Too ‘Type A’? Microdosing Can Help You Chill Out

‘I’m a Pisces sun with a Leo moon, so I’m basically an introverted extrovert!’ etc, etc. 

It makes us feel as though we’re part of  a gang or a team — or at the very least explains why we act a certain way, while simultaneously helping us to understand the behaviors of others.

However much creedence you give it, one mode of categorization has really infiltrated the popular consciousness. These are the Type A / Type B personality types. Think about it — you hear it everywhere — Type A being code for perfectionist, high achiever, competitive, while Type Bs are all easy going, flexible, carefree. 

The Origin of ‘Type A’ and ‘Type B’

Of course, nothing is ever really that binary. ‘Type A’ and ‘Type B’ are more like collections of traits that have been thrown together to create an easily understandable category of person. In fact, the terms themselves were coined in the 1950s in a study which was trying to determine heart attack risk in relation to personality (Type A being described as more susceptible.) 

However, it is useful to note that the study itself was funded by tobacco companies who were keen to distract the public from the negative effects of cigarettes on a person’s health. If heart disease could be blamed on a person’s tendency towards perfectionism and anxiety rather than their smoking habit, all the better for Big Tobacco eh?

The Traits Identified with a Type A Personality

Regardless of its shady past, Type A and Type B categorizations remain prevalent. And, it’s partially for good reason. Many people do identify with aspects of the Type A/Type B divide, with Type A especially being oft represented in popular culture. The full characteristics associated with Type A include:

Highly Achievement Oriented: ‘Type A’ folks tend to get their self worth from achieving their goals. 

Competitive: everything is a competition for ‘Type A’ personalities, even things that are not supposed to be competitive! 

Quick to Anger: ‘Type A’ personalities can get upset over even small things, or ‘have a short fuse.’

Impatient: time management is important to ‘Type As’. They can be very impatient! 

The Pros

There are many pros to being Type A, as you can imagine. They tend to be stars at their workplace, achieve above and beyond their goals — their ambition and organization often a boon to themselves and others. 

The Cons

However, on the flip-side, there are cons too. Those who identify with Type A traits can suffer from anxiety and be self-punishing if they do not live up to the high expectations they hold for themselves. They can also run into social issues, as their impatience and perfectionism can cause them to be rude or hurtful to others. 

Perhaps you identify with some or all of these traits. And that’s great — three cheers to you high achiever! But perhaps you feel some of the negative effects of these traits too. 

The Best of Both Worlds

Luckily there are things you can do to find a balance. You can keep your ambition and drive, but perhaps be less hard on yourself if you don’t complete your to-do list every day. You can spend a day just relaxing and being, knowing that the sky won’t fall down if you start your projects tomorrow. Be that high achiever while actually enjoying your life. Truly! 

Microdosing To Balance Type A Characteristics

A way to do this is via a microdosing routine. Microdosing is the practice of taking a tiny subthreshold dose of psilocybin. Despite causing no noticeable psychoactive effects, microdosing has many positive outcomes associated with it. These could be key in helping Type A folks deal with the trials and tribulations they face. Microdosing has already been found to be effective in treating depression, PTSD, addiction issues, and OCD, characteristics of which overlap with the negative traits of Type A personality. 

Reduced Anxiety:

Those who microdose psilocybin report reduced anxiety levels, as well as a calmer more open outlook. 

Why this helps a ‘Type A’: This is essential for those who identify as Type A and self-report as highly anxious, stressed, and self-punishing at times. A calmer outlook can help them to realize the standards they hold themselves to are not the be-all end-all. 

Improved Mood:

Microdosing improves general mood and happiness. 

Why this helps a ‘Type A’: Notorious for having a ‘short fuse’, a ‘Type A’ can push people away with their sometimes bossy and aggressive tendencies. An improved mood and feeling of well-being can make their reactions less extreme, and encourage them to be kinder to others. 

Improved Creativity:

Microdosing is known for enhancing creative abilities and thinking ‘outside of the box’. 

Why this helps a ‘Type A’: These guys can be rather ‘it’s my way or the highway buddy!’ Enhanced creativity can help a Type A see there are many avenues to problem solving, and that being open to new ideas is essential in both work and life. 

Less Reliant on Coping Mechanisms:

Those who microdose report finding it easier to maintain healthy lifestyles, and that it has even helped them to kick habits such as smoking or drinking to excess. 

Why this helps a ‘Type A’: To deal with the pressures they heap on themselves many Type As find themselves relying on crutches such as nicotine or alcohol as a coping mechanism. Anything that can reduce this dependency is a big plus. 

Improved Focus:

Microdosing has been found to help get people ‘in the flow’, finding themselves more productive and content in their tasks. 

Why this helps a ‘Type A’: Are you kidding? They’re still a ‘Type A’ — as if they’re gonna say no to some added productivity power 😉.

Joking aside, a more focused period could mean more time for meaningful relaxation at the end of the day, essential for a Type A to wind down. 

Be the ‘Type’ of Person You Want to Be

Whatever ‘type’ you identify with, remember not to box yourself in from possibilities. You may have some ‘Type A’ or ‘Type B’ tendencies, but that doesn’t mean you are a fixed being. Your personality can change and grow day to day, and you have the power to direct it.

Be the ‘Type’ of person you want to be.