Hi, my honeys! First of all, let's get this out of the way, and let me just tell you I have anxiety. I'm not ashamed of it whatsoever, and I hope one day, the stigma is dropped and we can all talk about it freely! It's common--more common than people think--and it can be debilitating! If you've suffered from anxiety or intense stress, you know all the symptoms: hot flashes, racing heart rate, wanting to jump out of your own skin, difficulty concentrating, feelings of doom, sweating, nervous ticks--just the worst symptoms ever that make you feel like you're dying.
I never had any issues with stress or anxiousness before my health problems, but here we are and I'm learning to deal with it. My new routine has given me some power back over my emotions, and I'm excited to share with y'all what I've been doing! Note: I am not a doctor, so please consult with a doctor you trust before you make any additions or changes to your routine, diet, or medications.
However, in today's blog post I want to share a few things that have helped me cope with stress and function at a much higher level that I was prior to this routine. This blog post is sponsored by Martha Stewart CBD, a line of CBD products I have been taking religiously and have personally seen a measurable improvement in both my mental health and sleep patterns.
I am going to walk you through what I call my "anti-stress routine" as I go about my day. In the morning, I try to wake up and immediately set an intention for the day. I'll reflect about things I need to get done, but more importantly I will remind myself that I'm capable of whatever it is on my plate that day. I like to meditate for at least 5 or 10 minutes and clear my mind of any negative thoughts or any worries that might be on my mind, even if it's just for those 5 or 10 minutes.
I then get up for the day and make my morning Teeccino drink before eating breakfast. It's a caffeine free tea that provides natural energy and does not spike my heart rate like coffee does. Due to my POTS syndrome, I can no longer have coffee, energy drinks, or even highly caffeinated chocolate! I have found, though, that Teeccino provides a good source of natural energy, similar to the feeling after taking a Vitamin B supplement.
I started adding Martha Stewart's unflavored CBD drops to my Teeccino in the morning, and I have noticed a significant difference in how prepared I feel for the day after. It's hard to explain, but I feel like it converts my nervous energy into a calm yet productive mindset. Martha Stewart's line of CBD products uses the purest, safest CBD isolate, so I feel confident in taking them knowing I'm getting a quality product! None of her products have any THC them--literally 0.0%--so you don't have to worry about having and psychoactive effects at all!
Throughout the day, I make sure to drink plenty of water. Water is essential in feeling well during the day, and it also helps me establish a routine which is so important to my coping any stressors. Another important part of my routine is to eat regular meals. Don't skip meals, don't overeat, just eat balanced small meals throughout the day. My husband calls it grazing, haha. I eat small little meals like 6 times a day to keep my energy up and make sure that I don't have any blood sugar drops.
If I am having a particularly difficult or stressful day, I will add a 1ml of the Martha Stewart CBD drops at lunchtime, which is 25g CBD. Taking it with meals seems to give me the best result, and sometimes I'll take one of her gummies instead, because the flavors are so darn good! It's like a little treat at the end of my lunch!
Some other ideas to manage stress or feelings of worry throughout your day include reading a really good book, taking a hot bath, or just splashing cold water on your face or using frozen face globes to cool your face. This will actually slow your heart rate automatically. It’s science! Lol! I also like to do a craft project on the couch when I’m stressed because it forces me to focus on the task at hand and not be in my own head for a minute. Lastly, doing some routine tasks around the house can help too like organizing a drawer, watering your plants, filling up your diffuser with water and your favorite oils, and even just lighting a candle all help me cope.
My nighttime ritual might be my most important one. I will start up my essential oil diffuser with usually just some lavender in there, throw on my heating pad behind my neck or back, and I'll have one of my Martha Steward CBD gummies. The flavors are so good, and I swear they taste so yummy I never forget to eat one every night! I wind down before bed by watching ASMR videos on YouTube (don't knock it 'til you try it), and I love watching all of itsblitzzz videos on YouTube.
I used to have so many problems sleeping in the past--difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep--but since I've added Martha Stewart's CBD products to my existing routine, I really have been sleeping so well. The best way to describe the benefits of her products is simply a calm wash over me that doesn't happen all of the sudden but kind of creeps in, and before I know it, I am calm and confident. I knew Martha Stewart would come out with a quality product, because it's Martha Stewart, but truly, these products are some of the best CBD products I've tried--and I've tried a lot! If you are looking to try CBD, I feel very comfortable recommending Martha Stewart's products to you because she has the backing of the trusted brand Canopy Growth, which consistently delivers quality cannabis products!
I think the most important method for anyone coping with any emotional or mental stress is to establish a routine. It doesn't have to be mine or anything like my routine at all, but something that makes you feel comfortable, safe, and supported! Whatever activities and rituals make you feel positive throughout the day are things you should incorporate more of into your life. Make the time for yourself because I promise you it will help. I hope you've enjoyed reading about my daily routine for supporting my mental wellness. Remember, this is what works for me and may also work for you, but always do what is best for you! We're all on our own journeys to happiness and wellness, and I wish you the absolute best of luck on your path. Lastly, if you’re interested in trying Martha Stewart CBD products, you can use my discount code Erika15!