Working Smarter: Ways to Sharpen Your Focus and Elevate Your Mind With CBD

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There’s a wealth of research out there into the benefits of CBD oil; it can be considered a valuable (and natural) tool to help your focus and productivity. In this article, we will take a look at the current literature surrounding the benefits of using CBD oil for work and study. We will outline the key ways that CBD oil can help you, as well as examine how a lack of focus can negatively impact your work. Most importantly, we will investigate how you can fit it into your daily wellness routine. Consuming CBD oil could not be easier, and there are potentially real benefits to sharpening your focus. So, next time, put down the caffeine and reach for the CBD (or hey, slip a couple of drops of CBD oil into your coffee!) After all, it could be the natural boost you need to kick-start your studying or finish that big work presentation! We here at Amphora recognise the pressure that people are under nowadays to perform and achieve. We also know there’s nothing more important than taking care of your physical and mental well-being. So, keep on reading to discover how CBD oil can help you meet your goals.

What is CBD oil?

Before we look into the benefits of CBD oil, we need to address an important question: what is CBD oil? CBD is short for Cannabidiol, and it has been used for thousands of years as a wellness product. In fact, you can actually trace its  use back 5,000 years. It’s completely natural, as it belongs to a collection of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. These are located in Cannabis sativa, which is more simply known as the cannabis plant (in actuality, it is only one strain of the main plant, cannabis). One of the primary attractions of CBD is that consuming it in its various forms will not result in a ‘high.’ This is because CBD is not a psychoactive substance, unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol, otherwise known as THC. CBD oil is made by firstly extracting it from the cannabis plant. It is then diluted through a carrier oil, such as hemp seed or coconut oil. CBD is one of the most well-researched cannabinoids, alongside THC, and it holds the therapeutic potential to help treat a range of disorders. This means that you can appreciate the balancing effects of CBD for both your physical and mental well-being. If you are struggling with your productivity at work or in education, then CBD might be just the thing to improve your focus and productivity.

How a lack of focus affects your work

A lack of focus can occur for numerous reasons. For example, you could be struggling to work because you are distracted by happy, excited thoughts of your evening off and night out. On the other hand, you could be struggling with a mental illness, such as anxiety or depression, or from the physical side effects of multiple sclerosis (MS). The overall point that we are making here is that a variety of lifestyle factors can distract you from your work or study. Here are the key ways this can impact your work output, regardless of what precisely is causing your lack of focus:

• Quality: if you are distracted, then the quality of your work will likely take a big hit.
• Productivity: if you are not focused on the task at hand, then your productivity can suffer.
• Communication: your communication skills can take a dip if you are struggling to focus. You may also feel intimidated and reluctant to contact your employers or professors as a result of this.
• Stress: all of the above can contribute to high-stress levels. If you are failing your exams, or your employer isn’t happy with what you are producing, then it’s only natural to feel stressed or anxious.

CBD and focus: the research

In this section, we are going to outline some of the relevant research into the ways that CBD oil can aid in sharpening your focus. This is also a great way of considering how you could begin to incorporate it into your routine.

Helps tame anxious feelings

Have you ever been consumed by your anxious thoughts at the worst time? Maybe you were preparing for your big work presentation, or studying for your final exam. No matter when they rear their ugly head, anxious thoughts can really press pause on your productivity. It’s estimated that one in six adults in England is affected by anxiety.

This is where CBD oil comes in, as there is a wealth of research into CBD and its potential balancing effects on the symptoms of anxiety. A study took place in 2019 on a group of teenagers who were suffering from anxiety. They were provided with a daily dose of CBD, over the course of four weeks. The results were measured through a questionnaire and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. This questionnaire was first developed by the psychiatrist Doctor Michael R. Liebowitz. It involves a rating system for people to fill out in accordance with different situations. For example, talking on the phone or going to a party. A rating of zero would mean the person felt no anxiety, whereas a rating of three signifies severe anxious feelings. The conclusions drawn from this study are extremely promising, as the scientists offer up CBD as a potentially viable treatment for anxiety disorders, pending further research results and studies. This could help calm down the anxious thoughts of students and enable them to be more productive.

What’s more, a study published in 2018 found that CBD holds the potential for treating PTSD. PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, has historically been regarded as a type of anxiety disorder. However, it has since changed precise classifications, though its ties to anxiety are still well-documented. Individuals with PTSD can suffer from anxious feelings and disturbing flashbacks to past traumatic events that have occurred in their life. The study found that CBD can work against these traumatic memories and flashbacks, making it a potentially viable supplement to psychological treatment. They acknowledge that further research into the field is needed, in particular, more human trials. This shows great promise for individuals struggling to be productive due to symptoms of PTSD, as well as those with more general anxiety and stress symptoms.

