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Parents and teachers first introduced most of us to the concept of working from home as children. You probably have memories of struggling through weekly chores or homework assignments, daydreaming about all the fun you’d have once you ticked all the necessary boxes. Depending on your personality, there may have even been tantrums involved! While classrooms and offices have set rules, the comforts and dramas of domestic life can easily distract us from our broader targets.

Working productively from home is not for the faint-hearted - whether you’re an at-home professional, or you’ve sampled the joys of homeschooling your children. Could hemp-sourced CBD oil be your new personal assistant? What is CBD? In this article, we’ll explore how this holistic substance might just impact your wellness, and possibly even help you feel ready to take on the world. First, let’s look at some of the changing work patterns that increasingly characterise modern life in the West.

Current Work From Home Trends

Given the global developments we’ve faced since 2020, it’s no surprise that working from home is rapidly becoming the new status quo. However, setting up an office in your spare room isn’t just a security measure. It’s also a popular lifestyle choice - especially if you’re an entrepreneur. According to the UK Office for National Statistics(ONS), up to 30% of British professionals experimented with working from home in 2019. Initially, these trends were most evident in fields of communication, technology, and finance. Nowadays, the national work from home percentage has risen to 46.6% (almost half of the workforce!) The figures are even higher among people living in larger cities, such as London. Added to this, roughly one-third of professionals claim that their workloads have increased since making the switch. This expansion is fantastic news when payday comes. However, it’s important to remember that being busy doesn’t always mean that we’re being productive.

Busy-ness vs Productivity

In her article for Forbes, wellness-oriented career coach Jennifer Cohen suggests that today’s hard-workers may owe it to themselves to be less busy and more productive. ‘Busy’ people often lack strategy as they juggle an ever-growing list of tasks and activities. Often, they tend to overcomplicate things - making the job more time-consuming and complicated than it needs to be. Have you ever heard the expression “running around like a headless chicken”? It’s not pretty, but it communicates the point.

So, what is productivity? It’s about working efficiently, setting key priorities, and moving forward with as little fuss as possible. ‘Productive’ people want to get the most out of their time, energy, and talents. As a result, they work in a focussed and goal-oriented way - often getting more done by the end of the day than their ‘busy’ counterparts. Sometimes, they may even appear to be ‘lazy’ by comparison, but this is far from true. It takes work to be productive and avoid unnecessary frustrations, but it can often reap great rewards. If you’d like to see more evidence of progress, and feel a greater sense of achievement in your day-to-day life, keep reading!

The Benefits of Work From Home Jobs

Did you know that over 12,000 people per month ask internet search engines about ‘how to make money at home’? That’s just in Britain alone! If you had a pound, dollar, or euro for every time someone submitted this query globally, you’d be a millionaire. It goes without saying that you’re in a position that many would love to occupy if you’re currently working from home. However, it’s easy to forget this as emails pour into your inbox, messages stream onto your phone, and you realise you’re not even out of bed yet. If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to establish a comfortable work/life balance, you’re not alone. Before we unravel some of the drawbacks of working from home, let’s appreciate the positive aspects.

Some of the highlights of working from home may include:

• Avoiding the hassle of daily commutes
• Making use of all your home conveniences
• Potentially saving money due to reduced expenses
• Feeling less pressure to ‘dress for success’

While some at-home professionals choose to wear and suit and tie every day, others may be comfortable working in a hoody - or even pyjamas! Regardless of how we present ourselves, remote jobs might help us to focus less on appearance and more on productivity. As good as this perspective sounds, it’s easier said than done.

The Struggles of Remote Jobs: Stresses, Aches, and More

According to experts at the Institute for Employment Studies(IES), many people have flagged a wide variety of well-being concerns connected with their work-from-home lifestyles. Chances are, you’re probably all too familiar with the common discomforts and distractions that can prevent you from hitting your targets. Interestingly, these issues can persist whether you’re in the home office of your dreams, or a cramped bedroom.

Recent IES surveys have made the following critical suggestions about people in remote jobs:

1. They may be over 50% more likely to develop back pain and sore necks.
2. They may be more at risk of making poor diet and exercise choices.
3. Up to half may feel that their mental well-being is suffering.
4. Over 60% might struggle with symptoms of worry and insomnia.

