Those of you closest to me know (or really interact with me regularly) know that I have anxiety and sometimes it can get pretty bad. A little strange, but since the pandemic started, I actually haven’t been more anxious. Although there were times were being indoors 24/7 actually took a toll. Normally, I manage my anxiety with a combo of exercise, quiet time with candles, and limiting sugar/consuming copious amounts of probiotics in different forms (so lots of fermented foods). I’ve spent a lot of quarantine reflecting. Quick update: I was furloughed pretty early into quarantine and was eventually laid off (it be like that sometimes), so I’ve had a lot of time to reflect and think about my next steps in life, work on my portfolio for grad apps, and really focus on my mental and physical health ( which really suffered during college). While, the reflection and refocusing is going somewhat well it’s actually incredibly stressful, because change is stressful. While, I normally take medicine when my anxiety gets debilitating, I prefer not to because the side effects less than desirable. So, I’ve on the search for something a little gentler but still effective. Enter, CBD. I started using this CBD muscle rub, which I swear by post-workout (especially post Barrys or Trillfit). I was a convert, because it works so ridiculously well.
I learned about Juna a while back and decided to give it a try, because I’m constantly indoors so I could safely monitor my reaction. I generally have less than ideal reactions to medicine/supplements. I did a bit of research into a few CBD supplements and I originally waved between Juna and Brown Girl Jane. I chose Juna because it’s a lower dosage and I wanted to more control over the dosage. I started with the Balance drops which honestly worked really well at keeping me calm throughout the day but I but I haven’t found I’ve needed them as much lately. I wasn’t super anxious when my Juna Balance drops arrived, but took it anyways because it’s safe/recommended to take every day. The first day I took 5ml/whatever a half a dropper is straight, which let me tell you was gross. It’s very herbal which I hate, but the taste dissipates quickly. I was already feeling somewhat calm, but I definitely did feel calmer and more focused after taking it. I was not at all drowsy, so big win. The next day I dropped the dosage, just to see if that would still be as effective. It was. About a few days into to taking it, I decided to try to not take it in the morning a compare my mood/feeling. Lol that was a mistake, because I definitely started feeling anxious around midmorning and decided to take it. It helped tremendously. I’ve been more focused and relaxed. It’s definitely helped feel calmer and breathe easier, so I would definitely recommend Juna daily to feel more focused and relaxed, and improve total-wellness.
Product 2! Eventually, I bought Nightcap which blew me away. I like Balance and I do think it’s pretty great, but Nightcap WOW! Besides my anxiety manifesting in during the day it also causes me to suffer from very vivid and terrifying nightmares. My sleep problems have worsened since quarantine because I’m not moving as much and as such I’m not as tired every night. Nightcap is truly the greatest product I started using in 2020. It helps me lull to sleep and calms my mind which means that my nightmares are less intense and I don’t wake up at 3 am feeling like I just ran a marathon. Although you can just take it straight out of the bottle I like to mix it with some cacao, ashwagandha, and warm plant-based milk like Chobani extra creamy oat milk (sometimes I add a little applewood smoked sea salt too). It’s a great little warming night drink that really helps me wind down and sleep deeply.