If you’ve taken magic mushrooms (or plan to), the best way to have a good time is to know what to do while you’re tripping. A psilocybin trip can be amazing, emotional, or a little weird, but with the right setup, it can also be safe and meaningful.
Here’s a simple, real-world guide based on advice from experts, mixed with what experienced users already know.
Before It Hits: Set Yourself Up Right
Once you’ve taken your dose, you’ve got about 30 to 60 minutes before things start to shift. That’s your window to get comfortable.
- Pick a chill place. Somewhere clean, quiet, and safe. A cozy room, a garden, or a soft spot in nature works great.
- Set the vibe. Dim lighting, calm music, and no interruptions.
- Have a sitter. A sober, trusted friend can make all the difference if things get intense.
As TripSitters puts it: “Preparation is half the journey. Good setting, good mindset, good trip.”
When It Starts: Ride the Wave, Don’t Fight It
When the mushrooms kick in, you’ll probably notice colors getting brighter, patterns forming, or time feeling stretchy. You might laugh, cry, or sit in total wonder. It’s all normal.
The trick? Don’t fight it. The more you resist, the harder it feels. Just breathe and let it flow.
If things start feeling heavy, remind yourself:
“This will pass, it’s just my mind exploring.”
Trips usually peak between 1.5 to 3 hours in, then gently fade out over the next few hours.
What to Do During the Trip
Here’s how to make the most of it while keeping it chill.
1. Keep It Comfortable
Wrap yourself in a blanket, play mellow music, or close your eyes and watch the colors dance. Comfort helps you relax into the experience instead of trying to control it.
2. Focus on Breathing
It sounds simple, but breathing is your best anchor. Slow inhales, long exhales. If you get anxious, say in your head:
“I’m safe. I’m just breathing.”
This small act can pull you back when your thoughts start spinning.
3. Stay Hydrated (But Don’t Chug)
Have water nearby and sip it slowly. You don’t need much, just enough to stay comfortable. Avoid alcohol or caffeine. They can mess with the trip’s balance.
4. Let Music Guide You
Music can shape your trip more than you think. Calm sounds help you stay centered. Try gentle ambient music, nature sounds, or even your favorite slow tracks.
Brain Futuresnotes that therapists use curated music playlists in psilocybin therapy to support emotion and reflection. In other words, the right songs can turn your trip into a journey instead of just a buzz.
5. Write, Draw, or Just Observe
Some people love to write or doodle during a trip, it helps channel emotions and keep focus. But you don’t have to do anything. Just notice what’s happening.
Look at the sky. Feel the texture of your clothes. Watch the light shift on the wall. Little things become big and beautiful when your mind is wide open.
6. If It Gets Intense, Change Something
Feeling anxious? That’s okay. Try one of these quick resets:
- Change rooms or go outside for fresh air.
- Put on softer lighting or music.
- Talk to your sitter. Just saying “Hey, I’m feeling weird” can instantly ease the tension.
According to Cambridge University Press, even in clinical settings, simple grounding steps, like changing posture, tone, or environment, are enough to reduce fear and confusion during a trip.
“The goal isn’t to escape the trip, it’s to meet it calmly.”
7. Don’t Overthink
Shrooms can make you see big truths or strange ideas. That’s part of the magic. But if your thoughts get dark, remind yourself it’s temporary. Try to observe your feelings like clouds passing by instead of getting stuck inside them.
As You Come Down
After the peak, everything starts softening. Colors fade, your mind clears, and you might feel peaceful or tired. This is a good time to:
- Sit somewhere cozy.
- Drink water or eat light snacks like fruit or crackers.
- Talk with your sitter about what you experienced.
If you’re outside, watch the sunset, it’s one of the best endings to a trip.
TripSitters calls this phase “the landing,” and it’s where a lot of reflection happens.
“When the trip fades, the insights begin,” they say.
What Not to Do
A few simple don’ts can save you from a bad time:
- Don’t drive, climb, or wander off alone.
- Don’t mix shrooms with alcohol or other drugs.
- Don’t panic, remember, it always wears off.
If someone you’re with starts having a rough trip, keep them safe, talk gently, and remind them they’re okay. Stay until they’re fully grounded again.
The Day After
Most people feel lighter or more reflective the next day, a kind of emotional “afterglow.” Others might feel tired or quiet. Either way, take it easy. Drink water, eat well, and write down anything meaningful from your experience.
You might find your mood, focus, or appreciation for life feels subtly different in a good way.
Summary
When tripping on shrooms, the best thing you can do is stay calm, safe, and open. Choose a good setting, breathe deeply, listen to soothing music, and let the experience unfold naturally. The trip will end on its own, and how it feels depends mostly on your mindset.
“The mushroom shows the path, but you choose how to walk it.”
Sources
TripSitters – Complete Guides for Psilocybin Experiences
Brain Futures – Professional Practice Guidelines for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (2023)
Cambridge University Press – How to Make Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Safer