[COMMUNICATED] When it comes to the workplace, anxiety is no stranger. Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, and many of their symptoms are triggered by the workplace. It’s very likely that millions more suffer from anxiety at work without even realizing that they have it. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, about 80 percent of people report having some anxiety in the workplace. Almost three quarters of those say that it interferes with their daily lives at least moderately.

The WHO also reports that anxiety is the sixth leading cause of disability in the workplace. This is because anxiety can cause severe mental and emotional distress, making it difficult for employees to complete certain tasks. Furthermore, anxiety can manifest itself physically with symptoms like headaches, back and neck pain, gastrointestinal problems, and more.

Some might say that anxiety is an epidemic without a cure. There are ways to manage it, however, and CBD is a popular method for curbing anxiety at work. Here are eight ways it could help yours.

1. Avoid Medication Anxiety

Medication anxiety isn’t super common, but it is a problem for some. They may have fears about taking medication in public, taking medication that tastes gross, or even admitting they need medication at all.

Colorful CBD gummy worms with a sweet and sour sugar coating are some of the best CBD gummies to buy for those with medication anxiety. They look and taste like regular candy, but they pack a powerful punch that makes taking your medicine enjoyable rather than dreaded.

2. Take It Inconspicuously

Some people have anxiety about taking medication at work to handle anxiety. They don’t want others to see they’re taking medication and ask questions about it.

In most forms, CBD is an inconspicuous way to deal with anxiety. If you’re stressing about a work presentation, you can easily chew a CBD gummy about 30 minutes beforehand to feel the effects. Anyone watching will think you’re simply having a quick snack.

3. Target Anxiety Naturally

CBD is a derivative of the hemp plant filled with cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, and other nutrients that seem to deliver relief to the mind and body. The best CBD oil is suspended in MCT or coconut oil and does not contain a ton of processed chemicals, artificial colors, and other additives.

For those with anxiety, extra processed ingredients and additives can actually worsen the condition. You can take CBD oil knowing that you’re targeting your anxiety with all-natural ingredients that won’t aggravate your mental state further.

4. Avoid the High

CBD sold legally online throughout the United States cannot contain more than 0.3 percent THC. This means that when you take CBD, you won’t get high. Many people take CBD while at work to calm their stress, nerves, and anxiety without getting high.

Furthermore, when you’re using isolate or broad-spectrum CBD, it won’t show up on a drug test. So, if your work routinely drug tests, you can enjoy the benefits of CBD without worrying about failing the test.

5. Help You Sleep

Anxiety and sleep form a vicious back-and-forth cycle that never seems to end. Because you’re anxious, you can’t sleep at night. Because you’re tired, you become even more anxious. The two struggles co-exist mercilessly, but CBD might be a good solution.

CBD has been known to help people who struggle with sleep problems to fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer. It’s something to do with the way CBD calms anxiety, relaxes the body, inhibits pain, and potentially boosts melatonin production in the brain.

When you’re well rested, you can go to work more confidently the next day because you’ve slept well, and your anxiety levels are lower.

6. Reduce Cortisol Production

Some research indicates that CBD might actually reduce production of the cortisol hormone. Over productive levels of this hormone can make it very difficult to concentrate and keep reality in perspective.

Cortisol is most commonly associated with feelings of stress and anxiety. It’s designed to produce a fight or flight response in the body, which is great if you’re in real physical danger, but not if you’re simply worried about your next big presentation. In that case, it can seriously inhibit your ability to do your job. Of course, that just builds on your existing anxiety, often ending in you calling in sick—again.

7. Increase Serotonin Production

Most cannabis products are known to boost a person’s mood, and it could be because CBD might boost your serotonin production. Serotonin, or the happy hormone, is the best pill for defeating depression and anxiety. It also helps to keep a person focused and optimistic, benefiting their job performance.

CBD doesn’t get you high, but it does create something known as “the entourage effect.” The increase in serotonin along with a general feeling of wellness and healing just makes you feel good, and it’s hard to be anxious when you’re under this non-mind-altering spell.

8. Breathe in Relief

CBD can help you literally breathe in relief in multiple ways. First of all, if you’re already vaping, you can purchase it in a vape juice. (If you’re new to vaping, it’s best not to try vaping CBD given the risks of vaping.) Using a e-cigarette, you can breathe the CBD directly into your lungs, which offers fast relief for those experiencing high levels of anxiety. It could be very effective at preventing a panic attack in high stress situations.

Furthermore, CBD could be used to enhance meditation. This is one of the best natural remedies for combatting anxiety at the workplace. Eat a CBD gummy and, if you can, find a quiet space where you can meditate for a few minutes.

As you breathe in and out, centering on your body’s physical and emotional needs, the CBD will course through your blood stream, targeting the endocannabinoid system and helping to level off some of your raging hormones. It could make your meditation significantly more successful and maximize your feelings of piece and relief in that moment.

Workplace anxiety doesn’t have to be your downfall. You could push that anxiety aside and enjoy a happier, healthier lifestyle thanks to CBD.