What Are The Symptoms Of Stress?

If there’s anything we can all relate to these days, it’s the fact that pretty much everyone is dealing with symptoms of stress. From headaches that never seem to go away to a general sense of frustration or unease, the symptoms of stress run a pretty large gamut.

Often we don’t even realize quite how stressed we are, figuring that we probably just worked too hard that day or didn’t get enough sleep. While those things may also be true, stress isn’t something you just have to put up with; there are no awards for working through it, only to be faced with another stressful day tomorrow.

Learn how to recognize the symptoms, accept them for what they are, and consider the ways you can manage it, one day at a time.

What is Stress?

Let’s start by recognizing what stress is: the reaction of the body to a perceived threat or challenge, anything that upsets the balance or presents a barrier. You surely know the expression “fight or flight,” which is essentially the binary of human reactions to stressful situations. We try to fight it or we run away. When we’re stressed, the body experiences a multitude of effects in the moment: increased heart rate, quickened breath, tightened muscles.

In our modern life, where we rarely have to actually fight to protect ourselves, the physical effects of stress can manifest in even more spiraling ways – we’ll get into those below. The other thing about stress is that, as with most human experiences, everyone has different stressors. Some people are better able to handle stress on the job, others have no problem confronting drama among friends.

Our bodies are actually equipped to handle stress, when it comes in small doses. Reacting quickly in a traffic situation, for example, can make a massive difference. Feeling stressed at work might also end up empowering you to rise to the challenge of your task or, on the flipside, finally seek out a new job. But long-term stress will have consequences and can wreak havoc on your personal life.

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Physical Symptoms of Stress

Persistent headaches

Upset stomach and nausea

Low energy

Insomnia and sleep problems

Tense muscles

General aches and pains

Rapid heartbeat

Lack of interest in sex

Nervousness

Dry mouth

Clenched jaw

Grinding teeth

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Emotional Symptoms of Stress

Feeling overwhelmed

Difficulty relaxing

Agitation and frustration

Moodiness and mood swings

Low self-esteem

Low self-worth

Difficulty discussing your feelings with others

Mental Symptoms of Stress

Inability to stop worrying

Forgetting things

Racing thoughts

Persistent pessimism

Disorganization

Difficulty focusing

In addition to all the bodily symptoms of stress, you might experience changes in your behavior, too. Are you suddenly procrastinating way more than usual? Are you skipping meals or overindulging? Do you find yourself reaching for that bottle of wine every other night instead of only on the weekends? All of these, especially if you’re suddenly experiencing them much more often than usual, can potentially be chalked up as symptoms of stress.

How to Deal With Symptoms of Stress

So now we’ve identified many of the most common symptoms of stress. We’ve all experienced probably everything on this list at some point; it becomes an issue that needs to be handled when these symptoms are regular parts of everyday life. But they don’t have to be! As easy as it is to become stressed, especially in our fast-paced modern world, treating the majority of these symptoms can be fairly simple, too. (Keep in mind that as with any chronic condition, you should always consult with your doctor if symptoms are severe. You should also check with your doctor before adding new supplements or nutritional products to your wellness routine.)

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Lifestyle Changes

A major way to combat the symptoms of stress is through lifestyle changes related to nutrition, sleep, and exercise. A nutritionally balanced diet supports a healthy immune system, which in turn gives your body more support to help ease your reactions to stressful situations.

Lack of quality sleep is well-known to have immediate negative effects on hormones, physical performance, and cognitive function – all of which will make stress feel even more, well, stressful. Better sleep will reverse the situation, improving performance and cognition alike. (We think about sleep a lot, so you might want to check out our top 6 tips on how to sleep better and how to fix your sleep schedule in 4 simple steps.)

Lastly, it always seems to come back to exercise, doesn’t it? But research shows time and time again that regular exercise is good for you in so many ways, including improving your mood, boosting your energy, and promoting better sleep. The thing about exercise is that you have to find something you enjoy doing – even going for a simple walk every morning counts! Find what you love, stick to it, and feel the stress start to melt away.

