BEYOND THE TRIP: HOLISTIC SELF CARE FOR INTEGRATION AFTER A PSYCHEDELIC JOURNEY

As more folks explore psychedelic journeys for healing and personal growth, there becomes a greater need for education, support and guidance related to working with these medicines. In western culture, we are still healing from the misinformation campaign of the 80’s and 90’s; the Just Say No campaign that lumped all non-pharma substances as harmful. As a Gen Xer – I was raised in that era and felt the lingering effects throughout much of my life. I had to do a lot of unraveling and confronting the conditioning of that marketing campaign to let go of the fear and shift my perspective to see the healing benefits of these medicines.

One of the consequences of the Drug War is that as these medicines become more available now, we are getting access to very powerful substances without the general social understanding and awareness about how to work with them. Think of alcohol, for example, a substance deeply embedded in our cultural norms, most people understand a hang over and you can talk to a friend about it. They’ll probably even share tips like “drink Pedialyte” and “take it easy, have a Netflix day” or “drink water when you drink alcohol”… People get it. Since we haven’t developed a shared understanding of psychedelics, folks can feel lost and alone after an experience.

If you or someone you know had a psychedelic experience, here are a few tips of how to get through the day and weeks after for optimal results and safety.

 1. Gentle Reflection: Take time to reflect on your experiences, allow yourself to feel and acknowledge the emotions and insights that surfaced during your journey. Journaling and meditation can provide a nurturing environment for this reflection. Writing it down is especially helpful as it can help ground the information in your psyche. Using a pen or pencil and paper is best. Get a journal that you only use for these insights. Write it all down, don’t type it.

 2. Nourishing the Body: Engage in activities that bring you into your body. Eat nutritious meals, hydrate, and engage in gentle movement or exercise. Have lots of fresh fruits and vegetables available, enjoy each bite of a delicious strawberry or juicy pineapple. Make a vegetarian soup. Avoid high energy exercise for a few days and focus on slow embodied movements like Qigong or yoga Nidra.

 3. Emotional Nurturing: Be gentle with yourself as you navigate the emotional aftermath of your experiences. Allow the feelings to rise, remembering that like waves of the ocean your emotions will ebb and flow, allow them to flow through you. With each emotional release comes a new insight.

 4. Connection with Nature: Nature is a powerful ally in the healing journey. Spend time outdoors, grounding yourself in the beauty and serenity of the natural world. Whether it's a walk in the woods, tending to plants, or gazing at the stars, use your eyes and ears to focus on the abundant nature around you, directing focus away from thought.

 5. Self-Compassion and Boundaries: Practice self-compassion and set healthy boundaries in your life. Notice your energy and prioritize self-care practices that restore and replenish you. Say no to social gatherings that feel depleting. Say no to time with people who tend toward anger, defensiveness, victimization or fear-focused conversations.

6. Seeking Support: You don't have to navigate this journey alone. Seek the support of a holistic therapist or a trusted professional who understands trauma and the integration of psychedelic experiences. Sharing your journey with others who truly listen and support your growth can be incredibly transformative. Consider Psychedelic Integration Therapy with a certified provider.

Healing is a continuous process, and each step forward is a testament to your strength and resilience. Practice new ways of being - self-care practices that honor your unique journey, allowing yourself the space and time to heal, grow, and integrate the insights gained from your transformative experiences.