Better sleep for sharper focus

It is common knowledge that getting a good night’s sleep is vital for our physical and mental well-being. A common question many people ask is what is CBD oil good for? And there’s evidence to suggest that it can help you get some satisfying shut-eye. There are plenty of reasons that you’re not getting the sleep you need. Insomnia could be due to environmental factors like a hard mattress, or emotionally-based, such as having high stress levels and anxious feelings. A study  published in 2019 examined the benefits of CBD oil in relation to anxiety and sleep. The study took place with 72 subjects, each given 25mg of CBD per day for a month. The people taking part reported both a lessening of anxious feelings and, in turn, a better night’s sleep. A 2014 review observed the recorded benefits of CBD oil on sleep and found that it helped combat grogginess, and could even be said to promote wakefulness. This could help people to work and study for longer.

A reduction in involuntary spasms and spasticity

Involuntary muscle spasms can occur for a range of reasons, with the main two being stress and neurological disorders. One such condition is MS, as people living with MS can experience a loss of motor control. This, in turn, can cause difficulty walking and moving around. A 2010 study took place in the form of a controlled trial of thirty MS patients. The study concluded that, after the ingestion of CBD, there was both a lessening of the spasticity and pain associated with the disease. A 2018 review examined the possibility of CBD aiding in the mobility of people with MS, due to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. This could help people that have physical jobs, such as builders, shop assistants and teachers, as well as improve the quality of people’s lives.

A reduction in pain

We all know that pain can inhibit our concentration and focus. For those of you experiencing chronic pain, you know that it can be a daily battle trying to be productive. The good news is that CBD can have balancing effects when it comes to pain, and this is encouraging for those of you seeking an all-natural alternative. ‘CBD oil for pain’ is a standard internet search for people looking into its benefits, and it produces plenty of research into the matter. A 2017 review  looked at the current literature surrounding the link between CBD oil and pain, concluding that CBD oil holds the potential to be a novel pain management treatment for people suffering from chronic pain. Furthermore, a study published in 2016 examined the benefits of CBD oil in helping to treat the symptoms of arthritis. The symptoms of arthritis include inflammation, pain, and swelling of the affected joints. This study applied a CBD topical cream to a group of rats with the disease, over the course of a four-day-period.  The results were hopeful, as the scientists reported a lessening of inflammation, as well as pain. What’s more, there were no adverse side effects. While more trials need to be conducted to produce conclusive findings into the matter, CBD oil could prove to be a natural treatment of pain in people living with arthritis. Pain can be an extremely distracting and debilitating issue when it comes to work, and CBD oil may be a welcome relief.

Put down the caffeine

Many of us have been known to reach for caffeinated drinks when we feel a lull in our concentration or focus. The problem with this is that too much caffeine can cause a whole host of unwanted side effects. These can include, but are not limited to: anxious feelings, insomnia, headaches, shakiness, and restlessness. So, caffeine’s side effects can actually lessen your focus, rather than sharpen it! This is where CBD oil comes in. As it’s an all-natural product free of caffeine (though certain edibles may be exempt from this), it is likely to boost your productivity, rather than hinder it. So, make sure that you think twice before making yourself that fourth cup of coffee, and consider using CBD oil instead.

Positive feelings

We can all agree that when we are in a positive mindset, we are more productive and focused on the task at hand. We know that CBD oil contains no psychoactive properties, unlike THC, however, as we have already discovered, CBD may help balance out our anxious feelings, but did you know it may also help improve your general mood?

Our mood could be low for numerous reasons. We could be stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried about our financial situation. A sombre mood and anxious feelings are certainly to be expected during these current uncertain times. The good news is that CBD oil may be able to help balance our dips in mood. There have been various studies conducted into serotonin and CBD. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, and its function is multifaceted, however here we will be discussing it in relation to mood regulation, as it is primarily known as a ‘feel-good chemical’. A study  published in 2018 found that people suffering from depression experienced anti-stress effects after consuming CBD oil. People suffering from depression are believed to have lower levels of serotonin, and CBD could have a balancing and regulatory effect on this chemical. A studypublished earlier in 2015 also reiterates this, as CBD positively influenced people suffering from depression and low serotonin levels. The next time you feel yourself drifting into a low mood, consider using CBD oil for a calming and natural boost that will allow you to carry on with your to-do list.

The key ways CBD can help you focus

Studies and research can sometimes be a little confusing, but they are helpful in giving us a general picture of how CBD can improve our focus. To simplify things, we have outlined the key ways in which CBD oil can improve your concentration.

