5 Actual Self Care Practices for Cannabis Consumers
A recent High Times article highlighted several self-care activities to do as a cannabis consumer in the L.A. area. The thing is, what if you don't live in L.A? Or what if you're not into this hyper-CBD world and you're not in the market for a CBD haircut? Everyone wants to treat themselves once in a while, so here are five actual self-care practices you can do from the comfort of your home.
1) Breathing. Literally.
It's as simple as taking a breath: one of the easiest ways to practice self-care is breathing. We forget our lungs never stop working (and they're working a little harder if you're consuming cannabis), so give them a chance to recover and practice some Mindful Breathing. If this requires too much effort, then take in some fresh air once in a while and thank your lungs for the job they're performing to keep you alive. Inhale the good sh*t, exhale the bullsh*t.
2) Exercise.
We're not suggesting jumping into the middle of a Crossfit workout. Those folks are intense (and yes, some of us are crossfitters.) But we are proposing that getting your body moving more than a walk from the couch to the car is essential. Going for a walk is an excellent start to physical wellness, says the CDC:
If you’re not sure about becoming active or boosting your level of physical activity because you’re afraid of getting hurt, the good news is that moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking, is generally safe for most people.
Yoga – despite the overdose of Lululemon stores everywhere – is a perfect way to jump-start your physical fitness regimen. It's not all ohms and vegans (with no disrespect to either); there are classes designed to practice in chairs for people with decreased mobility, and there are even yoga classes with free beer after. Not only are you focusing on breathing (!) and form, but you're toning your body and flexing muscles you may not have used in a while.
3) Journaling/Being Creative
"When we are involved in creativity, we feel that we are living more fully than during the rest of life...” said Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in his TED talk from 2004. With an uptick in adult coloring books and paint-and-sip/smoke classes offered, it's easy to see that kids aren't the only ones who enjoy utilizing their right brain. Here's a great way to start – print out an adult coloring page!
Crayola offers a variety of visually inviting designs, and a quick internet search can help you find many more. If coloring isn't your style, perhaps journaling is the way for you. Try a free-writing exercise first: put pen to paper and write down everything that comes to mind for 2 minutes. If you get stuck, write down the word 'blah' until the next thing comes to you. When time is up, see what you've put down. If you'd still like to go on, continue! If not, there's always paintball art.
4) Eat Healthy(er)
It's super easy to fall into the rut of junk munchies. Trust us; we're pros. But the truth is we all know eating bad food is bad for us. Duh. So, the next time you head to the grocery store for your snack fix, think a little differently. Walking the outside edges of the grocery store is a fantastic way to find fresh, healthy and delicious options. Looking for a cookie rather than an apple? Fine with us.
Don't be afraid of the kitchen and try this oatmeal cookie recipe from Alton Brown. If you don't trust A.B., that's on you, my friend. And, yes, you can bake. It's possible. Cooking is also a great way to flex your creativity, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune either. We highly recommend Budget Bytes for economical recipes that taste great.
5) Pet An Animal
Yes, it sounds as silly as it seems, but studies show that hanging out with animals does wonder for your mental health. Studies show that "87% of people who owned a cat felt it had a positive impact on their wellbeing, while 76% said they could cope with everyday life much better thanks to the company of their feline friends." Now, you might not be a cat person, but if those standoffish felines can help improve your mood to that degree, it might be wise to find that friend with an animal and give them a call!
People who owned pets also felt that "caring for a pet also gives your day purpose and reward, and a sense of achievement. It also helps you feel valuable and needed." Now, don't just run out and get that parakeet you've had your eye on, make sure your life has time for whatever sort of pet you may be interested in having in your life because they should be your companion and not just another stressor.
Not everyone lives that Los Angeles lifestyle, nor should they. If it's not for you, it's not for you. But we hope these at-home self-care practices give some start to a better you. It may be July, but that doesn't mean you can't start a resolution today!