How CBD Enhanced My Self-Care Routine

The cult favorite ‘chill pill’ has made it to the self-care club.

@tonic_cbd Via instagram

By Amani Richardson

Maybe CBD will calm your anxiety. Or maybe it’ll improve your sleep; even better, it might put the happy to your depression. Nonetheless, the fan-favorite “chill pill” has made its way to every table talk regarding mental health. As a woman cycling through painful menstrual cramps and facing bouts of anxiety ever other week, the hype of CBD moved me enough to give it its special place in my self-care starter kit— here’s why:

For starters, cannabidiol, also known as CBD is sourced from the natural anti-inflammatory chemicals found in hemp plants. As for myself, getting “high” per say is certainly not my jam. Through all said misconceptions about the effects of CBD, it has been proven that cannabidiol is removed of the psychoactive components that live within marijuanna. While Marijuanna contains THC, which is a compound that results in the “high” sensation one might experience, CBD on the contrary, contains less than 0.3 percent of THC. In other words, this is probably how CBD makes one feel chill, without the chill.

While there is no proper guide on consumption, it is typically suggested that one chooses a comforting dosage level that meets the match of the conditions one is trying to treat. Wellness practitioners might also suggest that first time users start out with a low dosage and slowly increase the dosage based on the severity of said conditions. Finding the perfect fix for me is ever changing each week as some days I resort for a little pick me up, or I need the down all works.

@tonic_cbd via Instagram

My self-care ritual is engrained in finding small ways to relax and recharge— allowing myself an intentional time out from the busy streets of NYC to get myself together. Most mornings start off with a sip of tea, infused with a few drops of CBD oil. The morning cup of “chill”, I like to call it, best suits me after a warm shower and quick journal session to help gather my thoughts before hitting the day. Since incorporating CBD into my morning routine, I can attest to feeling more at ease and less anxious about what time my train comes, or what to wear for the day. By the time I’ve perfected my hair, made my morning commute and arrive at the office, I’m amazed by how swiftly the early hours have gone by.

By the mid-afternoon, a pick me up is often needed when the work piles up and I lose track of where the day’s gone. This might include another "cup of chill”, or I’ll opt for a few CBD infused gummies to savor my sweet tooth. CBD gummies are now my new favorite snack of the day as it’s served a reminder to work each task one moment at a time— nothing can be done all at once. I think of CBD gummies as a quick pick me up when I’m having a low-key anxiety attack on the go. No mess, pop 2-3 and vibe until you can make it home.

@tonic_cbd via Instagram

As a tea lover, enjoying another cup of tea before bed soothes me enough. But, not every night do I leave the office with my to-do list checked off in it’s entirety or having to run a few extra errands to make dinner. Some nights my menstrual cramps take over and other nights, I can’t put my phone down while scrolling through Instagram. Bedtime is often the most difficult time for me to wind down and take a breather as I’m already turning my wheels on what to wear tomorrow or trying to prepare for hours worth of team meetings. Disciplining myself enough to create a night time self-care checklist has helped create a healthy pattern of sleep regulation and even squeeze in a little for self-pleasure. By the time I’ve finally settled into bed, I go for another “cup of chill” to help tune out those thoughts telling me to complete leftover tasks before the day ends and before I know it I feel less and less intrigued by what my friends are doing on social media and drift off into sleep.

CBD is no magic potion, but in many ways it works wonders. Not every time that I’ve add CBD into my daily routine have I felt or noticed its effects. CBD has not cured my depression, but it has given me a moment to no be so hard on myself. My anxiety has never felt so much more easier to manage without the boost of CBD. Through personal experience, incorporating CBD into my daily self-care ritual letter to better results and my overall experience with CBD, rather than only when I desperately needed. From CBD vapes, gummies, beverages, tinctures and more— the clouds’ the limit.

In honor of National CBD Day today, all Sad Girl readers can take 15% off our favorite CBD products at Tonic Vibes! Use code ‘SADGIRLSCLUB’ at checkout. Happy Chilling!