If youāre anything like me, youāve been waiting for the weather to break since last summer ended. Seriously, the winter plus pandemic wasnāt kind to me, and Iām so happy to be inching out of my seasonal depressive slump. When I find myself down, I often turn away from weed as opposed to towards it. Iāve probably said this before, but I donāt like medicating when Iām feeling down, and sometimes it can feel like a chore to figure out WHAT to consume, so I just donāt.
Now that the sun is playing peek-a-boo with us and 60-degree days are practically the norm, Iāve been seeking out uplifting, balanced hybrids to match the sunny vibes, boost my mood, and reduce my anxiety. Behold my strain recommendations for spring activities like āpicnic in the park with friends,ā ārosĆ© at the beach,ā or the dreaded Spring cleaning. Iāve posted about both of these strains on Insta, but they feel even more timely now that spring has sprung.
MAC 1
Mac 1, or Miracle Alien Cookies 1, has a pastry-like flavor profile with hints of citrus. The flavor is yum, but for me, thatās secondary to the effects. I carry my anxiety and stress in my body in the form of aches and chest discomfort, but MAC 1 nips that right in the bud with its relaxing body effects. That, coupled with mental clarity and the ability to be present, make MAC 1ās effects a triple threat for me. I love this strain so much I bought it in vape cart formāyāall know I donāt fancy vapingā because I need that on-the-go relief. If youāre anxiety-prone and need assistance unwinding, MAC 1 might be the feel-good strain you need to make the most of Spring.
Mandarin Cookies
Mandarin Cookies took me by surprise the first time I tried it because the effects were uncomfortably cerebral and made me sleepy, despite what the Leafly description said. šš In the spirit of not judging a strain by one experience, I decided to try it again, this time from a different cultivator, and what a difference it made! Mandarin Cookies brings out my lust for life! It truly feels like sunshine after a really long rainy season, aka a pandemic. This strain made me feel like myself. The me I am when Iām not depleted. The me I am when Iām confident in who and what I am, despite the really shitty state of the world. I never fly through strains, but this one was gone in a week, and it only lasted that long because I was trying to be modest. The right cut of Mandarin Cookies is euphoric without the racy brain effects, perfect for floating through the weekend with folks you havenāt seen in a year. š
A Note
I wrote the above, and it felt flat because while I did want to share my spring strain round up, those thoughts are secondary to the extreme burnout Iām feeling. Work has been unfulfilling and draining. Luckily, I got a new job, which Iām super excited about, but of course, now I'm worried that I won't be able to focus when I start, thanks to my brain on pandemic.
Up in Smoke was once my respite, and now it feels like work. I can't bring myself to sit in front of a computer and create. It doesn't bring me joy the way it used to. I feel bad delaying the newsletter or not posting on Instagram, but I don't have the motivation to create anything. Even thinking about it induces anxiety and starts an internal audioĀ track about how I owe myself rest. I've been wrestling with knowing the difference between when I need/deserve rest vs. when I need to find inspiration to create again. Not adhering to my self-imposed deadlines often feels like taking the easy way out, but I also know I'm prone to overcommitment on all fronts.Ā Iād love to do some content planning while Iām off work, but Iām not going to set unrealistic expectations for myself. Instead, Iām taking another break until at least 4/20, the first anniversary of the newsletter, and the day after I start my new job. I hope that my time off from everything is fun, restful, and just what I need to get back to myself. If youāre experiencing anything remotely close to what I described above, I hope you find time to rest, move, and laugh. We all deserve it!
Hang in there, bbs! I really hope weāre on the verge of a more open world, a more inspired me, and a happier you!
Until 4/20,
Datrianna