They are touted as the key to treating everything from PTSD, to depression, to OCD. This means the future is looking bright for sufferers of these conditions, who had given up hope of treatment. However, could people without a mental health condition still use psychedelics, but for self improvement?

There is growing evidence that psychedelic therapies can also be greatly beneficial to the ‘healthy’. It is well known that the brainboxes of Silicon Valley have been microdosing psychedelics for quite some time. They credit the substances with their inspiration and freedom of thought. It is partially this that has contributed to the ‘psychedelic renaissance’ that we find ourselves in the midst of currently. Nevertheless, for those who don’t create tech in California, psychedelics can also be an utterly transformative choice. New research is suggesting that even just one psychedelic experience can make you more loving, lovable, creative and successful, if used in the right way. Read on to discover how you can achieve self improvement with psychedelics! 

Psychedelics Make You Kinder

It turns out the ‘peace and love’ hippie stereotype does have a basis. And, now there is research to back it up. John Hopkins University conducted a study in 2006, focusing on if psychedelics could induce a mystical experience in healthy people. Out of a group of 36 participants, half were given a hallucinogenic drug and half were given a placebo. At the second session, this was reversed. When interviewed 6 months later the participants rated as “more sensitive, compassionate, tolerant… increased positive relationships, an increased need to serve others”. Additionally, the researchers made the canny move to also interview the participants friends, family and colleagues. This was to verify what the participants had reported. Those questioned, backed up the participant’s data, that they had indeed become kinder. 

Psychedelics Make You More Creative

As mentioned above, the techies of Silicon Valley swear by microdosing (taking tiny sub-hallucinogenic doses of psychedelics). Since the 1960s psychedelic substances have been closely associated with the most outlandish manifestations of art, music and media. But, in a more general sense, how can an increase in creativity help you? Well, the benefits are endless. If you are in the creative industry or even just a hobbyist in art or music, the advantages are obvious. However, it can also simply increase your interest in the world around you. From making you better at your job (promotion for showing initiative and thinking outside the box, anyone?), to improving your problem solving skills, to just making you more engaging to be around.

The stats back it up too. In a 2011 study 18 volunteers, with no health issues, received four doses of psilocybin. For up to 14 months after the study the majority of the volunteers reported positive progress in their attitudes and general mood. Additionally, they had become more tolerant, open minded and engaged in imagination and fantasy. These are important facets of creativity and its growth. 

Psychedelics Keep You Young

Ok, so they’re not a fountain of youth. Nevertheless, psychedelics are proven to help you stay young, at least in spirit. In a John Hopkins University study, 60% of 51 participants underwent personality changes that lasted up to a year after a single dose of psilocybin. Utilising a widely used scientific inventory, the researchers measured the personality change. This covers five categories: openness, neuroticism, extroversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness. It was in the category of ‘openness’ that the change was registered. This is where the ‘youthful’ part comes in. It is widely agreed that personality does not change in a significant way for people over 30. The fact that psychedelics can positively affect open minded-ness, changing the personalities of those over 30, highlights their ability to help nurture youthful vitality. And, there’s nothing more attractive than someone who is young at heart! (Age is just a number! Etc etc…)

Psychedelics Make You More Empathetic

Psychedelics are credited with taking you out of yourself; from just feeling connected to the world, to complete ego death. It is this quality that helps foster empathy, the ability to see things from other people’s point of view. In a study in which participants were administered psychedelics, they later reported themselves to be less self centered. They became less focussed on their own ego. The participants felt a connection to higher consciousness, and less so that the world revolved around them. This can only be a good thing, because if there’s something the world needs right now, it’s definitely empathy. 

Psychedelics Wipe The Slate Clean

Parallel to the increase of empathy for others, psychedelics can also make you kinder to yourself. Still kept awake at night, by that dumb thing you said in the office five years ago? Once you feel connected to a higher consciousness it actually makes it easier to let the small stuff go. Holding on to, and beating yourself up for things you’ve done in the past can prevent you from personal growth. By being able to see outside of yourself you can wipe the slate clean and start anew. Engaging with kindness, empathy and creativity. Of course, psychedelics are just a tool for you to use— the desire to grow can only come from you— but they sure are a useful tool. It’s time to discover psychedelics for self improvement.

Have psychedelics helped you grow? Let us know in the comments below!