Our blog posts over the past few months have been centered around an education in all things cannabinoids and a CBD-driven lifestyle. We’ve referred to it as an education and a little as CBD: 101, knowing we have so many new customers and enthusiasts getting on board with KanehTree daily.
Of course, getting familiar with CBD-related products and determining a jumping off point is only half the battle—the other has to do with getting centered and mentally and physically before starting that journey.
With the holidays upon us, we wanted to take the time to speak less about CBD-fueled products and more about how heavy and difficult this time of year can be to some. Especially in the midst of a pandemic and with the majority of us spending most of the year isolated and in some form of quarantine.
A study by the American Psychological Association delivered some interesting info years back, in regards to the holiday blues, which we felt was worth a paraphrased deep-dive:
— While the masses report feelings of happiness, good spirits and love over the holidays, those sentiments all going hand-in-hand with feelings of stress, fatigue, anxiety, irritability and sadness.
— It’s said that over 38% of people surveyed admitted that their stress levels go up during the holiday season—which generally begins around Thanksgiving and runs through the end of the year—spanning almost six weeks.
The biggest stressors; lack of money, lack of time, pressures that come with finding and giving gifts, unrest at home and the nature of commercialism.
— Another unexpected stat; work stress was reported to be up for 56% of individuals, opposed to stress at home only going up to 29%—dispelling any notion that most folks check out on their jobs at year’s end, or are able to slow things down going into a new year.
It was also noted that there is a real difference than seasonal blues, which dissipate in the new year—versus the type of depression that lasts longer and can get in the way of one’s day-to-day life.
Social isolation was already a real holiday trigger, before a year when it became somewhat mandatory. Those who already have feelings of disconnectedness, they quickly find themselves in a negative loop—choosing to avoid social interactions, as a result.
Unfortunately, withdrawing only makes those feelings of loneliness and those depression symptoms that much worse.
This would be the point where another CBD product site would start shilling product, telling you how their product is a cure-all for depression, anxiety and holiday stress.
At KanehTree, you know our stance on a CBD-driven lifestyle—and yes, there are many studies that show how CBD can have anti-stress effects, which have the ability to reduce depression related to said stress.
For those of you who have done the research—here’s a holiday bundle—full spectrum oil, gummies and some capsaicin cream for those aches and pains; a little bit of everything to help as a holiday season pick-me-up.
For the rest of you not yet putting that toe in the CBD waters, or looking for some simple life hacks this holiday season—the following have been discussed and recommended over the years:
— Speaking your truth and simply acknowledging your feelings to friends, family, loved ones and trusted allies is always recommended; even more-so in a year when so much has gone wrong for so many.
Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship coming to an end, the loss of a job, moving—a reminder that it’s all right to express your sadness, anger or confusion. The world can’t force you to put on a happy face just because it’s the holidays—and buying the hurt it’s helpful.
Finding productive ways to share what’s going on inside is the first step in the process. Let it all out and experience the release.
— Simple as this one sounds, reach out—as well as making yourself available, opposed to making excuses and going into hiding. It can be something as simple as committing to weekly FaceTime chats or Zoom calls with friends, co-workers or family—so something as invasive as volunteering, or seeking out other community, religions or social events and communities.
It’s easy to get inside our own heads at any point of the year, but the holidays can really cause too much introspection if we don’t strike a healthy balance.
For those wanting to do that little bit more, following the better-to-give-than-receive mantra—the holidays are the perfect time of year to volunteer—which can lift spirits and broaden horizons. It can be something as simple as dropping off a meal or dessert at a friend’s or neighbor’s house.
If you’re feeling extra bold this year, finding a local soup kitchen and helping feed those who less fortunate—which can really help with our perspective—it creates a win-win situation for you as a giver as well as those who rely on next-level help.
— We loved the suggestion of “being realistic” regarding holiday attitudes and expectations. So simple in theory, but we can tend to put too much pressure on ourselves this time of year—competing with others, competing with ourselves, competing with last year. Families change and grow, as do traditions—while changing circumstances has never been more of a thing than in 2020.
This has been a year for the ages for pretty much everyone—what a great time to forgive ourselves, to forgive others and to hit ‘reset’ in regards to past holidays, or old ways tradition and baggage we’ve been looking to shake.
Setting aside differences and past grievances—feels more important this season than in years passed. When thinking of everyone that’s lost some to COVID, or any other awful tragedy—one can only imagine how much they wished they’d cleared the air with any friends of loved ones who’ve departed.
Everyone is seemingly wound up this time of year—let’s all cut each other, and ourselves, some much-needed slack.
— Finances are another big stressor, but spending is inevitable around the holidays—so something as simply as sticking to a set budget, coming up with some homemade gifts or craft ideas, or donating to a charity in someone’s name—just like we preach in the CBD world, less is more and go slow and low. No reason to overdue it.
— Don’t abandon your healthy habits late in the year, under the guise that it doesn’t matter. You’ve worked too hard this year to keep it together—mailing it in for the final few weeks can do more harm than good, leaving you further behind the eight ball come January when trying to instill better habits.
Whether it’s something as simply as knocking down a healthier snack, to fill up before holiday meals, sticking to to your daily exercise routine or staying on track sleep-wise—your January self thanks you in advance for keeping it inside the lines this December.
— Lastly, as simple as it sounds—one of the hardest things for all of us is saying “no” and protecting our time by taking much-needed breathers.
Instinctively we tend to over-please and over-commit during the holiday—everyone on the go-go-go, in what is supposed to be the time of year we wind it down. Whether it’s last minute shopping, holiday gatherings, working overtime—please don’t let the season swallow you whole.
Make time to take breathers. Spend some time on your own—even if it’s 15 minutes, or a walk around the block. Put your phone down and trade the trappings of social media for a good book, or uplifting article—anything that reduces stress, clears your head, slows your breathing and brings you peace.
Again, you know our stance on oils, gummies, a soak with one of new bath bombs or a little capsaicin cream on those aching bones—all are ideal life-supplements—but they’re on the half the battle and truly work best when you’ve gotten your head right before going on this journey.
May all of you have the wonderful holiday seasons you deserve and a strong close to 2020.
