Sometimes understanding how to have a good day feels like an unsolved mystery. Many of us, especially those facing health challenges, begin each day with a set amount of energy we can expend.
Imagine starting each day with a certain number of “spoons.” Each activity you do costs a certain number of spoons.
While a healthy person might effortlessly navigate their day without using up their spoons, those with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or mental health challenges might find their spoons depleted before they even finish breakfast. Simple things like getting out of bed, showering, or preparing a meal can take them all up before you know it.
For years, I’ve been looking for ways to not just manage my spoons but get more of them. That’s when I discovered microdosing. It wasn’t just a passing trend for me; it genuinely changed how I connect with myself. Through this practice, I’ve become more self-aware and in tune with my body’s signals and my mind’s needs.
It’s no wonder that microdosing has captivated the attention of numerous researchers, governments, and individuals. It offers promising ways to ease depression and improve mental health.
Together, we’ll explore the potential advantages of microdosing. Backed by scientific research and anecdotal evidence, these shared insights might help you decide if this practice can offer a more balanced and fulfilling approach to your health journey.
The science behind microdosing
I’ve always had a soft spot for psychedelics. And, when someone mentions “scooby snacks,” I’m instantly transported back in time, reliving fun nights and unforgettable moments with some of the best people I’ve ever met.
But using psychedelics in tiny amounts for health? That wasn’t something I had really considered. When I first heard about microdosing, like many, I was intrigued but skeptical.
Although research on microdosing is still in its early stages, a growing body of evidence supports its potential benefits for mental health and emotional balance. A recent study published by the University of Birmingham found that microdosing with psilocybin significantly improved participants’ overall well-being, life satisfaction, and mindfulness.
“Participants reported that they had experienced beneficial effects of microdosing on their mental health, alongside cognitive, physical, and social changes. By microdosing, participants reported that they had supported their own mental health and wellbeing.” – BMC Psychiatry study 2023
The study also highlights that individuals who microdose do so with intentionality and purpose. Unlike casual or recreational drug use, these individuals microdosed with clear goals in mind—clearing brain fog, improving physical well-being, strengthening emotional resilience, or nurturing social connections.
The buzz around microdosing is undeniable, and the scientific community is all ears. With more research being published every day, we’re on the brink of uncovering the full spectrum of benefits that psilocybin might offer.
The mental and emotional upsides of microdosing
As we learn more about microdosing, it becomes clear that its benefits extend beyond simply adding more “spoons” to our day. It’s about refining the quality of each spoon, making every moment more enriching and every interaction more meaningful.
Research is showing how microdosing can enhance our brain functionality and emotions in several ways:
1. Easing anxiety and depression ☀️
Many people have said that microdosing has helped them feel less anxious and sad. These small doses of psychedelics can lift our mood, break the chain of negative thoughts, and make us feel more balanced. Think of it as a tool, not a magic wand. It helps us focus on making positive changes in our lives.
2. Boosting brain flexibility (Neuroplasticity)
Microdosing is believed to bolster the brain’s capacity for neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself and form new neural connections. It increases your ability to learn new things and change old habits, which are both powerful ways to boost your mental health and might give your brain the nudge it needs to think differently.
3. Sharpening focus and creativity 🎨
Many artists and thinkers say that microdosing helps them access more creative flow states by pulling their mind away from stressful thoughts. It can clear away stress and let our creative juices flow. Whether you’re trying to paint, write, or just see the world in a new way, microdosing can open up new paths for your imagination.
4. Enhanced emotional intelligence 🫂
Emotional intelligence is our ability to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions, as well as empathize with the emotions of others. Microdosing can help boost this.
It makes us more aware of our feelings, teaches us patience, and helps us connect better with others. While fostering your emotional intelligence is slow, intentional work, microdosing can help reveal how you can access this healing within yourself.
5. Greater sense of well-being and life satisfaction 😃
A lot of people who microdose say they just feel happier (myself included!). They feel more joy, are more satisfied with life, and are thankful for the little things. This could be because of many reasons, like feeling less anxious or understanding their feelings better.
This increased gratitude has the power to uplift your feelings of satisfaction in your daily life.
6. Mindfulness and spiritual growth 🧘♀️
For some, microdosing helps them feel more connected to the world and others around them.
It encourages deep thinking and understanding of oneself. Spiritual growth (whatever that looks like to you) is a slow process that’s nurtured over a lifetime. When microdosing is combined with meditation and other spiritual practices, it can lead to sustained improvements in psychological well-being and help people develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their place in the world, and their connection to others.
Balancing out the risks and rewards
While microdosing offers numerous mental health benefits, it can also come with certain risks and limitations that you should be aware of.
Some people may experience increased heart rate, disrupted sleep patterns, and, in rare scenarios, worsening of pre-existing mental health issues.
If you decide to experiment with microdosing, consult with a healthcare professional and follow a safe and responsible dosing protocol. This includes sourcing high-quality substances, starting with a low dose, adhering to a dosing schedule, and including rest days to minimize the risk of developing tolerance or dependency.
Microdosing has the potential to be a game-changer in the world of mental health and emotional balance. With its reported benefits of reduced anxiety and depression, improved focus and creativity, enhanced emotional intelligence, increased well-being, and spiritual growth, it’s no surprise that this practice has captured the interest of so many.
While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and optimal dosing strategies for microdosing, anecdotal evidence and early findings are optimistic.
By exploring this emerging mental wellness strategy, we can work together to break the stigma and reshape perceptions surrounding psychedelic substances. By understanding and harnessing their potential, we’re paving the way for innovative healing and personal development solutions.
