How to Achieve a Less Lazy High

We’re all familiar with the stereotype of the lazy couch potato stoner, but is there actually any truth to cannabis’ reputation for making people more lethargic? 

Studies on the plant have delivered mixed conclusions, with some academics arguing that cannabis has a temporary effect on motivation and others touting cannabis’ ability to increase overall enjoyment in fitness activities. The federal classification of cannabis makes it difficult to thoroughly test its effects on the brain, but luckily the overall stigma surrounding cannabis has decreased, and more people are starting to incorporate it into their daily routines as a health and wellness supplement. 

If you’re looking to tackle the “lazy stoner” cliche, there are plenty of ways to use cannabis in a productive, creative, and fun way. Here are some tips on how to achieve a less lazy high!

Diet

We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat,” but as far as overall energy goes, food can play a huge role in your ability to accomplish daily tasks. If over-consumed, cannabis can have a tiring effect on the body, and pairing this with oily, carb-heavy junk food will only leave you feeling more sluggish. 

If you’ve got a case of the “munchies,” stick to smaller portions of food that are high in natural sugars, like tropical fruits, dark chocolate, and even yogurt. While the body processes these foods the same way as any artificial candy, the natural sugars come packed with additional fiber and nutrients that our bodies crave. If you’re looking for a great natural sweetener to enhance your cannabis experience, check out our tinctures with agave that act as a great alternative to artificial sugars and syrups!

Keep It Moving!

In addition to eating a balanced diet, getting up and breaking a sweat is one of the best ways to have a more productive and healthy cannabis experience. Right after you smoke or take one of our tinctures, start by standing up and taking a few laps around your house or apartment to get your blood flowing and the body moving. You can also do a few sets of bodyweight exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, or squats to increase circulation and get oxygen to the parts of your body that crave it. 

Posture can also have a huge effect on our well-being, sleep patterns, and overall health. With most cannabis-enthusiasts smoking on the couch or in their bed, we tend to forget to stretch our spines and release tension throughout the body. By working at a standing desk, stretching a couple of times a day, and going for a walk whenever you crave a smoke, you’ll end up burning significantly more calories throughout the day!

Cannabis is also known to be an excellent supplement for runners and joggers, especially for those who enjoy long-distance and endurance training. In situations where the body is active over a long period of time, it can actually help increase an athlete’s pain threshold and allow them to focus more on breathing and pace. For more info on how cannabis can be incorporated into your fitness routine, take a look at our article on the benefits of cannabis for active lifestyles. 

Activities to Do While High

If you’re not a fitness junkie but are looking for a way to stay active during your high, here are a few fun options to break up the monotony and keep you entertained:

• Gardening
• Arts and Crafts
• Listening to music
• Cooking a meal
• Organizing your room
• Reading a book 

Choose the Right Strain

When it comes to avoiding the sluggish, lazy feeling that cannabis can sometimes induce, sticking with a Sativa-dominant strain is your best bet. The properties in Sativa will uplift your mood and give you the energy needed to finish a workout or other daily activities, making it a great candidate for active, daytime smokers. 

Certain terpenes, the component of cannabis that gives it a specific smell or flavor, can also work to boost your energy and make you feel more awake. If possible, look for edibles or strains that contain the terpenes limonene or pinene. These both work to open your airways, increase blood flow, and promote energy throughout the body. If you’re in the market for these terpenes, check out our Mango Haze and Jack Herer strains. 

Know Your Limits

People often lose motivation whenever they feel overwhelmed or overworked, but it’s important to keep in mind that with the right mindset, we can often surprise ourselves with how much we can accomplish, even while stoned! You can be a cannabis user and still be productive, so don’t use the plant as an excuse to sit on the couch all day. All it takes is being honest with yourself, determining your tolerance of the plant, and exercising a little self-discipline. 

To stay productive and avoid laziness, try to set realistic, achievable goals for each day without being over-ambitious or setting the bar too high. Take some time to think about your relationship with cannabis and whether you’d be more productive with or without the plant; some people are simply better off waiting to smoke until after they finish their daily grind. By being mindful of how cannabis can affect motivation, you’ll be able to incorporate it into your life in a more healthy way and have an overall more enjoyable high.