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Meditation & Breathwork

While this is a lifestyle change too, we wanted to hone in on the specific stress-relieving benefits of meditation, breathwork, and other forms of wellness that intersect with mindfulness, particularly because one of the most common symptoms of stress is racing thoughts. Meditation is the practice of using techniques to train your attention, achieve a mentally clear state, and promote calmness and serenity – a great, natural way to combat those racing thoughts. Focus on deep breaths and remember that nothing changes overnight. Meditation and mindfulness, as any other form of exercise, take a certain amount of commitment to feel the effects.

CBD

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that CBD is another natural way to potentially alleviate the symptoms of stress. With CBD’s newfound popularity, research will be ongoing for years to come to better understand its effects, but several studies suggest that CBD may have positive effects on those dealing with stress. Other conditions that seem to benefit from CBD include chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia – all of which tend to be connected to stress in one way or another.

Thanks to the way that CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, it may be able to provide a greater sense of calmness and well-being, borne out by numerous anecdotal experiences. Try CBD Day Gummies for Focus for a morning dose, Anytime CBD Gummies for when you feel stress coming on, and CBD Night Gummies or CBD Oil for Sleep at bedtime, especially if poor sleep is one of your major stress symptoms. If you prefer your CBD in oil form, CBD Oil is another option you can take at any time, easily dropped into your morning coffee or evening tea. If persistent headaches or aches and pains count among your symptoms, try topicals like the CBD Relief Roller or CBD Fitness Cream.

From more tips for natural ways to deal with the symptoms of stress to the latest news about ongoing research into CBD, head to our blog for all things wellness. You’ll find the answers to whether or not you can use CBD for muscle pain, if CBD is good for focus, and even more. Learn more about our favorite compound in our CBD 101 guide and check out our product quiz if you need some help figuring out your ideal form of CBD.http://www.jettyextracts.com

How We Picked The Best CBD Vape Pens

CBD is a very versatile remedy. However, there are a lot of different formulas, strengths, and hemp strains that can be used in CBD vape pens, which means there is a lot of variety between CBD products. We aimed to showcase this variety in the products we chose to feature here. With that being said, we did focus on five key criteria when selecting our category winners as presented above.

Company Reputation and Affiliations

Before we even looked into the CBD vapes in detail, we did a deep dive into the companies that made them. We wanted to ensure that the CBD vape pens we recommend are manufactured by reputable brands and sold by legitimate retailers.

Lab Testing Protocols and Results

CBD products, including CBD vapes, need to be lab-tested to ensure they are safe. The testing protocols should include screening for potentially harmful substances such as bacteria, heavy metals, and solvent residues. The lab should also tend the product for cannabinoid content. Only a lab test can confirm that a CBD vape pen does, indeed, contain the amount of CBD and other cannabinoids listed on the label.

We only featured products that have been lab-tested for purity and potency. You can review the lab test results for each of these products before purchase. They are available on the companies’ websites.

Ingredient Sourcing and Transparency

Where does the company get its hemp? If there are other ingredients in the CBD vape, where do those ingredients come from? Are they organic or non-GMO? The best CBD companies are not shy about sharing their ingredient sources and related information. All of the products featured here are formulated with responsibly sourced ingredients. We aimed to choose organic and vegan products whenever possible.

Customer-Reported Effects

CBD can have different effects and cause different feelings depending on the strength of the CBD product, the strain of hemp it was derived from, and whether the product contains hemp terpenes or minor cannabinoids. So, we read lots of reviews to get a good understanding of how each CBD product made customers feel. Our goal was to choose CBD vapes with a variety of reported effects to suit varying customers’ needs.

Customer-Reported Flavor and Ease of Use

There’s more to a CBD pen than its effects. We also wanted to be sure the pens we featured had pleasant flavors and were easy to use. Again, we read reviews to gather this information about our chosen products.

How To Find The Best CBD Vape Pen for You

Whether you purchase one of the CBD vape pens mentioned here or one from another company, it’s important to ensure the pen you choose is high-quality and serves your unique needs. We suggest making a short list of CBD vape pens you’re interested in, and then comparing them based on the following features and qualities.

