The Latest Life Hack for Busy Women: Psilocybin, Beyond Magic Mushrooms

Illustration: LINDA MERAD

For many mothers juggling high-powered careers, incorporating psilocybin into their routines has become a game-changer, offering relief from the demands of a packed schedule without the drawbacks of traditional hangovers.

Kiana Anvaripour, a marketing executive based in Los Angeles, has a demanding daily routine. Amidst managing work and family responsibilities, she swears by her morning regimen, which includes a dose of psilocybin alongside her supplements and exercise routine. Anvaripour, 42, credits microdosing with helping her maintain peak performance without the side effects.

Her journey with psilocybin began two years ago as a response to postpartum depression and hormonal fluctuations. Despite a previous negative experience with mushrooms in her youth, Anvaripour found the modern practice of microdosing to be transformative, providing mental clarity and focus rather than psychedelic effects.

ILLUSTRATION: LINDA MERAD

While Silicon Valley luminaries and celebrities have openly discussed their use of psychedelics, the trend has now permeated the lives of working mothers in affluent circles. Despite legal restrictions, access to psilocybin has become more widespread, with women turning to it to alleviate anxiety, improve work-life balance, and navigate career pressures.

Jessica Girard, a 34-year-old executive headhunter from Santa Barbara, California, incorporates psilocybin into her routine to enhance creativity and engagement, particularly during tasks like resume screening. She describes the experience as a shift in perspective, adding enthusiasm to her work.

PHOTO: DAVID ABRAHAMS FOR WSJ. MAGAZINE | SET DESIGN BY STACI LEE HINDLE

The evolution of psilocybin consumption reflects a growing sophistication, with the drug now available in refined forms like capsules and gummies, catering to a demographic that values discretion and convenience. This shift mirrors the normalization of psychedelics as a tool for self-improvement rather than purely recreational use.

Despite anecdotal evidence of its benefits, experts caution that psilocybin's therapeutic potential is still being explored. Dr. Michael Bogenschutz, director of the NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine, emphasizes the need for clinical supervision due to the drug's mind-altering effects and potential risks.

For women like Kelley, a venture capitalist in Lower Manhattan, psilocybin has become as commonplace as a glass of wine among her social circle, offering a subtle yet effective way to enhance focus and productivity at work.

However, the stigma surrounding psychedelic use persists, leading some users to keep their consumption discreet to avoid potential repercussions in professional and social spheres.

Despite ongoing legal and societal challenges, interest in psilocybin continues to grow, with luxury retreats and personalized experiences catering to those seeking profound insights and personal growth.

As the conversation around psychedelics evolves, it underscores the complex relationship between wellness, productivity, and societal norms, challenging conventional notions of self-care and performance enhancement.

Sources: Chavie Lieber, “ The working Woman’s Newest life Hack: Magic mushrooms”, The Wallstreet Journal, 02/06/2024, https://www.wsj.com/style/microdosing-mushrooms-psilocybin-trend-women-f8d28b72, Accssed 03/22/24.