Achieving your longevity goals and personal development is a complex process. It’s not only about optimizing your physical health, but also finding balance in all aspects of life. Microdosing is one way to achieve balance by taking very small doses of psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin. If done properly, microdosing can have positive effects including higher creativity, increased focus, better sleep, and physical wellbeing. However, experimenting with psychedelics should always be done with caution, so here are five practical tips for safe and effective microdosing:
1. Start Small and Gradually Increase Dose
It’s always important to take things slow with microdosing. Start with an extremely small dose of a psychedelic substance, for example, only one to three one-milligram capsules of psilocybin. Many people microdose once every few days. Having the same level of psychedelic effects multiple times per week isn’t necessarily bad, but one doesn’t want to run the risk of taking too much and having an intense psychedelic experience. Once you feel comfortable with the effects after a few weeks it’s a good time to adjust the dose and move up relatively slowly.
2. Take Note of the Set and Setting
The classic psychedelic mantra of “set and setting” still applies with microdosing. Set is all about mindset – being mindful of one’s mental state and how it impacts the effects of a drug. Setting is the environment in which the drug is taken. When microdosing, make sure you’re in a safe and comfortable environment. Taking psychedelics with a new group of people can be intimidating, so bring friends or family you trust who understand the effects and are supportive of your practice.
3. Keep a Journal
Many people like to track the effects of their psychedelic experiences. Keeping a journal when microdosing can be a great way to develop an understanding of the substance and interact with it in a safe and controlled manner. With a journal you can document the date, time, and dose amount taken, then record any subjective experiences like feelings of calmness, anxiety, creativity, or even nausea.
4. Experiment with Creative Activities
Psychological wellbeing is just as important as physical health and experimenting with creative activities can be a great way to explore the effects of microdosing. Simple activities like cooking, painting, sculpting, and writing can help you stay grounded and self-aware. It’s important to note that creative activities can be different for everyone and it takes practice to understand what works best for oneself.
5. Avoid High Risk Activities
It goes without saying that activities such as driving or operating heavy machinery should be avoided when under the influence of any substance. Microdosing is typically a very subtle experience but there are still risks involved that should be taken into account. If you are looking to experiment with psychedelics, always err on the side of caution.
FAQs
What is microdosing?
Microdosing is the practice of taking very small doses of psychedelic substances, such as LSD or psilocybin. This can be used to achieve states of balance with regard to personal development and physical health.
How often should I microdose?
Microdosing typically involves taking a dose every few days. You can experiment with different frequency and amounts to find what works best for you.
Is it safe?
When done correctly, microdosing can be a safe and effective way to achieve balance in all aspects of life. However, it should always be done with caution and common sense.
What can I expect from microdosing?
The effects of microdosing can be different for everyone. It can range from feeling more creative, focused, and relaxed, to improved physical health, better sleep, and reduced anxiety.