“Do you want to get high?” If someone throws out this question, you’ll rightly expect to see a jar of magic mushrooms or a fat, perfectly rolled joint. For better or for worse, society has taught us that reaching an elevated state of consciousness requires recreational substances. Sure, there is some truth to that. But guess what? You can also get high through natural means. You will need to exert some effort for some of them, but psychotropic experiences also happen during certain moments in life.

In this article, we’ll introduce 20 activities that can get you high without the influence of drugs. Yes, you could experience the same euphoria, without compromising yourself with a psychotropic substance.

1. Meditation

When was the last time you pressed pause on life? When you sat comfortably still; your mind, body, and being in tune with the present moment? The mind is totally silent. You’re not ruminating about the past or worrying about the future. If you’ve done that, congratulations. You’ve entered a meditative state. It’s a high that will give you the mental clarity that everyone wants for themselves. All you’ll need is ten minutes of your time. Do it often enough, and you’ll definitely reap its benefits.

2. Submerse Yourself in Nature

Believe it or not, we humans are naturally drawn to nature. Even the most “indoors” person will feel a lot better amongst dazzling landscapes and greenery. It’s how we’re all wired. Being surrounded by natural life can be a breathtaking, overwhelming experience. Even a stroll through the park can be enough to lift the spirits. Escaping to a more epic setting can be even more euphoric, especially for those used to living in a bustling city atmosphere. So, the next time you’re down in the dumps, try to take a walk outside. Your mind and body will thank you for it.

3. Immerse Yourself In a Sound Bath

If you want to take your meditative experience to the next level, a sound bath is the best way to go about it. If you haven’t done one yet, it’s quite a trip. Essentially, you’re situated in a dimly lit room where an instructor plays a variety of instruments. It usually involves tuning forks, harps, crystal singing bowls, crystal pyramids, even gongs. Meanwhile, you’re lost in your own senses as you drift into an altered state of consciousness. Highly recommended.

4. Get Naked in Public

Yes, seriously. Being in your birthday suit gives you a high like no other. It’s all about that weird yet liberating feeling that comes with the experience. Now, this isn’t to say that you should strip off all your clothes and run around naked down the street. Sure, that will give you a rush of adrenaline, but it can also get you into trouble. There are, however, places like beaches and spas where you can unleash your inner nudist. It literally strips you down to help wipe out your insecurities.

5. Try Breathwork

Breathing in a certain pattern can lead to a unique euphoric experience. It is also a meditative practice because it keeps your focus solely on the breath. The high itself comes from a jump in oxygen levels that leads to lowered stress and a boost in energy. It’s like taking uppers and downers at the same time, but you do it 100% naturally. A good example of breathwork is the Wim Hof method, a deep breathing exercise with purported immune system benefits.

6. Challenge Yourself to a Fast

Some of you may find this absurd. Missing a meal, after all, may lead to unfavourable consequences like fatigue, irritability, and stress. But the flipside of fasting is that it does lead to euphoria. According to this study, it’s because your body enters a state of ketosis—when mainly fat fuels the body. In turn, the body creates chemicals that induce those feelings of elation. Fasting is also by far the cheapest way to get high. That’s a win-win right there.

7. Deprive Your Senses in a Float Tank

If you’re not claustrophobic, a sensory deprivation tank (aka float tank) would be perfect for you. It is basically a tanning bed-like structure half-filled with tepid water concentrated with Epsom salt. You enter the tank and hang out as if you’re taking a bath, but it’s completely devoid of light and sound. People liken the experience to being back inside the womb or floating in space. But there is something trippy about being deprived of your senses for a significant amount of time, then coming back out as if you’re reborn.

8. Chase a Creative High

The creative high is another unique experience. It’s not psychotropic per se, but there’s a marvelous feeling in entering that flow state and creating a masterpiece from scratch. You can go with writing, painting, or playing music. Pick your poison. Then, enter a trance-like state where everything around you takes a pause. For those who don’t feel they have the chops to be creative, fret not. Surrounding yourself with art or music can give you that same high.

9. Have Awesome Sex

This right here is a no-brainer. The high of great, mindblowing sex is like no other. Science points to that dopamine overload, but there’s nothing like having deep sexual chemistry with an individual you’re deeply attracted to. The high during and after sex isn’t only about the climactic finish. It’s also about the entire episode of connecting with your partner on a primal level. So, whether you’re into tantric sex, role-playing, or just good old intercourse, go ahead and have at it.

