#endocannabinoid system explained

Mental health is a very complex topic, with hundreds of factors that can influence the extent to which someone feels good in their own skin. Furthermore, with the rise of social media and the reduction in human to human contact, the ever-evolving environment consistently adds new challenges to deal with. However, psychologists have developed a very helpful model that BROWN’S CBD UK thought would be worth sharing in these difficult times.

Abraham Maslow is a renowned psychologist who focuses heavily on the strong link between human motivation and psychological wellbeing.

His most famous work   A Theory Of Human Motivation includes the ‘Hierarchy of Needs’ pictured below. Maslow theorized that each level of the pyramid must be satisfied before the next level can motivate us. And that the more of these levels satisfied in one’s life would lead to heightened mental health.

Level one consists of the most basic needs such as food, water, warmth & rest. These seem fairly obvious, but many of us are simply not eating healthily or getting enough sleep. If this is you, then adopting a healthy diet or doing exercise in the day so that you sleep well could help satisfy this most basic level of needs.

Level 2 includes another layer of fairly basic needs such as security and safety. For most of us, this would relate directly to financial security and the safety of ourselves and our loved ones. It is safe to say that this level of the pyramid has crumbled for many people and businesses during the current pandemic. Obtaining financial security can be difficult for some, but if you can find a way to reduce financial worry your mental health will surely improve.

The third level enters the realm of psychological needs which includes intimate relationships such as friends and family. Those who are lucky enough to have a large network of family and friends will have a sense of belonging that will bring significant mental health benefits. Whether you feel lonely or not, finding more like-minded people to talk or spend time with is likely to help. As being part of a tribe has been an essential need throughout history.

Level 4 relates to esteem needs such as the feelings of prestige and accomplishment. Many people fulfill this need through achievements in the workplace or the feeling of pride that comes from parenting. But for those who are stuck in a job that does not offer a sense of achievement, this need could be satisfied by taking up a new hobby or learning a new skill.

The tip of the pyramid, the 5th level, is self-actualization. Self actualization occurs when all of the previous basic needs have been satisfied. In theory, this would mean excellent mental health!

If you are struggling with mental health and wanting to make positive change, cross-referencing your life and this pyramid could be very useful. While much of it can be an ‘easier said than done’ situation, it is a great reference for anyone looking to improve their mental health.

 Wellbeing Maintenance

 Wellbeing can strongly relate to physiological processes in the body. So while the hierarchy of needs can help to some extent, everyone is different and some may find that additional supplements can have a positive impact on wellbeing.

While the exact science has not yet been set in stone, CBD UK can have a significant impact on overall wellbeing. Cannabinoids found in the hemp plant can have a calming effect which helps people settle the mind and relax. Leading scientists also believe that supplementing with cannabinoids can promote homeostasis in the body, which is the optimal functioning of all internal systems. For more information about this, check out the following article – The Endocannabinoid System Explained.

In these difficult times, we need all the help we can get to ensure our wellbeing is optimal, so we hope this article is useful. If you are interested in checking out our products, click the button below.