Terpene Content

Some CBD companies tell you what terpenes their CBD vape pens contain. If this information is available, look into the listed terpenes and see if their benefits line up with your needs.

Here are some common hemp terpenes you often see in CBD vape pens:

Pinene: With a scent reminiscent of pine trees, pinene may help reduce inflammation. It also has energizing qualities.

Myrcene: Also found in hops, myrcene is thought to have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, anti-aging, and anxiolytic properties.

Beta-Caryophyllene: Also found in black pepper, beta-caryophyllene may help manage anxiety and pain.

Limonene: In addition to giving certain hemp strains a citrus-like flavor, limonene may help reduce stress and prevent free radical damage.

Added Ingredients and Fillers

Some CBD vape pens contain just hemp extract and nothing else. These vape pens tend to have the strongest, most natural hemp flavor. They tend to be very potent since you’re only inhaling concentrated CBD hemp extract with every puff.

Other CBD vape pens contain added ingredients such as vegetable glycerin (VG) or propylene glycol (PG). These ingredients can make the vapor more pleasant to inhale. They also tend to dilute the CBD vape juice, which means you get less CBD in every puff.

If you’re someone who finds the act of vaping relaxing and wants to take several puffs each time you use CBD, then a vape pen with added VG and PG may be ideal. On the other hand, if you want the most concentrated product available, an additive-free vape pen may be preferable.

Flavor

Some CBD vape pens have a natural hemp flavor. Others contain added flavor ingredients that make the vapor taste sweet or fruity. Which is better? That’s a matter of preference. Some people prefer natural CBD vape pens because they don’t want to inhale the added flavor compounds. However, if you find the taste of hemp unpleasant, then a flavored CBD vape pen may be more enjoyable to use. You can find ones flavored like everything from strawberries to cake.

Strength or Potency

To determine how strong a CBD vape pen is, check how many milligrams of CBD are contained in the cartridge. If one 1 mL cartridge contains 500 mg CBD and the other contains 1000 mg CBD, the one with 1000 mg CBD is stronger.

If you’re brand new to vaporizing CBD, then look for a CBD vape pen on the less-potent side. This way, you will only get a few milligrams of CBD with every puff. You can take one puff at a time and scale your dose up slowly. If you find you’re having to take many puffs each time you use your CBD vape pen, then you can look for a more potent one next time.

If you’re a more experienced CBD user and know you prefer a larger dose of CBD, then look for stronger CBD vape pens. This way, you may only need to take one or two puffs each time you dose, which saves you time and also conserves the product.

Ease of Use

Different CBD vape pens work differently. Some have a button you push as you inhale. Others have a button that you push before you inhale. Some do not have a button at all; they automatically turn on and create vapor when you inhale through the mouthpiece.

Some people prefer CBD vape pens with a button since this setup helps prevent CBD liquid from accidentally leaking out. However, if you have arthritis in your hands or lack dexterity for any other reason, you may find it easier to use CBD vape pens without buttons.

Also, consider the shape of the CBD vape. Is it ergonomic? Does it look comfortable to hold? Some customers prefer latter, stick-like CBD pens, while others prefer CBD vape pens that are shaped more like actual pens.

Company Policies

Before you purchase a particular CBD vape, do some reading about the company that sells it. Here are some questions you might seek to answer:

Does the company make an effort toward sustainability with their shipping, packaging, and formulation practices?

Does the company offer any discounts for first-time or repeat customers?

Does the company ship to your location, and how much do they charge for shipping?

Will your CBD vape pen come in discreet packaging?

Types of CBD Vape Pens

Three primary types of CBD can be used in CBD vape pens. They are CBD isolate, full spectrum CBD, and broad spectrum CBD.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is just pure CBD. It has little to no hemp flavor and is therefore often used in really fruity, flavorful CBD vape pens. CBD isolate can make you feel relaxed, and it can help manage pain. However, its effects don’t tend to be as strong as those of full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD.

