Finding Balance: Nervous System Regulation & CBD

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly riding an emotional rollercoaster. Our nervous systems, the intricate network of nerves and cells that transmit signals between different parts of the body, play a crucial role in regulating our responses to stress, anxiety, and daily challenges. But what happens when our nervous system feels like it’s running on overdrive?

We’re living in a culture that centralizes high performance and “the hustle”, but trying to meet those ideological demands comes at a cost and burnout has become a real issue for a lot of us. If you are struggling with brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, depression, or trouble sleeping then you might be dealing with a burntout, dysregulated nervous system. Prioritizing recovery, rest, and regulation is the key to optimizing performance with less output (work smarter, not harder!)

Understanding Nervous System Regulation

To really understand how we can best support our nervous system, it’s essential to first understand the basics of its function and regulation. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) comprises two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). 

The SNS kicks into action during times of stress or danger, triggering the body’s fight-or-flight response. On the other hand, the PNS is responsible for promoting relaxation and restoration, often referred to as the rest-and-digest response. 

Ideally, our nervous system should seamlessly transition between these two states, responding appropriately to various situations without getting stuck in a state of chronic stress or hyperarousal. Unfortunately, there are many factors in our modern lives that make it difficult to achieve that ideal function and balance, resulting in an overactive SNS and, ultimately, a burnt out nervous system.

Why have Nervous System Dysregulation and Burnout become so common?

“Stress” in today’s world has evolved a long way from the “stress” that our primitive ancestors experienced, but our nervous system has not necessarily evolved at the same pace. While our ancestors had to deal with life or death situations (i.e., getting chased by wild animals while hunting for their food), those situations were acute. Acute stress is the kind of stress our nervous system was built to handle beautifully.

Today, on the other hand, we are constantly faced with micro-stressors that keep our SNS on alert. The constant, moderate stress that many of us deal with can simply come from scrolling through social media or watching the news. The problem is that our nervous system responds to that kind of relatively-harmless stress the same way it would to acute stressors: activate the SNS and focus on survival.

The difference, though, is that acute stress has an end point. Once the threat is neutralized, the PNS flips on, activating rest and recovery mode. When you are experiencing chronic stress, your nervous system doesn’t have a chance to flip the switch from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest.

Mental and emotional stress is not the only thing that can affect nervous system function, though. There are many lifestyle and environmental factors that “stress” your physical body. Poor diet, exposure to pollutants and environmental toxins, lack of sleep, alcohol and nicotine, not enough exercise, or even too much exercise, can all contribute to nervous system dysregulation.

It is also important to note that mental and emotional stress can lead to physical issues and physical stress can lead to mental issues. This mind-body connection exists primarily through the Vagus Nerve, which runs from our brain (Central Nervous System) to our gut (Enteric Nervous System). The Vagus Nerve is the main nerve of our Autonomic Nervous System, and is responsible for maintaining that essential balance between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System activity. 

Learn more about CBD & the gut-brain connection here 

(…and here)

Tips for Nervous System Regulation

Fortunately, there are several strategies we can employ to support healthy nervous system function:

1. Mindful Breathing: Deep breathing exercises can activate the PNS, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.
2. Regular Exercise: Physical activity is not only beneficial for our overall health but also helps regulate the nervous system by reducing the body’s physiological response to stress.
3. Quality Sleep: Prioritizing sleep allows the body to rest and recharge, supporting optimal nervous system function.
4. Nutrition: Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provides essential nutrients for nerve function and overall well-being. Taking care of your gut is an essential part of taking care of your autonomic nervous system because your gut sends signals to your brain via the Vagus Nerve (and vice versa)… and your Vagus Nerve is what largely controls your autonomic nervous system!
5. Adaptogens: Incorporating adaptogens into your wellness routine can help the body adapt to stressors and promote overall resilience and balance.

Supporting Nervous System Regulation with CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) has emerged as a popular natural remedy for promoting relaxation and managing stress. Derived from the hemp plant, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including mood, stress response, and sleep.

Learn more about how CBD affects anxiety

TONIC, offers several products specifically formulated to support nervous system regulation. CBD is an active ingredient in all of these products, but many of them also contain complementary herbs and adaptogens that give CBD a boost and provide a more effective, integrative solution… that’s the TONIC difference!

Chill TONIC

Chill TONIC’s zen blend of CBD, ashwagandha, lemon balm and passionflower is carefully crafted to provide calming, restorative support for mind and body. Ashwagandha works with CBD to defend against the effects of stress and provide calming clarity, while lemon balm and passionflower provide more calming support for your nervous system, helping to slow down racing thoughts, release nervous tension, and promote a deeper, more restful night’s sleep.

The OG TONIC

Combining the benefits of CBD with the adaptogenic herb ashwagandha, our OG TONIC is formulated to help restore balance to the body and mind. Ashwagandha has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support resilience to stress and promote overall well-being, making it an ideal companion to CBD for nervous system support.

Grounded TONIC

Grounded TONIC contains a higher strength (1500mg) whole plant hemp extract which offers robust support for nervous system regulation due to its rich array of beneficial compounds. Whole plant hemp extract is less refined so it retains a higher concentration of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytonutrients found naturally in the hemp plant. These compounds work synergistically to enhance the therapeutic effects of CBD, promoting a more comprehensive and potent response within the body. By preserving the plant’s innate diversity, whole plant hemp extract provides an extra layer of support for the nervous system, amplifying its ability to modulate stress response, promote relaxation, and maintain overall well-being.

The TONIC Flight

The TONIC Flight variety pack features 5mL versions of TONIC’s entire line of botanical blends. Each product offers a unique, integrative botanical blend that targets your exact needs more effectively and yields more predictable and targeted effects, so you can feel into what you need to regulate and choose a product accordingly. 

Zone CBD Vape Pen

Zone full spectrum vaporizer offers efficient nervous system support through its rapid onset and the inclusion of beneficial terpenes. Inhalation provides a highly bioavailable delivery method, allowing the CBD to enter the bloodstream quickly and produce almost immediate effects, making it an ideal option for managing acute stress or anxiety.

Additionally, the infusion of limonene and pinene terpenes enhances this vape pen’s therapeutic potential. Limonene delivers uplifting and mood-enhancing properties, while Pinene provides improved focus and mental clarity. Together, these terpenes complement the effects of CBD, synergistically promoting relaxation and cognitive function. Moreover, Zone utilizes only clean ingredients with no fillers or harmful additives commonly found in other vape pens, ensuring a pure and safe vaping experience that aligns with your wellness goals.

Incorporating these products into your daily wellness routine can help you navigate life’s ups and downs with greater ease, supporting a balanced and resilient nervous system.

Take Care Out There!

In our fast-paced world, prioritizing nervous system regulation is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. By incorporating mindful practices, regular exercise, and quality CBD products into our daily routines, we can support our body’s natural ability to adapt to stress and promote relaxation. Remember, finding balance is a journey, and small steps toward self-care can make a significant difference in how we feel mentally, emotionally, and physically.