4 Life-Changing Benefits of Yoga and CBD

Yoga is about a lot more than pretzel-like poses and comfy pants. It’s a mindset, a practice, and a lifestyle. Similarly, CBD, for most people, is one part of a rounded wellness regimen. While either of these elements can do wonders on its own, they’re even better together. Whether you’re going for a total health overhaul or looking to improve your existing routine, try this winning combination to take wellness to the next level.

4 WAYS CBD CAN ENHANCE YOUR YOGA PRACTICE

IMPROVE MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness entails being present and aware without becoming overwhelmed. It has become quite the buzzword in the past few years. But, like yoga or CBD, it’s much more than a fad. For centuries people have practiced cultivation techniques to hone this innate human ability. Research indicates doing so may reduce stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, and hypertension, and help with diabetes management. It can also help us achieve better emotional balance and focus and decrease the risk of burnout. Many people practice mindfulness techniques and meditation separately, but it’s also a big part of yoga.

CBD can enhance our mindfulness practice by clearing out the cobwebs of our minds. This helps us focus more on the task at hand (i.e., yoga), strengthening the mind-body connection, and improving mental clarity and physical performance. CBD has many of the same benefits as mindfulness meditation and yoga.

REGULATE APPETITE & DIGESTION

It’s normal to feel hungry after working up a sweat, and fueling your body is crucial to building muscle. That said, it’s important to snack wisely to avoid derailing yoga’s fat-burning benefits and your fitness goals. Fortunately for all of us who have trouble resisting temptation, CBD can help you tackle those post-yoga cookie cravings. (I know it’s frustrating, but as much as I wish they were, cookies are generally not considered a health food). It can also improve food satiety, helping you avoid overeating before a session (rumbly tummies can be distracting and uncomfortable).

Not only can CBD help regulate your appetite, but it can also improve digestion. Since certain yoga poses, like cobra pose, can also improve digestion, this is another example of the dynamic duo’s combined power.

INFLAMMATION SUPPORT

When I was told yoga could help relieve my chronic back pain from scoliosis and degenerative disc disease, I was skeptical. I’ve always believed in the benefits of yoga, but practicing it, as a clutz with a whack back, seemed risky. Thanks to YouTube, however, I finally worked up the courage to give it a shot, one beginner video at a time. Now, about a year later, I don’t know how I ever lived without it. The same goes for CBD, which has tremendous inflammatory support benefits. The best part of using the two together is CBD’s powers make it easier to work harder during a yoga session AND help keep your muscle soreness (the “good” pain that comes from exercise) afterward at bay.

SUPPORT HEALTHY SLEEP CYCLES

Sleep is the body and the brain’s recovery period. A good night’s rest is essential to give you the strength and stamina to get through a workout, not to mention the rest of your day. Without adequate sleep, it may be harder to muster up the energy for a session. Even if you can, it may be harder to concentrate or work as hard as you’d like to. While the occasional sleepless night is rough, chronic insomnia is significantly worse and can impact your health in numerous ways, from increasing stress and depression to impairing heart function.

Fortunately, both exercises, such as yoga and CBD, can help support a healthy sleep cycle. CBD can help you get to sleep faster, making it easier to wake up early for some premium morning mat time. It can also enhance the quality of sleep and help you stay asleep through the night.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Yoga and CBD are a beautiful pair. With roots in the ancient world, these natural healing practices may not be a cure-all, but they have helped countless people achieve better health and happiness. Together with a nutritious diet and other healthy habits, the combination of CBD and yoga can be a game-changer.