Full Spectrum CBD

Full spectrum CBD is a less refined CBD product that also contains other compounds from hemp. Some of these compounds are known as terpenes; they are the chemicals that give hemp its flavor and scent. Full spectrum CBD also contains minor cannabinoids, such as CBC and CBG, along with trace amounts of THC. Each of these other compounds has its benefits, and they also work together to strengthen the effects of CBD.

If you have serious pain or a diagnosed anxiety disorder, a full spectrum CBD vape pen is likely to offer the most relief. Just be aware that most have a strong hemp taste due to the high terpene content.

Broad Spectrum CBD

Broad spectrum CBD is similar to full spectrum CBD in that it also contains hemp terpenes and minor cannabinoids. There is one key difference: broad spectrum CBD is THC-free.

If you want potent relief but wish to avoid THC, then look for broad spectrum CBD vape pens. People often prefer broad spectrum CBD for daytime use as the THC in full spectrum products can make them feel too relaxed and drowsy. Broad spectrum CBD products also tend to have a pronounced hemp flavor.

Styles of CBD Vape Pens

CBD vape pens can be divided into three categories based on the way they are made and the way customers use them. There are disposable CBD vape pens, refillable CBD vape pens, and cartridge-style CBD vape pens.

Disposable Vape Pens

A disposable CBD vape pen is a pre-filled CBD pen that you use until it is empty and then thrown away. Disposable vape pens are a good choice for those new to CBD who don’t want to invest a lot in a better-made, refillable CBD vape pen.

When you travel, disposable CBD vape pens can be ideal since you don’t have to be as worried about losing them. You can vape disposable CBD vape pens until the cartridges are empty and just throw them away before you hop on a flight.

One downside to disposable CBD vape pens is that you do tend to pay more for them over time. If you vape CBD daily, it’s generally cheaper to use refillable CBD vape pens. Disposable CBD vape pens also create more waste than refillable CBD vape pens.

Some disposable CBD vape pens are rechargeable. However, if you buy a disposable CBD vape pen that is not rechargeable, you won’t want to let it sit around too long. The battery may die before you have vaporized all of the CBD juice inside the disposable CBD vape pen.

That being said, a CBD disposable is often much more affordable than its refillable counterparts.

Refillable CBD Vape Pens

A refillable CBD vape pen has a chamber that you can fill, again and again, with CBD vape liquid. You typically need to use a tiny syringe or dropper to get the CBD liquid into the chamber.

Refillable CBD vape pens are a cost-effective option in the long term. A refillable CBD vape pen also allows you to experiment with different flavors and types of CBD vape liquids. You can use the same refillable CBD vape pen and fill it with a different flavor or type of vape juice each time.

Refillable vape pens are also more environmentally friendly than disposable vape pens. So, if using eco-conscious products is a high priority for you, you’ll want to opt for refillable vape pens.

Cartridge-Style CBD Vape Pens

Cartridge-style CBD vape pens come with a cartridge that holds CBD liquid. When you empty this cartridge, you can unscrew it from the pen and replace it with a new CBD cartridge.

Like a refillable CBD vape pen, a cartridge-style CBD pen allows you to experiment with different flavors and types of CBD. These pens are better suited to those with limited dexterity. It is generally easier to unscrew a cartridge than it is to use a syringe to fill a refillable CBD vape pen.

Tips for Using a CBD Vape Pen

Whether you’re new to vaping CBD or have been vaping for a while, here are a few tips that can help you get the most out of the experience.

Start Slowly, and Find Your Dose

Vaping CBD is a bit different than vaping nicotine or flavored vape fluids. It often only takes a few puffs from a CBD vape to get the effects you desire. While vaping more CBD than needed won’t have any serious or deadly side effects, it can make you feel fatigued, and it’s also a waste of product.

The first time you vape CBD, just take one inhale. Wait 15 minutes and see how you feel. If the effects are not strong enough, take another puff. Wait another 15 minutes. Repeat this process, counting how many puffs it takes you to get the relief you desire. Next time, you can take that full number of puffs right away.

Inhale Deeply Into Your Lungs

When you are using your CBD vape, make sure you inhale the vapor deep into your lungs. It needs to enter your lungs to be absorbed into the delicate blood vessels located there. Then, it will circulate through your body via your bloodstream.

