Microdosing is quickly becoming a part of our daily lexicon – and here’s why.

“Everything in moderation”, surely, you’ve heard this adage at least once in your life. This little saying has been around for ages, generally used as a way to justify some of our less than healthy habits- but as it turns out, this bit of aged wisdom might actually help you fight mood disorders, like anxiety and depression. Just as immersion therapy (gradual exposure to a fearful stimulus) has been used for decades to combat irrational fears, microdosing (just about anything) is being used as a way to progressively address the causative factors behind many forms of mental anguish.

The term “microdosing” came rushing onto the scene in the early 00’s, as people used it to refer to a type of self-medication. Microdosing mushrooms had people impressed with the notable lift in mood and clarity of mind that they enjoyed during these small, self-prescribed regimens.

Microdosing Psilocybin and Mood

All over the world, people began microdosing. Canada to Australia, people began to self-administer sub hallucinogenic doses of these specific chemicals. Which is what sets these particular regimes apart for say, a weekend spent at a large music festival. Using small, regular doses- sometimes as little as 1/20 of the amount expected to produce a “high”.

Because of the substances used, and the infinitesimal doses- users have no need to worry about overdosing, becoming addicted to these substances, or about “comedowns” or withdrawals. The point being that one takes just enough of the substance to gain access to its medicinal properties, and not near enough to experience any overly noticeable effects.

In a massive qualitative study, a 2019 research team compiled the experiences of hundreds of self-reported “microdosers” in hopes of creating some scientific literature that could agree on what could be expected from Microdosing. Canada, the United States and many other countries participated in this study, giving scientists a better idea about what effects microdosing might be able to offer people from all over the globe. Over 41% of the participants describe a notable improvement in mood and focus.

Most microdosing is done over the course of several weeks. Most accounts of the system say that it wasn’t well into the second week that users noticed a difference to mood or ability. However, towards the end of the dosing schedule, users have supported evidence of elevated mood, increased focus. Higher energy without difficulties concentrating. Some have even said that they’ve been able to start to take control over their personal struggles with depression or anxiety- all because of the tiny amounts of psilocybin they had been microdosing over extended periods of time. Moderation turned motivation.

Microdosing Workouts and Fitness Schedules

For anyone that has battle with a mood disorder, you’ll be almost immediately familiar with the advice that most physicians will initially prescribe. “Get some exercise” they’ll often say. While it has been proven that exercise can help improve mood, digestion, and sleep patterns, what they fail to notice is the lack of motivation that goes hand in hand with mood disorders.

Sure, it would be wonderful to exercise. Maybe lose some weight, get back into a model of fitness that you can recognize- but where in the world are people finding this motivation? Some suggest that it’s all back down to moderation. In a Medium article from 2018, one brave writer details the hardships that he has faced throughout his life- particularly when it came to exercising regularly.

His solution? Microdosing. Well- microdosing workouts in this case. Suggesting that instead of pushing through arduous, painful, and often exhausting workouts 3 or 4 times per week- the author cuts each exercise he has by half. Reducing reps, at sets. Instead of pushing himself to the brink, he considers the benefits of small amounts of exercise. And benefit there is. USing small amounts of exercise everyday can help to tone muscles and improve metabolism without completely destroying your will to workout tomorrow- keeping burnout at bay and making it more simple to keep up the good work.

Microdosing and Nutrition

While microdosing mushrooms has been shown to reduce appetite in some users, many nutritionists are also beginning to promote their own brand of microdosing. Canada has come out with an official statement from dieticians. In the governmental document, they suggest that eating “small, frequent meals” could actually serve to improve mental health and overall wellbeing. Suggesting this “microdosing” of food for multiple types of mood disorders and mental strife.

So while hitting up your local shroom dispensary may be one way to introduce microdosing into your everyday routine, it’s definitely not the only way. Showing us that setting small goals, and celebrating these more menial achievements might be the ideal way to bring back the balance to our lives and help combat these ubiquitous struggles of modern living.