Mental Health is a complex, deep, and sometimes sensitive topic. It’s one single idea that wraps together our social, emotional, psychological, and even physical wellbeing. And who’s hasn’t taken a hit during this whirlwind of a year? Okay, maybe you weren’t drained from the natural disasters, but how have the social injustices and never-ending pandemic been treating you in 2020?

 Mental health is something we hold close to our hearts at Wild--it’s the very purpose behind all the work we put into offering the best possible CBD products. According to OAG, 50% of millennials would choose CBD over prescriptions for their mental health. Whether you use Wild to feel more alive, rested, happy, or relaxed, that matters to us, and it fuels our fire.

We sat down with Ben Martin, ex-prisoner, stroke survivor, fitness animal, and mental health advocate. He’s been through his fair share of hardships (plus some).  Although his pull-up workout could probably qualify him for the Olympics, he explained to us that, “I’m not strong because I’m physically strong, I’m strong because I’m mentally strong.” In recovering from his MMA-career-ending stroke, he turned to holistic methods to tap into the best version of himself; emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

We’re programmed to listen to the doctors. Three different pills three times a day? Ok. Oh, let’s bump that up to four? Perfect, whatever it takes, right? Wrong. Martin began researching holistic healing methods, which transformed his life. “I started using essential oils, CBD oil and really became one with the earth. That’s where the healing came from.” We can’t control outside actions, events, people, or even our environment all the time, but we can find ways to nourish our mind, body, and soul to better cope with them.

Of course, CBD is our #1. It works with your Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to play a therapeutic role in several factors that impact our mental health. To name a few:

Anxiety

Nearly 20% of adults suffer from anxiety each year, and it’s no secret that 2020 has it at an all-time high. There are growing bodies of research suggesting that CBD may impact the way your brain's chemical receptors interact with serotonin. Serotonin helps to regulate your anxiety, stress levels, happiness, and overall mood. (Not to mention, just taking a hit of our vape feels like a deep sigh of relief).

Sleep

Sleep is a crucial component of our mental health. Not only are 70% of people not getting enough sleep each night, but they’re struggling to get quality sleep. CBD’s stress-relieving properties help to mitigate the racing thoughts that keep you tossing and turning. Your ECS also regulates your body’s sleep and wake cycles, so you wake up feeling refreshed, not drowsy.

Post-Exercise Recovery

Ever walk out of a workout (you did NOT want to go to) feeling like a new person? Exercise can do wonders for the mind and body. CBD is a great way to maintain a consistent workout schedule because it's a natural anti-inflammatory. Basically, it will reduce the soreness and pain points keeping you out of the gym. 

Depression

Depression is an all-too-common mental disorder in the U.S., affecting millions of adults each year. CBD may have the power to reduce depression in a similar way it helps with anxiety. A 2019 study by PubMed found that CBD has a quick, sustained anti-depressant effect. It also doesn't run the risk of any side-effects tied to over-the-counter medications.