If you don’t breathe the CBD vapor fully into your lungs, you won’t feel its effects as strongly. Some people like to inhale, count to three, and then exhale slowly. You could also inhale, recite a favorite, one-line mantra in your head, and then exhale. This second approach can help with stress relief when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

To Combat Dry Mouth, Sip Water

Some people find that vaping CBD makes their mouth feel dry. This is most likely to happen with broad spectrum and full spectrum CBD vapes that contain a lot of terpenes. Keep a bottle of water on hand and take a few sips after every inhale. This will rinse the residual terpenes out of your mouth and help combat that drying effect. You could also try chewing some sugar-free gum.

Store Your Pen Upright

Some refillable CBD vape pens may leak if they are not stored upright. Check the label on your CBD pen for storage recommendations. Even if the company does not specifically recommend storing your pen upright, it’s a good idea to do so, just to be safe. CBD vape liquid is oily and can stain fabrics if it leaks out of your pen.

Keep an Eye on the Charge

If you have a rechargeable CBD vape pen, keep an eye on the charge. You don’t want the battery to run out of charge when you’re out on the town and in need of relief. The best CBD brands often make their CBD pens with a light that lights up when the battery is low. If your CBD pen does not have such a light, then consider plugging it in to charge every few days so you know the battery is always topped off.

Other CBD Products to Try

Many CBD users prefer CBD vapes because they are portable, affordable, and offer fast relief. However, CBD can also be taken orally and applied topically. If you think you may prefer to use your CBD orally or topically, here are some other types of products to consider.

CBD Oil Tinctures

CBD oil tinctures consist of CBD suspended in a carrier oil, which is usually either hemp seed oil, MCT oil, or olive oil. You take the CBD oil orally by placing it under your tongue. You hold it there for a minute, allowing some of the CBD to be absorbed into the surface-level blood vessels. Then, you swallow what remains.

People use CBD oil for stress relief, pain relief, and better sleep. Some also use it to manage symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Some advantages of CBD oil include:

Easy Dose Adjustment: You can take as much or as little of the oil as you need for relief. Most brands package their CBD oil in dropper-top bottles, making it easy to measure your dose by the drop.

No Respiratory Irritation: If you find that inhaling CBD irritates your lungs, taking oral CBD oil is a good alternative.

Simple Formulas: While some CBD oils contain added flavors and preservatives, there are also lots of simple, 2- or 3-ingredient formulas that are great for customers with food allergies and sensitivities.

The downside to CBD oil is the potential for messes. You have to be careful not to spill.

CBD Gummies

If you prefer oral CBD for stress relief or other benefits, but you don’t like the taste of CBD oil, the CBD gummies are a great alternative. They taste like candy, but they are infused with CBD for therapeutic benefits. You can find CBD gummies made with full spectrum, broad spectrum, and pure CBD. Those made with pure CBD have barely any hemp flavor, and sometimes none at all.

With CBD gummies, you don’t have to measure every dose. Buy gummies that contain your preferred dose of CBD, and you’re set to go. If you do need a larger or smaller dose, you can divide a gummy in half or take several.

A downside to CBD gummies is that they typically contain sugar. As such, some people avoid them for oral health-related reasons or because they’ve been told to follow a low-sugar diet.

CBD Cream

CBD cream is a popular choice among customers who prefer topical CBD products. It’s a lotion or moisturizer that contains CBD. You apply the CBD cream to your skin, and much of the CBD is absorbed through your skin and into the underlying blood vessels.

CBD cream is great for those who use CBD to manage skin conditions such as dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, and even acne. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD make it effective in managing the symptoms of these conditions. People also like using topical CBD cream to soothe tired muscles and sore joints at the end of the day. People with arthritis often find CBD cream helps make their joints feel looser and less painful. There are even CBD creams formulated with menthol and arnica for stronger relief from arthritis pain.

The only downside to CBD cream is that applying it can be tough in some situations. You may struggle to apply it discreetly at work. Plus, you have to wait for it to be absorbed into your skin before you put clothing over the treated area.

