Overwhelmed? How To Take Agency in Your Microdosing Routine

Microdosing has become de-mystified. It is no longer seen as a strange or fringe activity. In fact, for many people taking their microdose is as quotidian as taking their vitamins, or following a skin care routine. Sure, it still has a buzzy and hip kind of cache, but the mainstream is calling. Loudly.

The Perks of Microdosing

And, no wonder. It has changed the lives of many who do it, improving their mental health, creativity or just their overall mood, to namecheck a few perks. Happier people make a happier world, so the more widespread it becomes, surely all the better. 

However, some, who’ve been on the magic-truffle-train a while may have reaped these benefits, but perhaps found themselves beginning to plateau in their personal growth journey. Other people, newbies perhaps, might feel overwhelmed by the microdosing experience. If it’s not a dosage issue, it could be that new feelings of openness and heightened engagement with the world can be a lot to handle.

In both of these instances it is essential to remember that microdosing psilocybin should be thought of as a tool rather than a silver bullet. It helps us to achieve the things we couldn’t before. But there also has to be intention, dedication, and some work involved. 

Making the Best of the Effects of Microdosing

In the former case, the microdoser that has plateaued, it could be that they felt the mood-boosting or anxiety-reducing benefits of psilocybin, but did not make a plan to integrate or explore their new state. For many people just feeling better is good enough. However, for those on a self-improvement journey, such as getting over depression, or moving on from a difficult time in their lives, a plan is in order. 

For the latter, the new microdoser who is overwhelmed by the experience, a similar prescription could be the answer. A plan, or set of intentions, can help to navigate their new routine and make the most of it. 

How to Take Agency in Your Microdosing Routine

In both instances, and many in between, the key is taking agency in your routine. You get to guide your life. You already did by choosing to microdose. But then you have to make the choice to do the work, however big or small. This is your own personal journey you have to define. But while we’re here it’s good to lay out some tips to center and compose yourself when you microdose. 

Breathe!

It’s a bit ‘yeah, duh’ but honestly there’s a reason for the ubiquity — breathing exercises really work. Especially ones in which you focus on the exhale, like the 4-4-8 technique. This is when you breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, and exhale for 8. It is the longer exhale that calms you down. Breathing in increases our heart rates and blood pressure, breathing out makes the opposite occur. As your blood pressure and heart rate go down you will feel more relaxed and less stressed. It’s a hack for your own serenity!

Yawn!

Sounds kooky, but it’s closely related to the breathing exercises above. Yawn your widest, until your eyes water, stretching your whole body out as if you’ve just woken up from the depths of hibernation. Do this slowly, feeling the stretch in your whole body. Yawning itself releases many different neurochemicals that are essential for focus, motivation, memory recall, and relaxation. 

Be an animal!

Animals in the wild assess their environments to see if they are under threat. In this day and age, as humans, we are rarely in real danger, but it’s good for our nervous systems to copy that animal behaviour and check out our surroundings. Listen to the sounds around you, let your eyes stroll over your environment and take everything in. Can you smell anything? These moments of mindfulness are probably already slowing your breathing and calming you down. Try this for a few minutes or as long as it feels right for you. 

Move!

Stretching, walking, yoga, having a little dance. Taking a moment and letting the blood flow around your body can make all the difference to a stressed mindset. Taking up physical space to express your inner feelings is an important tool that can be accessed whenever you need it. 

Be Heavy!

Physically ground yourself by feeling the weight of gravity pulling you down. Feel the comfort of sitting, as gravity holds you gently in your chair. Stamp your feet on the floor, even lay on it if you feel comfortable. Rather than a pulling feeling, let gravity ground and calm you. 

You can also use a mixture of more than one of these techniques. Trying different things to see what works for you is all part of the journey. You have the power to make changes and grow.