It’s easy to see how these challenges might affect your attitude, efficiency, and work satisfaction levels. Even if you choose to put on a brave face and power through, you’re probably not doing yourself any favours in the long-run. Or worse, you might be limiting your full potential. Working from home requires a lot of adapting, but it’s also a priceless opportunity to incorporate moments of self-care into your day. Better still, natural wellness supplements such as CBD might potentially be a source of comfort and productivity.

CBD: Let’s Cut to the Chase

Is CBD an ideal candidate when it comes to raising the bar and developing your workstyle? What exactly is CBD, anyway? We’ll explore the answers to these questions (and many more) in the remainder of this article. For now, let’s start with the basics.

The ABCs of CBD

CBD stands for cannabidiol - a distinctive compound (or cannabinoid) with a wide range of potential well-being benefits. CBD is one of over a hundred unique compounds present in cannabis plants. It’s found most abundantly in the hemp subspecies of cannabis Sativa, an industrial crop that manufacturers favour due to its versatile properties. We’ll talk more about this shortly.

When lab specialists extract CBD from hemp leaves and flowers, it emerges as an amber-tinted and oily substance with a natural medley of plant chemicals. These often include terpenes (aromatic plant molecules), flavonoids, and other cannabinoids. Sometimes, it contains trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) - a notorious cannabis compound that can produce intoxicating effects when consumed in excess. Manufacturers often distil and develop CBD into premium products that are non-psychoactive and relatively safe. CBD oil (a mixture of CBD extract and carrier oil) is technically categorised as a food supplement.

An increasing variety of other products are available too, including:

• CBD vape oils
• CBD edibles (such as gummies and CBD-infused mints)
• CBD topicals (such as creams, lotions, and serums)

CBD and The Law

Is CBD legal? This is a perfectly reasonable question to ask, especially given that most workplaces rightfully frown upon the use of recreational cannabis. The short answer is: CBD is legal in the UK, USA, and throughout most of Europe. In many cases, you don’t have to use it behind closed doors. However, it’s vital to review the rules where you live before assuming you’re in the clear.

For example, the British government tolerates CBD as long as it comes from licenced low-THC crops and contains less than 0.2% THC per product. Within these conditions, adults are free to experiment with hemp’s impressive plant potential without the risk of becoming intoxicated. Unfortunately, scientists from Fera Sciencerecently suggested that some of the CBD products on the British high street are illegal and potentially dangerous. As a result, it’s always best to choose a reputable brand with a strong résumé - including an official Certificate of Analysis (COA). This way, you’ll get more ‘bang for your buck’.

Does CBD Work?

Currently, the CBD industry is a hive of productivity - representing forward-thinking, innovative technology, and a massive shift in attitudes towards cannabis plants. CBD is in great demand, but why do people take it? Let’s take a moment to consider some general audience feedback and fact-based evidence.

Through the Grapevine

Most likely, you’ve already encountered some subjective CBD reviews. Perhaps you’ve even heard a wellness-conscious family member or colleague referring to CBD oil as their ‘secret weapon’ or ‘life hack’. However optimistic these claims may seem, it’s essential to separate the rumours from reality. While CBD is not a “treatment” or “cure”, many users have experimented with it and shared anecdotal success stories. Rather than being motivated by trends, some people approach CBD as an opportunity to influence some common and inconvenient wellness symptoms. These struggles may include symptoms of headaches, tension, aches, and pains.

Under the Microscope

So far, the evidence we have regarding CBD and its possible performance is too limited to draw any definite conclusions. Scientists have been intrigued by cannabis compounds since Roger Adam’s trailblazing research in the 1940s, but there remains a great deal to be explored. Thankfully, the CBD research pool is constantly expanding, and current studies reflect some potentially promising properties.

Emerging evidence indicates that some possible CBD oil benefits might include:

• Impacting some symptoms of muscular and skeletal pain
• Improving the quality of your sleep and some insomnia symptoms
• Affecting some signs of stress, anxiety, and mood disorders
• Reducing some symptoms of inflammation

At a glance, you’ll notice that these potential benefits may tie-in with some of the everyday struggles of remote jobs that we reviewed earlier. Can CBD help to keep you on your toes as you tackle your at-home workload? Let’s find out!

