Microdosing, a term originally coined by Silicon Valley professionals, is the practice of taking small dosages of psychedelic substances for enhanced creativity, improved cognitive performance, and overall improved well-being. In essence, microdosing is unlocking the opportunity to take advantage of certain psychedelic benefits without tripping.
Recently, with a surge of interest in psychedelic substances for therapeutic use, the practice of microdosing has been gaining traction. People in both the mental health and creative fields have espoused the potential of ingesting small amounts of psychedelic substances for providing creative inspiration. But is there any truth behind the notion of microdosing as a tool for enhanced creativity? In this blog post, we dive into the potential creative benefits of microdosing and explore the positive effects of sub-threshold dosages of psychedelics.
What is Microdosing?
At its core, microdosing is the act of taking small dosages of psychedelic substances. A typical dose consists of 10 to 20 micrograms of LSD or 0.2 to 0.5 g of dried psilocybin mushrooms. In comparison, a full dose of LSD is around 100 to 200 micrograms and a full dose of mushrooms is between 1 and 2.5 grams. Microdosing is typically done on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly schedule and can provide a range of self-reported benefits by the user.
Benefits of Microdosing
Proponents of microdosing report having Crafted better relationships with friends and family
Improved creative problem solving
A greater feeling of clarity which boosts productivity and motivation
Improved athletic performance
Eased of depression and anxiety
Higher energy levels
The average user reported that they felt more alert, creative, and joyful after microdosing. This is possibly due to the release of serotonin and dopamine, hormones that are released in the brain when consuming psychedelic substances.
Creative Benefits
Creatives are increasingly turning to microdosing as a way to enhance their creative process. When taken in sub-threshold doses, psychedelic substances can provide an increased ability to notice connections, produce novel ideas, and even improve the translation of these ideas to creative works.
One user reported that they had improved analytic ability resulting in more detailed and intrigued stories when writing. Another user reported increased fluency of ideas, making it easier for them to draw connections between seemingly disconnected concepts.
Side Effects
The most commonly reported side effects of microdosing are headaches and stomachaches. Interestingly, these side effects tend to subside after a few days of microdosing. Other than that, there have been no reports of significant long-term side effects from sub-threshold dosages of psychedelic substances.
FAQs
Q. How often should I microdose?
A. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Generally, microdosing is done on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly schedule. Like with any use of psychedelic substances, start slow and listen to your body for cues.
Q. Are there any long-term side-effects to microdosing?
A. Studies show that there have been no reports of significant long-term side effects from taking sub-threshold dosages of psychedelics. However, it is always important to start slow and assess how your body is reacting to the substances.
Q. Can microdosing help improve my creativity?
A. While more research is needed to fully understand the creative benefits of microdosing, some users have reported feeling an improved ability to notice connections, produce novel ideas, and easily translate these ideas to creative works.
Conclusion
The use of psychedelic substances has a long history, and its potential benefits in enhancing creativity and overall well-being have been well-documented. Microdosing, the act of ingesting small doses of psychedelic substances, is gaining traction and has been reported as providing heightened creativity, improved cognitive performance, and a sense of clarity.
While more research is needed to understand the effects of microdosing, its potential as a creative tool is apparent. Microdosing allows users to receive the positive benefits of psychedelics without the experience of tripping, meaning that individuals can unlock the potential for enhanced creativity without the downsides that come with taking large doses.