Simple breathing techniques for during an intense trip

A trip can be a powerful experience, just ask anyone who has ever had a trip! Think intense feelings, vivid images and deep insights. The effects of magic mushrooms, truffles, mescaline or other psychedelics can be overwhelming, causing some people to experience quite a bit of tension.

Fortunately, there are simple breathing techniques you can use to calm yourself down and become more in tune during your psychedelic journey. By consciously breathing, we can affect our nervous system and influence our emotions. This is especially valuable during a psychedelic trip, as your breathing can help you relax, reduce anxiety and even alter the intensity of the experience.

Deep abdominal breathing

One of the simplest breathing techniques you can use during a psychedelic trip is deep abdominal breathing. This type of breathing brings your focus to your belly instead of your chest, allowing you to experience a sense of calm and grounding^[1] . How to do this. Simply close your eyes, place your hand on your belly and inhale deeply through your nose. Feel your belly swell as you inhale and let it sink back down as you exhale through your mouth. Repeat this cycle a few times and notice how you become calmer and more grounded.

Box breathing

Another effective technique is box breathing, named after the shape of an imaginary box. This helps you create a rhythm and consciously regulate your breathing^[2] . How do you do this? Visualise an imaginary box with four equal sides. Inhale for four seconds as you move up along one side of the box. Hold your breath for four seconds as you move along the second side. Then exhale for four seconds as you move along the third side, and hold your breath again for four seconds as you move along the fourth side. Repeat this cycle several times and observe how your mind and body calm down.

Coherent breathing

Coherent breathing, also known as resonant breathing, is a technique in which you inhale and exhale with a constant and regular cadence. This technique can help you enter a state of relaxation and coherence, helping you reduce negative emotions and gain more control over your psychedelic experience. How to do it. Breathe in for a fixed number of counts, say five, and then breathe out for the same number of counts^[3] . Try to keep a slow and even rhythm as you keep breathing in this way. Feel how each breath brings you deeper and deeper into relaxation and enjoy the feeling of peace and harmony.

What are other ways to enhance my psychedelic trip

Yes, breathing is only one aspect of a positive psychedelic experience. Other factors such as setting, intention and safety also play a big role. Make sure you are in a safe and comfortable environment, with people you trust, and set clear intentions for your trip. Go out and enjoy your psychedelic adventure, knowing that you have the breathing techniques to support you during the journey!

Sources:

^[1]  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321805

^[2] https://extension.umn.edu/two-you-video-series/box-breathing

^[3] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-49279-8