Psychedelic drug users had less psychological distress and more social support during pandemic lockdowns, according to a recent Tilburg University survey.
Users were more likely to spend time outdoors, maintain healthy diets, meditate, play music, and do yoga. Non-users spent more time watching TV and following COVID news.
Meditating while VR-tripping sounds relaxing, but the real deal might be even more powerful. New research from meditation experts suggests that mindfulness meditation can increase the positive effects of psilocybin. The University of Zurich recruited 40 meditation experts for a five-day meditation retreat where some were given psilocybin and others were given a placebo. Four months later, researchers found that the psilocybin group showed higher levels of optimism, openness, empathy, and self-acceptance, as well as “beneficial changes in psychosocial functioning.”
Looking for a spiritual awakening but don’t want to commit to a five hour trip? Now you can trip with VR instead. Tripp, an LA-based wellness company, developed an immersive VR experience that combines relaxing meditation exercises with trippy visuals and audio. Users can relieve stress and practice mindfulness in just eight minute sessions. The company recently raised $11 million in funding for a total of $15 million in funding to date.
