Feeling Stressed? Take a Toke & Reassess

Feeling Stressed? Take a Toke & Reassess -

Willow N. Groskreutz

Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves?

It might be because the same thing that destroys us keeps us going.

Anxiety is crippling. I can't tell you how many times it's had me crying in my closet and deterred me from leaving the house. But my anxiety is also what gets me back up again. I didn't recognize this paradox until I spoke with Debbi Spranza.

Debbi is a professional talent development coach in Denver, Colorado. Previously the Chief Learning Officer at Rocky Mountain Cannabis Consulting, Debbi Spranza LLC now guides businesses, organizations, and individuals in growing their skills and training strategies.

When Debbi and I worked together, we talked about channeling high-functioning anxiety into momentum for our goals – and how cannabis can keep us from going over the deep end.

Find Where Anxiety Parallels Fear

Where does anxiety come from?

I believe it stems from our deepest insecurities and the things we can't control. It's the fear that we're not good enough or missing out on something. It's the fear of dying or not living life to its fullest. You know, all that fun stuff.

Yet that same fear stops us from attaining what we desire. It manifests as being too nervous about speaking up or asking for what we deserve. I'm afraid to put myself out there, yet I'm terrified that I'll never become an influential writer. My anxiety unfolds as paralyzing perfectionism.

To turn anxiety into a tool, first identify what frightens you. Transformation of any kind requires an understanding of the source.

Debbi warns us that "too much introspection and focusing on anxiety without challenging it isn't good."

Take note, fellow introverts. Identify your fear, but don't get lost in your head.

Challenge Yourself, Toes First

Change is always uncomfortable. But the adrenaline it produces can give us that extra ounce of courage to push through.

Anxiety can help us meet a deadline, talk to someone, or leave the house because it might eat us alive from the inside out if we don't. Similarly, the fear of failure can push us to plan and prepare, thereby increasing our chance of success.

"When anxiety causes us to go down rabbit holes, our mind uses that to make plans for other possible scenarios," Debbi said. "Applying those plans to business and relationships can have better outcomes."

Anxiety was an opposing force in Debbi's life until she read a book about turning her weaknesses into strengths. She dreaded public speaking and giving presentations. So, when she asked her boss for a raise years ago, she wrote a script that considered all possible questions and angles. It only sounded confident and thoughtful because she rehearsed it all night (she got the raise, by the way).

Diligently crafting game plans is what Debbi does for a living now. Challenging herself in business also helped her loosen up her social life.

"I'd make a goal for myself to talk to three new people," she said.

Just three. You don't have to dive into what makes you uncomfortable. I'm not out here dominating conversations, but I've made a point to speak up whenever I feel my heart start beating fast.

"Learn what your boundaries are, carefully," Debbi suggested. "And test your limits."

All this socializing – I mean, growth – is exhausting. Fortunately, we have a special herb to replenish ourselves.

Cannabis to Grow into Your Higher Self

Our favorite flower's purpose is to maintain balance. No wonder anxiety relief is one of its most touted benefits.

If used correctly (with intention and respect), cannabis can help us become better versions of ourselves. It can summon the courage to identify and confront our fears. Or walk the fine line between productive thinking and overthinking.

Sometimes you may need cannabis to cope, and that's ok.

"Cannabis made me more comfortable going into social settings where I was anxious beforehand," Debbi said. "If I said something awkward, I could just blame it on being stoned. That type of stigma is a comfy blanket in social settings."

Cannabis is also there to ground us back into the present after stressful events and connect with ourselves and loved ones on a deeper level.

"Cannabis made me a better parent because I was using it to relax and unwind," Debbi said, sharing how she would take a much-anticipated bong rip after coming home from draining business trips.

Personally, it helps me calm down when panic gets the best of me. Take a few deep breaths. Shake off the part of me that is too stubborn and scared to get back up. Journal my feelings with a renewed perspective that is proactive and not pitiful.

Nothing kills creativity more than stress. Cannabis gives me permission to go easier on myself.

"When we're self-aware, this is the type of medicine and state of being that recognizes anxiety and can let it go," Debbi said.

Debbi in her garden.

Bridge the Gap to Resiliency

Of course, cannabis isn't the only tool we have. There are breathing techniques, meditation, or exercise. The best one is whatever works for you. Debbi debriefs in her flower and vegetable garden before a high-adrenaline scenario and to ground herself afterward.

"All the plants, flowers, and other little people like ants and bees do so much to relieve my anxiety," she said.

I think as potheads, we can all relate. There's a whole world continually unfolding around us. When we notice the bigger picture, our problems seem so insignificant.

Here's to keeping them that way.

Meet Willow

Willow N. Groskreutz (aka Willow Noelle) is a writer and artist fascinated with counterculture, wellness, and transformation. Her background is in language and literature. Since 2020, Words by Willow has helped cannabis businesses tell their story by providing freelance content and copywriting services. Willow lives in Charlotte and is actively involved in the North Carolina hemp scene.

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