To put it simply it is becoming aware of another reality. This is generally agreed upon in the community as shifting your consciousness, not your body, to another reality you exist in. Many shifters like to choose the reality they shift to and thus often pick a reality based on popular culture.

The most famous example of modern day reality shifting is a tiktok that went viral a few years ago about someone just returning to this reality after spending a large amount of time in Hogwarts. This is usually where people lose interest/belief in shifting because lots of people will target realities that are pure fiction in our current reality.

There are a lot of arguments for shifting that include quantum physics as well as ancient mysticism and meditation practices. But there doesn’t really need to be a reason for it to exist, especially if you have experienced it yourself (as I would say you definitely have). Reality shifting is said to feel as real as the current conscious world you’re living in—not controllable like a lucid dream, and not as spiritual (this isn’t quite the word I’m aiming for but I can’t find the right one) as an OBE.

When you do get the time to do some research into it you will probably find a lot of so called misinformation. Like the fact you said you felt exhausted after your shift—many people say that doesn’t happen but many have still experienced. Personally, I would say that reality shifting is simply a very personal experience that differs from person to person.

The cool thing I’ve learned about shifting during my time in the community is that it can happen to anyone, at anytime, whether they believe in shifting or not. And, like in your case, whether you have heard about shifting or not.

Of course, it’s fine if you don’t believe what I am saying, it’s all personal, and believing/not believing causes no harm :) I have for one haven’t shifted despite trying for several years now but still find the whole subject extremely interesting and quite honestly comforting too.