head-trip

Noun

head trip (plural head trips)

1. (informal) An experience or set of experiences which is intellectually challenging or stimulating.
   • Not that Martin is a sun-bleached hippie philosopher, but his book is a head-trip as well as a hugely entertaining travel adventure along the eccentric orbits of cosmological research.2009 July 10, Martin Fletcher, "Beware Invisible Cows, By Andy Martin" (book review), The Independent (UK) (retrieved 23 Aug 2014)
2. (informal) A disorienting, exciting experience, especially one consisting mainly of striking sensory impressions.
   • Part picture book, part head trip. "Magic Eye" presents 22 color images called "single-image random-dot stereograms." When looked at in a certain way, they spring mind-bending surprises on the viewer.1994 March 6, William Grimes, “Thing: Sleight Of Eye”, in New York Times, retrieved 23 Aug 2014

   Synonyms:

   mindbender, mindblower

3. (informal) A state of mind in which one is distracted, disturbed, or unnerved, whether self-induced or resulting from ill-treatment by others.
   • "I think the pressure of being center stage has a lot to do with it. . . . He's got the talent. He's just got to shake off this head trip."2000 June 17, James C. McKinley, “Baseball: Amateurs Say Easy Throws Can Be the Hardest”, in New York Times, retrieved 23 Aug 2014

   Synonyms:

   self-doubt

4. (informal) An ego trip.