Let’s be honest: most of us have trouble focusing on one task for more than a few minutes at a time.
Recent studies show that most people check their phones at least 58 times per day, and about half of these checks occur during work hours. The average attention span is plummeting, with most of us experiencing increased distractions on the internet, via social media, and in our everyday environments.
When it comes time to buckle down for work or school, many people are looking for natural ways to boost focus and feel more productive. This brings us to our blog post topic: using CBD for focus and concentration.
Among the growing array of solutions, CBD (cannabidiol) has emerged as a promising option. While definitive scientific conclusions are still pending, preliminary evidence suggests CBD may indirectly influence focus by addressing many underlying factors like stress, sleep disturbances, and pain.
In this blog post, we’re diving deeper into the science behind CBD’s ability to potentially help maintain focus and improve mental clarity.
How CBD Works in the Endocannabinoid System
CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis or hemp plant. Unlike its more famous cousin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it doesn’t produce the “high” or psychoactive effects associated with marijuana.
Instead, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell-signaling network in the body responsible for maintaining balance across various physiological processes, including mood, sleep, pain perception, and cognition.
The ECS comprises receptors (CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids (naturally occurring compounds in the body), and enzymes that break them down. CBD is thought to influence the ECS indirectly by preventing the breakdown of endocannabinoids and interacting with other receptors, such as serotonin and TRPV1, which are linked to mood and stress regulation.
TLDNR: CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which explains why it can potentially address various issues that impact our focus abilities and overall health.
Barriers to Focus and Ways CBD Oil Might Help
Concentration is a delicate balance of mental and physical factors. When something disrupts that balance, staying focused becomes difficult.
Unfortunately, this means it can be rather challenging to determine precisely which factor is causing your focus problems. Let’s explore the common barriers to focus and concentration, as well as CBD oil’s potential benefits to promote balance in the mind and body.
1. Stress and Anxiety: The Silent Concentration Killers
It’s no secret that both of these are major obstacles to focus. Whether you’re worried about a looming deadline or overwhelmed by workplace distractions, stress can scatter your thoughts, making it nearly impossible to concentrate.
As of August 2024, Statista reported that 31% of adults surveyed worldwide thought stress was the biggest health problem in their country. Additionally, about 284 million people globally suffer from anxiety disorders.
With stress and anxiety as such prevalent concerns in modern society, we cannot truly separate them from issues with attention and concentration.
However, CBD research suggests potentially beneficial results. For example, a large case series published in 2019 in The Permanente Journal found that CBD may significantly reduce anxiety in patients over one month. CBD’s potential anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects are believed to stem from its interaction with serotonin receptors, which play a key role in regulating mood.
By calming the mind, CBD could help you create the mental space needed for sustained focus. When we feel more relaxed and at ease, we’re better able to concentrate on the task at hand for longer periods.
2. Sleep Deprivation: Fueling Brain Fog
We all know it’s challenging to focus when you’re exhausted, and the connection between sleep and focus is well-established. A lack of restorative sleep leads to fatigue, reduced cognitive performance, mood regulation problems, and difficulty staying on task.
Nowadays, it’s estimated that about a third (32.8%) of adults globally do not get enough sleep. That means many of us are operating with subpar energy levels and brain fog.
Because sleep issues are such a big concern, millions of people try sleep aids such as CBD oil. According to the Sleep Foundation, it’s possible that CBD may help alleviate anxiety, associated with insomnia, helping people to drift off easier at night.
Additionally, Harvard Healthreports that studies indicate CBD may help people fall asleep and stay asleep, promoting more restful slumber.
CBD’s potential role in improving quality sleep could indirectly support better focus. With better rest, your brain has the energy it needs to tackle complex tasks and maintain attention throughout the day.
3. Pain and Inflammation: Physical Discomfort as a Distraction
It’s a battle to focus when you’re uncomfortable. Whether it’s a persistent headache or muscle aches from an old injury, you often need to deal with pain before you can steadily focus on work or critical tasks.
This year, Harvard Health reported that research on CBD oil’s efficacy in chronic pain management is still in its early stages, but the findings are promising. Many studies offer hope that CBD use may help reduce pain and improve the quality of life for individuals with chronic pain conditions.
Whether you’re using CBD capsules or CBD topicals, it’s possible that CBD could help manage pain symptoms, thus freeing up mental energy to concentrate on other things and boost focus.
4. Overstimulation and Mental Clarity
As Medical News Today states, everyone experiences sensory overload at some point in their lives. In a world filled with constant notifications and endless to-do lists, an overstimulated mind is becoming even more common.
Many people turn to meditation or mindfulness practices to declutter their thoughts, and CBD for focus may complement these efforts.
Emerging evidence suggests CBD has neuroprotective properties, helping reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. A 2019 systematic review from the Physicians Lab indicates that CBD may even assist the body in maintaining homeostasis ー our body’s balance of hormones, immune functions, metabolism, sleep, and stress responses
These effects may help maintain mental clarity and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed, paving the way for better focus daily or as needed.
Does Science Say CBD Is Good for Focus?
While the potential is promising, research on CBD’s direct impact on improved focus is still ongoing. As we just mentioned, most research points to how CBD impacts other elements of our wellness that are highly correlated with focus and concentration.
However, one interesting area of study is CBD’s effect on brain activity. A 2020 study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology reported that CBD may increase blood flow to key regions of the brain involved in memory processing.
While not conclusive, findings like these highlight CBD’s potentially positive effect on cognitive performance, working memory, and human brain function.
Of course, we must also note that CBD products affect individuals differently. Factors like dosage, delivery method, and personal biology play a role in determining how effective CBD might be for improving focus in everyday life.
Incorporating CBD Oil into Your Routine
If you’re considering trying CBD for focus improvement, you might be wondering how to start. Here are some tips for finding the right dosage and observing how CBD impacts cognitive function.
1) Start Small
Begin with a low dose and gradually increase until you find the amount that works for you. This allows your body to adjust and helps you gauge its effects.
If you have questions about how much CBD oil to use, we recommend speaking to a healthcare professional before beginning ー especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.
2) Choose the Best CBD Product
Different CBD products, such as tinctures, capsules, or gummies, have varying absorption rates. Sublingual oils are fast-acting, while capsules and edibles offer a slower, more sustained effect.
Take your time exploring your options to find the CBD product most suited to your lifestyle and preferences.
3) Time Your Doses
If you’re taking CBD products to support focus, timing is crucial. We generally recommend taking CBD before moments of peak stress or when you know you’ll face distractions. Remember that depending on the type of product you use, it could take an hour or two to feel the effects.
4) Combine with Healthy Habits
CBD is not a standalone solution for any concern, physically or mentally. Remember that pairing it with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mindfulness techniques is the best way to amplify its potential effects on focus.
The Future of CBD Oil for Brain Health and Cognitive Function
As interest in CBD products grows, so does the research. Scientists are beginning to explore its potential for improving cognitive functions like memory, learning, and focus. While current evidence is promising, more large-scale clinical trials are needed to fully understand its effects.
In the meantime, CBD products represent a natural option for those looking to address the root causes of focus and cognitive function issues, such as stress, poor sleep quality, low energy levels, and pain.
Explore High-Quality CBD for Focusing at Arktis Naturals
At Arktis Naturals, we believe in the power of nature to support well-being. Our premium CBD products are carefully crafted to deliver purity and efficacy, helping you unlock your full potential while supporting your physical and mental health.
Whether you’re interested in our CBD focus capsules or muscle and joint balm, we’re here to guide you on this journey. Reach out to us if you have questions about our CBD products or ingredients.
