing your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust— whether that’s a loved one or a professional— can offer perspective, reduce feelings of isolation, and boost resilience.
If it's your health, symptoms, side effects, or treatments you’re concerned about, or what you’re worrying about may impact these, don’t hesitate to reach out to Releaf’s patient support team.
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It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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Sarah, a distinguished journalist with over a decade in publishing and communications, now excels in cannabis health and policy journalism in the UK, advocating for informed health decisions through her award-winning work.
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