This month we’ve teamed up with Lumie. Together, we’re looking at how adding CBD and light therapy to your morning routines can help you stay balanced and focused throughout the day.
LIGHT THERAPY WITH LUMIE
Light is the most powerful synchroniser of our circadian rhythm, a 24-hour internal clock which regulates the timing of bodily processes including the sleep/wake cycle. When our circadian rhythm becomes out of sync with our desired sleep/wake schedule, we can experience disrupted sleep patterns and a decline in our overall sense of well-being.
Lumie wake-up lights are designed to align with the body's circadian rhythm, to facilitate improved sleep, mood and energy. They rouse you from sleep gently and naturally with gradually increasing levels of light, rather than jolting you from sleep like a regular alarm clock. This process of steadily brightening light prompts the production of the body's ‘get-up-and-go’ hormone, cortisol, whilst simultaneously suppressing melatonin, the hormone which is conducive to sleep. At the same time, your heart rate and core body temperature gradually rise, emulating the body’s natural physiological response to dawn. By the time you open your eyes, you have that fresh start feeling… energised, alert and ready to take on the day ahead! But the power of light doesn’t end there - when evening arrives, the sunset feature of Lumie sunrise alarm clocks help you to relax and unwind. Fading through the colours of a sunset, they promote your body’s natural sleep response, allowing you to drift off easily into rejuvenating sleep.
Our exposure to light during the day also has a huge impact on our mood and energy - sunlight is a natural mood-booster! When we spend a significant amount of time indoors and in dimly lit environments, our sense of well-being and our energy levels can decline. This is where bright light therapy comes in! Lumie bright light therapy lamps are designed to supplement daylight when it is lacking indoors and when daylight hours are limited, boosting mood, energy and alertness. Bright light therapy sessions fit in seamlessly with your daily activities - simply place the light at arm’s length, angled towards your face and continue with your usual routine. Many people find that bright light therapy sessions are most effective first thing in the morning and some opt to have a top-up session in the early afternoon to overcome the post-lunch slump.
CBD WITH GOODRAYS
Like many others, Goodrays founder Eoin experienced anxiety from a relatively young age. Wanting to explore natural solutions, this is when he found CBD and went on to spend the last decade studying the humble hemp plant and travelling to find the most effective, highest quality ingredients, from sustainable sources. Goodrays now exists to help busy minds find calm and clarity.
So what exactly is CBD? Short for Cannabidiol, CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. It interacts with the human endocannabinoid system, a receptor system believed to play a crucial role in a number of vital processes, to help offer relief from stress, increase mental focus and clarity, offer natural energy, improve sleep and ease physical pain.
One thing to note with CBD, is that consistency is the key to recognising the full benefits. A great way to incorporate it daily, is simply by adding it to your morning routine. Something as simple as a well placed bottle of CBD oil can ensure you won’t skip it in the mornings. Why not try placing Goodrays CBD Zen Drops next to your Lumie wake-up light? This will ensure you receive a daily dose of CBD each morning, and start your day feeling refreshed and balanced.