There's a lot to be learned from a name... we called our company Goodrays because it sounds positive and cheerful, because it is connected to the life-giving power of the sun and because without these things our ingredients, our product and our dream to bring the best quality CBD products to as many people as we possibly can would not exist at all.
The sun and its radiant light will always be a constant in our story but, as for everyone, our levels of positivity and happiness can vary on any given day based on the events happening close to and far away from our little corner of the universe. As a business built around positivity it stands to reason that we should recognise that in our world of constant communication, consistent comparison with others and boundless consumerism many of us struggle with our day to day mental health.
To support Mental Health Awareness Month we wanted to share 5 simple tips (other than CBD) that might help unwind your mind and allow the light in during darker times.
1. BREATHE
A simple one but something that most of us don't do correctly or think about enough, despite it happening 12-15 times a minute for the average person while at rest. Paying more attention to how you are breathing can have a big impact on your stress levels. Try breathing deeply for just 5 or 10 minutes a day, with a focus on breathing from your stomach, pushing your stomach out each time you inhale. Take longer breaths, counting to at least three for each inhalation and exhalation. Keep doing this even though it may feel uncomfortable at first. After a while, you will start to notice your body feeling more relaxed.
2. STRETCH
Despite the seeming ubiquity of yoga poses on Insta and comfortable lycra legging brands most of us still don't stretch on a regular basis. Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong and healthy and allows you to take time to breath, notice your surroundings, pay attention to yourself and decompress.
When we breath deeply our heart rate slows and we become calmer (see point 1). You don't need to be an uber-bendy yogi to get the benefits (sitting down in an armchair actually involves a pretty good stretch) so just moving slowly, with purpose, is a great start. Reach down to the ground, bending from the waist, then slowly reach up as far as you can. Repeat. Once you've nailed this routine the sky's the limit - you'll be picking postage stamps off the floor with your tongue in no time.
3. WATCH
Not a phone or a series on Netflix but your own thoughts. This may come as a surprise to some but you are NOT your thoughts - they come and go like waves and once you learn to observe them appearing and disappearing you'll become much better at letting the negative ones fade away into nothingness. It takes a bit of practice but gets easier the more you see these fleeting, intangible utterances of the mind for what they are.
4. SHARE
The saying goes that 'a problem shared, is a problem halved' and although this is unlikely to be statistically correct there is a proven correlation between vocalising concerns and our ability to process and resolve stressful feelings.
When you are experiencing intense feelings of fear, aggression or anxiety the part of your brain called the amygdala is running the show - it is responsible for the fight or flight response and figuring out whether something is a threat or not.
During stressful situations the amygdala can take control and even overide more logical thought processes. Putting your feelings into words, or 'affect labelling' as it is known, diminishes the response of this part of your brain when you encounter things that are upsetting or threatening.
Always a good idea to take the time to talk... and to listen sometimes too.
5. REST
Good quality sleep is one of the most important contributing factors in human wellbeing and there are countless ways to improve your sleep. Exercise, diet and the reduction of caffeine intake are keys areas to consider...
Surprisingly, one of the most effective ways to ensure a good night's sleep is to reduce alcohol consumption. Despite the commonly held belief that booze helps you relax and fall asleep faster it actually has a negative effect on your deep sleep, which is the most important recovery and rejuvenation phase.
A nightcap might seem like a good idea at the time but is actually likely to see you experience disrupted sleep and most likely be awake in the wee hours for a bathroom visit. A Goodrays before bed is a much better option we think!
CBD for Your Mental Wellbeing
In addition to the tips above, incorporating CBD into your routine can offer significant support for your mental health. CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, has been shown to help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and promote a sense of calm and balance. Our range of CBD products, from gummies to drops, are designed to fit seamlessly into your day, providing a natural, effective way to manage stress and enhance your overall sense of wellbeing. With Goodrays, you can enjoy the myriad benefits of CBD, helping you navigate life's ups and downs with a little more ease and a lot more zen.
Of course we're also big advocates of our CBD gummies, CBD drinks, and CBD oils in helping yourself feel better too, but you probably already knew that. You can read about the many benefits of CBD right here on our Goodrays Journal.