Microdosing To Combat Post-Lockdown Anxiety

We’ve been in this lockdown hokey-cokey for a while now. In, out, in, out — less of the shaking it all about — for an entire year, give or take. That it’s been tough is an understatement. For many people, their lives have changed irrevocably. In this blog we explore techniques from microdosing magic truffles to meditation to combat post lockdown anxiety.

A Brave And Fragile New World

So, as lockdowns have begun to loosen in many parts of the world, there has been a collective whoop! of joy. There is debate about vaccination passports and economic recovery, but also how we can keep the positive things we learned during the pandemic with us. Because there are some positive take-aways to be had. It’s a brave and fragile new world. And, it’s brave and fragile people who will be filing back into it. 

How To Combat Post-Lockdown Anxiety

Despite most looking towards re-instated freedoms with shining eyes, there are people who are hit with a new fear. This has been dubbed ‘Post Lockdown Anxiety’, and if you’re feeling it, you’re not alone. A 2010 study found that it takes on average 66 days for a person to internalise new behaviours, and for them to become automatic. In a year of lockdowns, we’ve lived those 66 days many times over. It has become second nature to avoid, and feel wary of others, panic about personal space, about masks, about our future. In fact, a study of UK adults that took place last year, found that since lockdown began, their anxiety levels had increased by 50%. 

For many people lockdown showed them that the structures they thought to be solid — be they work-based, societal or economic, were actually built on sand. What will it be like to return to life with this new knowledge? 

Other people found that a the quiet life actually suited them well. An excuse to stay in, avoid small talk in noisy bars or being pressed against the metro window on their morning commute. Even the thought of visiting a relative you haven’t seen for a year, who might quiz you about what you’ve been up to, is enough to bring beads of sweat to the foreheads of those who have spent the time embracing their inner introvert. 

If you’re ready to get back out there, whether it’s as soon as possible or at a more cautious pace, we have some top tips on how to combat lockdown anxiety just for you!

Take It Slow

Only you can decide the pace that you want to reacquaint yourself with the world. A good tactic is to talk to yourself like you would talk to your best friend. Be kind to yourself — what do you wanna do? You wouldn’t tell your best friend they’re not good enough, so don’t do it to yourself!

If you want to start slow, you can begin by organising to meet up with one or two trusted friends. You don’t have to go to a pub or a bustling cafe, you can simply go for your daily walk, but observe and digest the changes happening around you. The best pace is your own pace. 

Microdosing Could Be The Key

Microdosing magic truffles can treat a number of anxiety disorders including social anxiety, depression, PTSD and OCD. This ‘post lock-down anxiety’ is doubtless a candidate for the psilocybin cure. Psilocybin (a psychoactive compound in magic truffles), has been found to reduce activity in the Default Mode Network (DMN) of the brain. The DMN, to put it simply, controls how we view ourselves — our self image, our understanding of our past, the imagining of our future — and then shapes how we behave accordingly. However, if this becomes overactive, such as in the case of post-lockdown anxiety, it can effect us negatively. Various studies have found psilocybin to be highly effective at temporarily reducing the activity of the DMN. A 2016 study found that after microdosing psilocybin, volunteers reported —

 “…decreases in clinician- and self-rated measures of depressed mood and anxiety, along with increases in quality of life, life meaning, and optimism.”

Microdosing Magic Truffles

So, how can microdosing magic truffles combat post-lockdown anxiety? By taking a low, sub-hallucinogenic dosage you can quieten your DMN, without any ‘psychedelic’ effects. This could be perfect in giving you a regular boost of the confidence you need to re-enter society (as well as improving your mood, creativity and a whole bunch of other stuff!) Check our full range of microdosing products today!

Focus Outwards

Another way to combat your anxiety is to think about others. It’s likely that some of your friends or family are feeling similarly to you! Ask them how they are doing, and what they need. While of course you should care for yourself, caring for others too can make us brave. Maybe you can team up to work through your worries together? Together you can make each other stronger! 

Planning Is Essential

If you are worrying about getting back to normality, a good idea is to plan your days ahead of time so you feel prepared. For example; you are dreading public transport — so look into whether there is an alternative method of transport possible — or if you can schedule your day so you can travel after or before rush hour. If you are worried about returning to work, maybe you can talk to your boss about starting slow, with a part work-from-home, part going into the office timetable? When you approach your worries with a problem-solving attitude you are sure to find a compromise. 

Focus On The Positives

Maybe there are a bunch of things you have enjoyed about lockdown. Perhaps you want to keep your social circle smaller from now on? If its really what you prefer then it’s something to be celebrated! Be your best introvert self! However, if you are hoping to eventually make your way into the social sphere again, we have good news for you! You can’t lose the social skills you had before.

Linda Blair, a clinical psychologist, says that we develop most of our social skills between the ages of 0 and 7. “Sometimes they’re hard to get at and we have to dig way down, but they’re there.” confirms Blair.  Phew! Well that’s a relief. So, when you are ready — your social skills will be there waiting! 

We hope this helps if you, or someone you know, are struggling. Remember, talking to someone you trust can make all the difference! Good luck!