PART 8: When to Pause, Adjust, or Reflect

Microdosing isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it routine. It’s a living practice — one that asks you to be present, reflective, and responsive. Whether you're one week in or several months along, there may come a time when your body, mind, or spirit signals that it’s time to pause or adjust.

In this post, we explore how to recognize the signs and honor the wisdom of stopping — even temporarily — for your greater growth.

⏸️ When to Take a Break

Here are a few signals it might be time to pause your microdosing cycle:

• You’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed

• You’ve built up a tolerance (diminished effects)

• You feel “off” or disconnected from intention

• You’re just going through the motions — no longer tuning in

• You’re facing a major life event or medication shift

Even positive practices can lose their power if done without presence.

🔄 When to Adjust Your Protocol

Sometimes it’s not about stopping — it’s about fine-tuning. Consider adjusting if:

• Your current schedule feels too intense or too subtle

• You’re experiencing unwanted side effects (e.g., fogginess, insomnia)

• Your intention or needs have changed

• You’ve become curious about a new approach (e.g., switching from Fadiman to Stamets)

You’re allowed to evolve your practice. In fact, that’s the point.

🧘🏽‍♀️ Build in Reflection

Try journaling at the end of each cycle with prompts like:

• What has shifted in me over the past few weeks?

• What am I learning about myself, my patterns, my mind?

• What do I need now — more, less, or something else entirely?

The pause is not a failure. It’s an integration.

🌿 Healing Is Non-Linear

You don’t need to microdose forever. In fact, the most powerful journeys often include rest stops — moments to exhale, recalibrate, and remember why you started.

Trust your inner rhythm. You’re doing it right.