A Case for CBD and Productivity

According to a recent employment poll, up to 65% of people working from home may feel their productivity levels have either stayed average or declined. As we’ve learned, productivity is when you consistently exercise control over your workload instead of letting things go off the rails. CBD might impact some of the discomforts that come from a typical work-from-home lifestyle, but can it help you be more productive?

Before we weigh up some potential advantages of adding CBD to your work routine, it’s helpful to keep in mind some common obstacles. According to Psychology Today, issues such as anxiety, poor focus, a lack of sleep, and “Zoomfatigue” can limit the potential productivity of your day. Habits often require determination to change, and the small decisions we make each day will always catch up with us. If you tend to procrastinate, CBD isn’t your golden ticket to a more productive life. However, you may find this substance helpful within a broader strategy to “work smarter, not harder”.

Keep Calm With CBD For Anxiety Symptoms

When people spend their working hours in official company buildings, the physical distance between home and the office can reinforce healthy barriers between professional life and personal life. If you’re working from home, your kitchen table can transform into a virtual boardroom in the blink of an eye. However, burning the candle at both ends while working from home can cause you to feel anxious, flustered, and worried. Let’s not forget the stress that can come with job seeking, in periods when your full-time job is writing cover letters and sending out applications.

Some users anecdotally claim that the process of CBD vaping helps them to relax, because it incorporates slow and controlled breathing. The inhalation method allows people to absorb CBD extract reasonably directly, and you may perceive potential effects in as little as ten minutes. As researchers weigh up the possibilities associated with using CBD for anxiety symptoms, experts have identified several potentially ‘calming’ benefits.

Studies suggest that these properties might possibly reduce some behavioural symptoms of stress, decrease some common signs of anxiety, and impact your self-perceived well-being. CBD may offer therapeutic possibilities in the future, though this is yet to be confirmed.

CBD For Focus, Memory, and Thinking Outside of the Box

Often, working from home puts our inner resources and talents to the test. Unlike a traditional office environment, remote work places more of a spotlight on your individual performance. If you work at a hot-desk, you might have to sign-in to online employee monitoring systems and communications networks that review your activity throughout the day. Most likely, you’ll want to remain focussed and resist distractions - especially if your progress is being tracked! These measures may cramp your style, but they can also serve as an excellent motivator. Conditions like this could also be a perfect chance to show off your full potential.

Current reports suggest that CBD might offer some possible cognitive benefits that may influence your thinking and reasoning skills. While most of these research findings come from animal studies, they’re certainly worth keeping in mind.

So far, preliminary evidence suggests that CBD use may potentially result in:

• Impacting some symptoms of brain inflammation
• Possible neuroprotective effects that may influence natural cell repair processes
• Possible interactions with your functional memory, focus, and learning

“Zoom  Fatigue” and CBD

As you might suspect, “Zoomfatigue” isn’t a technical diagnosis. However, it is an increasingly common issue that affects the modern at-home workforce. A hectic week of e-meetings may leave us feeling more like robots than people - especially if our jobs involve online consultations and video calls. While digital platforms are convenient, virtual gatherings often require our communication to be more intense and exaggerated than usual. Furthermore, signal issues can set in at any moment - leading to a wide variety of potentially awkward moments.

If you find yourself feeling drained, stressed, and tired after online meetings, CBD might just help you to unwind. Emerging research suggests that consuming CBD may potentially help symptoms of “Zoomfatigue” by reducing some symptoms of sore eyes and stress.

Can CBD Impact Your Stiff Muscles and Tension Headaches?

While working from your computer can broaden your digital horizons, spending too much time hunched over your laptop each day can be detrimental to your well-being. Sitting in a tense position for prolonged periods may place abnormal pressure on sensitive parts of your skeleton, possibly contributing to bone aches. Similarly, poor posture may cause muscle contractions and cramps, which can manifest in various uncomfortable symptoms. Have you ever had a headache or sore back that forced you to abandon your tasks and lie down? It’s a terrible feeling - especially when you’ve got lots of work to do.

Alongside practising good posture and physical exercise, CBD might possibly be a natural way to show your hard-working body some care. At a molecular level, it may potentially have an impact on how our bodies interpret pain signals via the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Research also indicates that there may be some possible advantages to using CBD for symptoms of muscle and joint inflammation.