10. Go Skydiving

Ah, yes, the ultimate bucket list item. There’s a reason everyone wants to go skydiving at least once before they die. There’s an unparalleled thrill in jumping off an airplane and going beyond human limits for a few moments. Of course, the idea of taking a 20,000-foot dive isn’t for everyone. Those with health issues may want to skip this. But, if you’re in tip-top shape, go ahead and dive right in (pun intended). It’ll certainly be worth it.

11. Get Out and Exercise

If endorphins came in party packs, the world would be a better place. Fortunately, we can turn to physical exercise as an alternative. Try going for a 15-minute cardio workout. Sure, you’ll be panting and gasping for air at first. But once that all dissipates, your entire being will be filled with those feel-good, happy hormones that last for quite a while. Regular exercise also keeps you fit and healthy. What’s not to like?

12. Try Cold Water Therapy

Remember the Wim Hof method in the breathwork section? Cold water therapy is an extension of that. Wim Hof himself can withstand freezing temperatures using his breathing technique. He also claims to experience other benefits like reduced stress and inflammation and an improved immune response. But in terms of getting high, that sudden rush of being submerged in icy water does do the trick.

13. Laugh Like a Maniac

Another seemingly ridiculous idea. But you’ll be surprised at how effective this is. Not only does a hearty laugh lift your spirits; it does the same for the people around you. Even a slight chuckle from someone can lighten your mood if you’re having a bad day. Give it a shot. Try bursting out in laughter for no reason. It won’t take long before you eventually feel much lighter than you previously did.

14. Invert Yourself

What’s another good way to get high naturally? Increasing heat and blood flow throughout your body. And an effective method of doing so is inverting yourself, literally. That sudden rush of blood to the brain does feel a bit funky, but it is revitalising, to say the least. If you’re physically capable, go for a headstand. Otherwise, you can simply put both legs up against a wall while laying down on a mattress.

15. Find That Yoga High

This practice is more than just the postures and positions. Yoga is all about aligning the physical, mental, and spiritual with the universe. Sounds a bit corny, but yoga burns unwanted calories while keeping your mind present. It’s the body and mind workout you’ve been missing your entire life. There are tons of yoga videos online, both for beginners and long-time practitioners. Thank heavens for the internet.

16. Become a Lucid Dreamer

For those who don’t know, lucid dreaming is the act of deliberately placing yourself in your dream. You’re fully aware of being in this state, and you can even control the events that transpire. Seems a bit kooky and out of this world, right? But there are personal accounts, even online workshops to prove that it is a real thing. Lucid dreaming takes a lot of training. But just imagine the endless possibilities of this practice.

17. Spend Time in a Sweat Lodge

Sweat lodges have long been used by certain Native American tribes, mainly for the purpose of purifying one’s soul. Think of it like a sauna inside a tent. Just like cold water therapy, the extreme conditions will eventually bring you to a euphoric state. However, it is important to proceed with the utmost caution, as extreme heat can be dangerous. If you have any underlying health issues, this may not be for you.

18. Listen to Binaural Beats

Piggybacking on the sound bath section from above is this alternative: binaural beats. The name may be a bit confusing because there aren’t any actual beats to make your head bob. The sound is akin to singing glasses, where you rub along the rim of a glass to create a reverberation. Studies reveal a connection between binaural beats and certain brain responses, and the sound itself does give off an invigorating effect.

19. Act Like a Wild Animal

If there’s one thing to envy about wild animals, it’s that they can move and act as they please. It’s always a liberating feeling to connect to yourself in the most primal way. Try this: in a confined, controlled space, let yourself go, like a gorilla in the wild. Throw stuff around, make a little mess. That release of energy can send you into an elevated state of mind. Just be sure not to break anything valuable.

20. Go to an Ecstatic Dance Party

Have you ever seen a sad person dancing at a party? Very unlikely. It’s hard not to crack a smile while moving to the beats of music. Dancing offers an instant release of dopamine and endorphins at the same time. The great thing about this is that you don’t need to be a good dancer. Just move your body accordingly and let the exhilaration flow through.

Go On and Chase Those Drug-Free Highs

There you have it, dear readers—20 ways to elevate your senses without the aid of recreational substances. Sure, a healthy serving of herbs and shrooms is good from time to time, but if you want to save money and get high naturally, these methods are the way to go.