Can cannabis help manage job burnout?

Does your eight-hour workday feel like 40? Are you dragging yourself out of bed every morning just to get to work, whether you commute or telecommute? When your day is over, are you so tired you can barely move? Then you may be experiencing burnout.

Burnout can affect you both emotionally and physically and lead to exhaustion, lack of interest and the feeling you can’t be productive. Its negative effects may spill over into every part of your daily life. If left untreated, burnout can result in long-term serious medical conditions such as an increased likelihood for heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, respiratory issues and depression.

Between the pandemic, increased health concerns, job loss, and the other stresses that life throws, many are looking for ways to protect their mental health and wellness.

Since this is a cannabis publication, the natural question is “Can cannabis help?”

With all the research on cannabis, many are still at odds on the benefits of using one or both of the natural compounds CBD (cannabidiol) or THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) to aid mental health. Although both are derived from the same plant – cannabis sativa – CBD is a non-psychoactive, so you don’t get the high that you would from THC.

What is promising is that many researchers have found that cannabinoids, specifically CBD, and terpenes (natural aromatics) can combine to reduce certain triggers.

So how does this actually help with burnout?

When your body is in a state of anxiety or stress due to burnout, your body can over-produce hormones like cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone. By introducing CBD into your system, you may be able to help bring your levels back into balance.

CBD may help:

• Regulate appetite

• Promote better sleep

• Reduce anxiety and discomfort

• Improve focus

• Boost mood

• Lower blood pressure

• Reduce pain and inflammation

There are many ways to use CBD, including vaping, capsules, oils, edibles and beverages and topical creams. It’s also non-addictive and can be hemp-based with less than 0.3% THC, so it is legal in all 50 states.

Just keep in mind that cannabis affects everyone differently and the benefits and risk of using any substances for burnout depend a lot on the person and the situation. Talk to a physician about CBD and other ways to mitigate stress.

The bottom line, there is no catch-all cure for burnout, but you can learn to find ways to manage it successfully.