CBD Balm

CBD is another type of topical CBD product. It tends to be more concentrated than CBD cream, so you use a smaller amount. Some CBD balms come in jars. Others come in sticks, similar to deodorant.

CBD balm tends to be more portable than CBD cream. You can toss a CBD balm stick into your gym back or work bag for on-the-go use. Athletes tend to like CBD balm. Some apply it to sore or injured areas to help them get through a workout without pain. Others apply it after a workout to help with recovery.

CBD balm has the same downside as CBD cream. You have to wait for your skin to absorb the product before putting clothing over it.

FAQs

Are CBD vape pens safe?

CBD pens are generally safe as long as the vape juices they contain are made from pure, high-quality ingredients. For this reason, you want to shop carefully when buying CBD vape pens. Only buy from brands that lab-test their products. Review the test results to ensure the CBD liquid does not contain any infectious bacteria, mold, heavy metals, pesticide residues, or residual solvents. You would not want to inhale any of those substances into your lungs.

Also, check the ingredient list to make sure you’re comfortable with any inactive ingredients the vape pen contains. For instance, if you are allergic to coconuts, it’s not safe for you to use a CBD pen that contains MCT oil derived from coconuts. That does not, however, mean such a CBD pen is not safe for others who don’t share your coconut allergy.

Are CBD vape pens legal?

Yes, CBD is legal in the United States as long as it is derived from legally grown hemp. As a result, CBD vape pens and other CBD products are legal.

How much CBD should I inhale from a CBD vape pen?

Everyone reacts to CBD a bit differently. Some people experience their desired results with only 5 mg or 10 mg of CBD. Others need as much as 50 mg CBD for noticeable results. People do tend to need less CBD when they inhale it than when they take oral products, but there is still a lot of variability when it comes to the perfect dose.

The best way to figure out your perfect dose of CBD is to start with just one puff. If that’s not enough, try two puffs next time. If that’s not enough, try three puffs. Most of the best CBD vape pen brands formulate their liquids so customers only need to take a few puffs per dose. If you do find that you need 10, 12, or more puffs of a particular CBD pen, you may want to buy a more potent CBD vape juice next time.

As you work on discovering the perfect dose of CBD, here are some additional points to keep in mind:

The stronger your symptoms, the more CBD you’re likely to need.

Heavier people often need a larger dose of CBD than lighter people.

As your body adapts to CBD, you may need to increase your dose a little.

You may want to use more CBD at night than in the daytime.

How fast do CBD vape pens work?

Vaping CBD is the fastest way to feel its effects. Most people start to feel relaxed and at ease within minutes of inhaling the CBD. The effects should be at their peak about 15 minutes after you vape.

If you’re using CBD to manage inflammation or pain, keep in mind that the effects tend to build with repeated use. In other words, you may experience mild pain relief the first day or two that you vape CBD. But if you keep vaping CBD daily, you can expect that relief to be more prominent by days four, five, and beyond.

Do CBD vape pens have side effects?

Most people who vape CBD don’t experience any side effects. Occasionally, CBD can make people feel a bit drowsy. This may be due to the terpenes in the vape liquid, not the CBD itself. If you feel drowsy after vaping CBD, switch to a CBD isolate product; it may not have the same negative effects. Some people also feel less drowsy when using a broad spectrum CBD juice instead of a full spectrum one.

If you have a sensitive respiratory tract, vaping CBD may make you cough a little. To combat this side effect, try taking smaller puffs. Also, check whether the CBD liquid you’re using contains VG or PG. If it does, you may want to switch to one that does not contain any additives. Some people find that VG and PG irritate their respiratory tract.

Conclusion

Whether you struggle with chronic pain, stress, anxiety, or insomnia, vaporizing CBD can be a great way to enjoy its benefits. The best CBD vape pens start working within minutes, delivering powerful relief when you need it the most. Take a closer look at the CBD vape pens recommended above, and order the one you find most appealing. Relief and relaxation are just a puff away. Happy vaping!

What Are The Symptoms Of Stress?