• It may curb your anxious feelings, and this can help you to focus on the task at hand. If you are feeling anxious, then you are far less likely to be able to retain information, and this can hinder your progress in studying for an exam or preparing for a presentation. Speaking of presentations, if public speaking fills you with dread and anxiety, then CBD oil could be the answer. Its calming effects can bring you back into balance once more and possibly help you concentrate on what you need to deliver.
• Consuming CBD oil can improve your quality of sleep. Broken or disturbed sleep can leave you feeling like a zombie for the entire day – especially those of you that work the nightshift and then struggle to get into a regular sleeping pattern!
• CBD oil benefits also help control muscle spasms. This is beneficial to those of you that find yourselves fidgeting, jittering, or spasming from medical conditions. These involuntary movements can be extremely distracting, but now your sole focus can be on what you are trying to achieve, rather than trying in vain to control your movements. This can also provide you with the confidence you need to carry on working in public situations, as some people feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable when they experience this in front of others. Keeping your body calm and still makes for a more productive working day.
• There is scientific evidence to suggest that CBD oil could potentially help in reducing pain. We all know that pain can be a hindrance to work and studying, and any reduction in pain would be welcome for many people.
• Rather than opting for coffee, CBD oil is a natural way of calming you down and helping you focus without any of the caffeinated side effects. What’s more, CBD oil is considered a natural mood-booster. This is due to its calming and mood-balancing properties. And we all work better when we are happy!

How to take CBD Oil

‘How to take CBD oil’ is also one of the most commonly asked questions on the internet, usually googled right after ‘why should I take CBD oil?’, which you probably know by now. We also believe it is one of the smartest questions pertaining to CBD oil, as there are a vast number of options when it comes to enjoying your daily CBD fix. Below you will find all of the different ways you can choose to consume CBD oil. There’s no best way, but there will undoubtedly be a best way for you and your wellness routine. In terms of dosage, we recommend starting off low, and going from there until you find what’s right for you.

Vaping CBD Oil

Vaping CBD oil is a smart choice, and it is great for first-time CBD users too. When we refer to vaping CBD oil, you will buy a vape cartridge that has a mouthpiece and a container that’s already filled with natural CBD oil. Here at Amphora, we specialise in vaping CBD oil and all Infused Amphora CBD oil vape  cartridges contain our organic ingredients. What’s more, some include natural flavoured and unflavoured terpenes for additional wellness benefits and taste. There are so many benefits to vaping CBD oil, but the main one has to be its fast-acting nature. It reaches your bloodstream faster than any other method of consumption, due to it being absorbed through your lungs rather than exposed to the digestive system (which can take 2-5 hours). A 2004 study found that this method of consumption can absorb in just two minutes! This is ideal for those of you needing to focus quickly and efficiently. We would recommend taking a work/ studying break and really appreciate vaping your CBD oil. The process is calming in itself!

Oral CBD oil drops

This is one of the most popular methods of CBD oil consumption, but mainly because many people are not fully educated on the other methods, such as vaping. You can probably already tell how the drops work: drop your desired amount of CBD oil under your tongue. This is a convenient method of consumption, and you can opt for flavoured drops if you are not a fan of the natural taste. It’s also a quick-acting form of CBD, as it will find its way to your bloodstream in roughly ten minutes. This means that you have the option to take it when you know that you will appreciate its benefits the most.

CBD Oil Capsules

Taking a CBD oil capsule is like swallowing any other kind of tablet, except this one will have powdered CBD inside. It’s a convenient method of taking CBD as it will take mere seconds, plus it has no flavour, if that’s what you prefer. It’s not as fast-acting as other methods of consumption, as it needs to pass through your liver and stomach before being absorbed. This could be a disadvantage for those of you wanting to feel the benefits of CBD oil quickly. You could, still, however, take the capsules at the beginning of your day to enjoy the slow-releasing effects of CBD oil.

CBD Oil Edibles

CBD oil edibles are a favourite method of consumption for many people, as there are a variety of different ways you can consume CBD oil. Some options include coffee, water, food, and gummies. Gummies are a simple way of getting your daily dose of CBD oil, due to their convenience. Similarly to the vaping method, gummies are a tasty option as they come in many different natural flavours, such as assorted fruit flavours. This is another excellent option for those of you that are seeking a slower release of the effects of CBD.

Topical CBD Oil

You may recognise topical CBD oil as creams, oils and balms – and you would be right! This allows you to absorb CBD through your skin, making it another product that’s easy to use. It’s one of the options that we would recommend to people that struggle to swallow capsules, along with vaping. There’s a massive variety of choice out there, and one bonus is that most topicals have a lovely scent. This is a great option for those of you experiencing specific pain in or on a particular area of your body. For example, people living with arthritis could apply it to their fingers before they start their working day.

So there we have it, all of the ways that CBD oil can help you to reach your goals. CBD oil just might be what you need to sharpen your focus, and it is a welcome all-natural addition to your wellness routine. We hope that this article gives you the confidence you need to take the first steps to well-being with CBD oil. Keep in mind that there is no correct way of consuming it; just do what works best for you. Start today, and discover where CBD oil can take you in your professional future.