Some potential benefits of using products, such as CBD lotions, may include:

• Non-intrusive consumption - as topical products are applied directly to your skin
• Possibly impacting the  performance and comfort of your skeletal muscles
• Influencing some inflammation symptoms connected with stiff necks, backs, etc.

Can CBD Put Symptoms of Insomnia to Rest?

Sleeping on the job rarely boosts productivity, but most commentators agree that a good night’s rest is worth its weight in gold. While you may have heard some famous entrepreneurs promoting 22-hour ‘work’ days or waking up at 4.00 am, research shows that we should be very cautious about sacrificing our sleep. Public health authorities such as the National Health Servicegenerally recommend that we aim to get between seven and eight hours of rest each night. According to psychotherapist Lin Anderson, better sleep equals more productivity!

Studies suggest that missing just one night of sleep may produce cognitive effects similar to being intoxicated. No wonder it’s so challenging to get work done when you’re over-tired. CBD might potentially be a helpful supplement to consider - whether you’re battling with insomnia symptoms, or simply being kept awake with thoughts from the day.

Some researchers exploring the topic of ‘CBD for sleep’ suggest that it may possibly offer:

1. Self-perceived improvements in the duration and quality of your sleep
2. Reduced symptoms of insomnia (particularly as it may relate to stress)

As we’ve reviewed, CBD is a single plant compound that has taken the wellness world by storm, and may potentially perform many different ‘jobs’. From this perspective, we could say it’s the ultimate example of modern productivity. Now that we’ve appreciated some of the possibilities and potential benefits of CBD, let’s quickly run through some other practical everyday habits.

Six Productivity Tips For Working At Home

To help get the ball rolling, we’ve summarised six helpful productivity tips that may be worth experimenting with alongside your CBD journey.

Tip #1: Maintain a Comfortable Workspace

Have you ever heard of the saying: “out of sight, out of mind”? Well, the opposite is also true. It’s definitely worth setting up a clutter-free home office or improvised workspace to save yourself from the torture of unnecessary distractions. You might even want to use an aromatherapy diffuser or play some inspiring music to really get you in the mood to work.

Tip #2: Set a Consistent Daily Routine

Waking up at the same time every workday (yes, even when you’re working in your pyjamas) can help you to build a familiar routine and set a steady working pace. This may seem obvious, but it’s worth paying attention to what you’re doing every day, and when.

Tip #3: Take Regular and Strategic Breaks

Contrary to popular productivity beliefs, breaks are essential. Creating small and frequent intervals throughout your day may help to boost your productivity and prevent mental exhaustion. If you’re running low on ideas, why not take a quick walk, unwind with some CBD vaping oil, or put the kettle on?

Tip #4: Break Down Intimidating Tasks Into Bite-Sized Portions

While you may be tempted to sit at a desk with your head in your hands, there might be another way to tackle complex problems. Why not try using a visual mapping technique or spider diagram to break up large jobs into smaller ones? This way, you’re less likely to be intimidated by big jobs, and might even find yourself finishing important tasks faster than you initially thought possible.

Tip #5: Plan a Simple Reward for the End of Each Day

Sometimes, it’s easier to get the job done when you’ve got a delicious treat to look forward to later. Your ‘reward’ can be as simple as a chocolate bar, late-night movie, or your favourite meal - anything to help keep your spirits up as you work.

Tip #6: Invest in a Healthy Lifestyle

Our diets and exercise patterns all have a significant impact on our overall well-being, so it’s crucial to be proactive here. You may wish to do some meal planning, keep a water bottle handy, and incorporate supplements such as CBD into your morning or evening routine.

The Bottom Line

While working from home is a blessing in many ways, it can also have some drawbacks. In this article, we’ve learned that many remote workers experience physical discomforts (such as sore necks and a lack of sleep) and mental well-being challenges (including stress and anxiety). Alongside these worries, some people struggle to boost their productivity and are conscious that their performance may be inconsistent. As a popular wellness supplement, CBD might just be the plant-sourced supplement we’ve all been waiting for. It may potentially help to reduce some of the uncomfortable symptoms that can interfere with a productive workday, such as symptoms of anxiety and pain. Combined with this, CBD may also have a possible impact on our concentration levels, as well as our thinking and reasoning processes.

Now that you know about CBD and productivity, why not graduate to our additional Amphoraarticle: Working Smarter?