By Sarah MacLeod, from Holdfast Healing
As a holistic health coach specializing in cannabis and integrative nutrition, I help individuals incorporate both cannabis, as well as other positive lifestyle changes, into their daily health and wellness routines. This includes all aspects of healthy living, such as diet and physical activity, but also incorporates other aspects of our lives like our relationships, our home environment, and the self-care strategies we can implement to feel our very best.
By approaching cannabis use mindfully, we can take full advantage of the medicinal and therapeutic benefits of this amazing plant. There are so many products on the market that it’s often difficult to know where to begin. I am so happy to have found a wonderful variety and selection to suit my needs at Alternative Compassion Services.
As a medical patient (in addition to being a cannabis coach), it is important to me that I have options to explore as I address my symptoms. It is also a priority that whatever medicine I’m using is of the very best quality. ACS has certainly given me that peace of mind and I’ve found ways to use many of their products throughout my day.
Morning Routine
In the morning, I try to take some time to ease into my day. Usually, I’ll pour myself a cup of coffee and spend some time doing light yoga stretches or journaling while my dogs lazily lounge around the living room. I love smoking Atonic CBD #4 (Cannatonic x Good Medicine) in the morning because of it both uplifts as well as relaxes. This strain is excellent for pain, muscle spasms, migraines, and anxiety (something I struggle with). The Atonic CBD #4 allows me to approach my day with clarity and comfort.
Post-Workout Recovery
After hitting the gym or spending time in a group exercise class, I enjoy using the Medicated THC Balm on my muscles and aching joints. Since being diagnosed with both Lyme disease and neuropathy in 2011, I have taken extra care and consideration during the post-workout phase of exercise. I love that in addition to being so helpful topically, the aromas from the THC balm ingredients really help to revitalize and rejuvenate. I love the smell of the sweet almond oil combined with mint, clove, and cassia. Definitely one of my most loved ACS products!
Midday Check-In
Whether I’m able to incorporate a true lunch break into my workday or not, I try to have a midday check-in with myself where I connect with my body + mind and see if there’s anything I can do set myself up for a successful afternoon. Usually, I’ll check my blood sugar (I have type 1 diabetes) and oftentimes will take a few hits from my Relief Vape Cartridge or dropper (or two) of the MCT THC Tincture. I am grateful to be able to access these products that help get me through my day.
Afternoon Activities
Whether I’m teaching a yoga class, leading a support group meeting, or finding other ways to keep myself busy, it is important to me that I remain focused during the time I spend outside of my 9-5 day job. If I know I’m teaching and want to remain grounded/connected, I might choose
to smoke a .5 gram Frank’s Gift x Purple Punch pre-roll since it has a 1:1 THC to CBD ratio. This combination is also great because it contains the cannabinoid THCa — which is excellent for reducing nausea and inflammation associated with arthritis (two chronic issues I face daily).
Evening Wind Down
After the day is done and dinner for both myself and the dogs have been taken care of, it is finally time to relax and unwind. One of my absolute favorite strains from ACS is Mendo Breath (Mendo Montage x OG Kush Breath) and I love the ability it has to take away some of the chronic pain and discomfort I feel, especially after a long, busy day. Plus, Mendo Breath smells AMAZING! I love its sweet vanilla/earthy vibes — perfect for bedtime. Another go-to strain of mine for the evening is Purple Chemdawg (Granddaddy Purple x Chemdawg #4) which delivers a smooth, yet powerfully relaxing high relieving my symptoms of pain, stress, and anxiety. Before I slide into the sheets, I take a dropper (or two) or the MCT THC Tincture and let it’s healing benefits (especially the CBN) carry me into a deep, restful slumber so I can rise the next day alert, enthusiastic and ready to take on whatever comes my way.
About Sarah
Sarah MacLeod is a holistic health coach and yoga teacher who has lived with type 1 diabetes since 2005. She feels passionate about empowering those who live with diabetes and diabetes-related complications, helping others to explore their own journey towards holistic health and their highest self. Sarah is the founder of Grace & Growth, a platform which places an emphasis on spiritual wellness and mental health for women living with diabetes. A graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Sarah is an integrative cannabis coach who works 1:1 with clients through her wellness business Holdfast Healing. You can find her on Instagram @plutonianpancreas & @holdfasthealing