X-Factor star Mary Byrne: 'I started taking CBD oil and it changed my life'
The talented singer has spoken candidly about the realisation that it's never too late to get a grip on your health and well-being.
Mary has also opened up about how the use of CBD oil has dramatically improved her sleep quality and helped her deal with anxiety, reports RSVP Live.
In the past, Mary says she used to struggle to sleep and would wake up every two hours, but things have taken a turn for the better.
Speaking to RSVP Magazine, she said: "I get around eight hours. I started using CBD oil from the brand Focus. It's all natural and produced in Ireland. When I take it, I sleep very well. Beforehand, I would get two hours of sleep and be up during the night, going downstairs to make a cup of tea. I've been taking it for over a year.
"It really calmed my mind and helped me sleep. I take it an hour before bed, but I also take it in the morning. It keeps my anxiety levels low. It works for me, but I don't know if it would work for everyone."
"When I take the oil, I find it makes a huge difference in my way of thinking," Mary added.
"I went back to being me and being able to focus. When a problem comes up, I know I can work on it and solve it. Whereas beforehand, I would have panicked. I focus better with the oil. I also take anti-depressants. They work for me."
Mary also expressed her happiness about the growing public discourse regarding the use of anti-depressants today.
"Because when I first took an anti-depressant I had just started the change-of-life and was going through the menopause," she explained.
"I've been on them since. I'm 65 now and I can't come off them. There's nothing I can do about that now, I just have to get on with it. I'm glad people are opening up about it because now you can look into your life and what reasons could be causing it."
Mary is a fan of supplements, believing they lend a hand with her arthritis and keeping her calm.
She said: "I take a multivitamin through the winter. I also take evening primrose, which I find fabulous. It keeps me relaxed. I also take turmeric. I have arthritis, so I take it. I don't know if it does any good, but I take it every day. I also have an amazing daughter who cooks for me. I eat a lot of greens and fruit."
"I joined my local gym for €20. If it's a very bad day out and I can take my tablets to get rid of the pain, I go on the treadmill. I'll do 30 minutes. Then I'll go into the swimming pool. I try to do that two or three times a week," Mary added.
Looking back on how her health mindset has transformed, Mary reflected: "When I was young, I was living my life and I thought it was the best thing ever.
"I didn't think about dying. I thought I was indestructible. If I could go back to then, I would tell myself that you don't have to stop living life to be healthy. I used to play tennis and football, but then I'd go off with my mates and have a fabulous weekend.
"I would tell myself to be healthy during the week, don't eat rubbish and have fun at the weekends. My health hit me six years ago. I started to get aches and pains. I realised I should have been looking after myself a lot earlier, but I'm trying now."
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