Dara Torres – As an athlete, training is an all-consuming activity. And after competing in my final Olympic games in Beijing in 2008 I wasn’t sure what I was going to do next. All I knew was that I had a two and half year old daughter waiting for me to come back home. And I was lucky because she kept me busy but it was also challenging because at the age of 41, I knew it was time to look at where I wanted my post-swimming career to take me. One thing I knew for sure, was that I really enjoyed being a motivational speaker. Whether it was speaking to elementary school students or to large corporate conferences with thousands of attendees, I love getting my message out about setting goals and working to overcome obstacles. Little did I appreciate at the time that maintaining optimal health and well being as I aged would be a goal that would require some creative solutions.
CBD for Recovery
I’ve had many injuries in my career, which sometimes surprises people because they don’t associate swimming with injuries. However, much of my strength and endurance training took place on dry land and that’s where I developed knee issues and one particularly nasty tear to my quad muscle that required surgery. Andy O’Brien, who was one of my long-time trainers and CaniBrands’ Sports Science Advisor recommended Cani-Mend: CBD for Recovery and the company was kind enough to send me some product to try. After having my massage therapist rub CBD muscle recovery balm into my leg where I had had the surgery, I felt immediate relief and became a believer in CBD very quickly. After learning more about CBD and trying more of the company’s products I knew CaniBrands would be the perfect organization to partner with. In 2019, I became CaniBrands’ Chief Wellness Officer. Because CaniBrands is a CBD company tailor made for sports and fitness enthusiasts, this new role fits perfectly with my passion for speaking and my passion for wellness. It has been so gratifying to describe my personal journey and share my tips for feeling my best.
CBD for Sleep
As I get older and my hormones change, I find it can be very difficult to fall asleep at night. I’ll never forget the first time I used the Cani-Sleep CBD oil for sleep. It was like magic for me and I was able to get a really good night’s sleep. Now, I’m a huge advocate of the product. A couple of years ago, when I traveled to Europe with my elderly parents and my teenage daughter, we were all suffering from jetlag and I encouraged them to try the Cani-Sleep oral CBD spray. They all loved the formula because it allowed them to fall asleep quickly without waking up groggy in the morning.
CBD for Energy and Focus
Aside from the sleep that I was lacking, the other thing that has improved with CBD is my energy level. Prior to taking CBD, I would feel like I’d hit a wall at about 3 o’clock. I’d go out to get the mail and then toss it on the table, too exhausted to look at it. This lack of energy was such a contrast to when I was kid and so hyperactive, virtually bouncing off the walls. Now, being so well-rested at night with Cani-Sleep and then adding Cani-Boost: CBD for energy later in the day really maximizes my mood and productivity all day. And, an afternoon dose of Cani-Fresh (CBD for wellness) is a great memory booster!
In order to be your whole self, you have to feel good. And if you’re not getting the sleep you need, you won’t feel like yourself. Having Canibrands in my life has helped me feel like myself again. It shows in my attitude. I’m not so irritable and CBD has made a hugely positive difference in my life.
I’m hoping in 5 years CBD will be a staple for athletes and they won’t need to rely on prescription drugs. In the meantime, I encourage anyone who wants to move through life with more energy, focus, and overall wellness to give CBD a try. Now CaniBrands has made it even easier for first-time buyers to try the products risk free. The new Cani-Sleep Guarantee means you can try any Cani-Sleep product and return it within 30 days. Give it a try. Comment on this blog post and let me know what you think.
Here’s to being your best self!