CBD support, when timed to be taken with exercise, may well be the most effective way to alleviate the suffering from anxiety and/or depression.

Both CBD and Exercise are known to have antidepressant, anti-anxiety properties. For many people, using one of these tools can be enough to keep a happy, stress-free state of mind. Always an exciting prospect for me is the combination of elements, such as herbs combined into formulas, that have a synergistic effect (combined effect to be greater than the sum of their individual parts) especially when it comes to anything wellness related. As an athlete and regular CBD/hemp user, I eventually started to notice that I experienced the best quality days, when I timed my consumption of CBD right before, during or after exercising. Then, based on the relationship of exercise and the mechanism of how CBD and other cannabinoids work, it makes perfect sense.

Exercise and “The Runner’s High”

Many athletes and scientists alike attribute “the runner’s high” as the major reason why so many people rely on exercise to manage their emotional states. Endurance athletes, especially those that are comfortable with the discomfort of constantly pushing their limits are very familiar with this high. The high is not just for runners but for athletes of all types that push themselves “into the zone,” what some call “the flow state,” or the “2nd wind.” In terms of brain wave activity, this is associated with Alpha brain waves, similar to the calm flow state that’s experienced in meditation, being in the present moment. This euphoric state is not just a potent antidepressant, but also mitigates chronic pain; significantly minimizing it or eliminating it entirely, at least temporarily.

Anandamide, the “Bliss Molecule”

Ananda means bliss in Sanskrit, and Anandamide is known as the bliss molecule, because as we produce it in large amounts, we feel a sort of calm bliss which can help combat anxiety, depression and even pain. Anandamide is our own personal, endogenous (our bodies produce it) cannabinoid/neurotransmitter, that basically gets us that natural high. Yes, in addition to consuming cannabinoids from hemp, cannabis, and other plants, we produce our own cannabinoids, like anandamide. When we feel that euphoric runner’s high, or just feel good after exercising, dancing, having sex, etc., our bodies produced and circulated a therapeutic dose of anandamide.

Confessions of an Anandamide Junkie (not Adrenaline)

I’ll admit that I’m addicted to exercise (especially mountain biking) as it truly gives me a healthy dose of bliss. Cannabinoid experts have realized that what we used to think was the result of an endorphin or adrenaline high is more a result of anandamide when we’re experiencing that euphoric state. Being an athlete is not a prerequisite to experience the benefits of anandamide, you need only push yourself beyond your comfort zone in some sort of physical exertion. Challenge yourself to run or ride your bike longer and/or faster than before and you’ll definitely get there. Like life in general, the more you get out of your comfort zone the more you gain. Using the power of your mind to embrace the discomfort, and approaching it like a zen master, you’ll really start to gain the benefits of regular doses of the bliss molecule helping you live a happier life. Even if you don’t get to the point of euphoria, you’ll still benefit from the increase in production of anandamide to help you balance daily stressors and keep you well.

Anandamide is Not Just About Bliss

Another notable effect of anandamide is pain relief (as noted before). It helps regulate apoptosis (programmed cell death), so, you can say that exercise, indirectly, has anti-cancer properties. Anandamide also helps produce new nerve cells, so it may be great for people wanting more cognitive support or those with concerns of cognitive decline.

Basics on How CBD works

The main reason that CBD is so effective is that it creates the conditions for anandamide to be more effective. Essentially, anandamide is broken down fairly quickly by an enzyme called FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase). CBD interferes with the FAAH enzyme, so anandamide isn’t broken down as easily and quickly, allowing the levels of anandamide you produce stay much higher for longer, i.e., more bliss.

The Potency of Exercise + CBD

As athletes such as myself have noticed, taking CBD supplements help us push through the "pain cave,” helping us go farther and longer in our sport. Many of us have noticed that it can be truly performance enhancing. Very interestingly, the mood benefits of exercise are even greater/more effective while supplementing with CBD.

If we are producing anandamide at high quantities with exercise, and then allowing it to stick around longer and be more effective with CBD interfering with the breakdown of the “bliss molecule,” we can really leverage the effects of CBD and anandamide, seeing a truly synergistic relationship. More anandamide circulating in us for longer will mean better mood chemistry (as well as more effective anti-inflammatory support, apoptosis support and nerve cell production).

If you only take away one thing, let it be this: regardless of your health history, CBD combined with exercise is a powerful and often overlooked part of any complete wellness program.

Tips to enhance the Anandamide effects:

In addition to supplementing with CBD before exercise (whether your next run, bike ride, yoga practice, etc.).

NOSE Breathe (Nitric Oxide Systemic Enhancement)

Nose breathing (especially when you exercise) allows for much more effective circulation of blood because your body readily produces a chemical called Nitric Oxide (NO). NO is a chemical that causes your blood vessels to dilate more, allowing for better blood circulation. Anandamide can circulate through the body more effectively. Athletes that exclusively nose breathe report an easier ability to get into that flow state, possibly because better circulation means more oxygen, anandamide, etc. to nourish the brain, muscles, organs/glands, etc. and more Alpha brain wave activity. If you want to bump up NO levels significantly, research shows that humming greatly increases Nitric Oxide levels. Hum along to music or just do a comfortable humming breath while exercising in order to really dilate those vessels, enhancing that calming flow state.

Stay on top of Omega 3 Supplementation

Omega 3 fatty acids are part of what makes up the cannabinoids that our bodies produce. Research also shows that higher levels of omega 3 is correlated to stronger receptor sites for cannabinoids. In other words, the better your levels of omega 3’s, the more effective your ability to produce anandamide as well as absorb all cannabinoids, a true synergistic relationship. In addition to fatty fish, other sources of Omega 3 fats are fish oil, DHA, and chia seeds.

*Interestingly Omega 3 fats on their own are also shown to be effective anti-anxiety anti-depressant nutrients. Hmmm…

If you REALLY want to supercharge this synergistic combo to stave off or combat depression and anxiety, combine the two nutrients, Omega-3’s and CBD with a healthy dose of cardio exercise while employing NOSE breathing. Here’s to your health!