Greetings, friends!! My blogging schedule has been a bit sporadic lately, so thanks for bearing with me. So… I’m the first to admit, I’ll pretty much try anything in the name of wellness. But when my boyfriend Matt suggested we try a sensory deprivation tank, I was a little hesitant. I mean, I’m slightly claustrophobic and not a water person, so floating in a dark and silent enclosed pod of water for 90 minutes didn’t exactly sound like my cup of tea at first.
Recently Matt and I checked out a new local business called Float8 in Deerfield Beach, FL. Float8 is a wellness lounge that offers sensory deprivation float tank services. The atmosphere at Float8 is similar to that of a spa, but I liked it even better because there is definitely more of a focus on mindfulness, internal wellness, and holistic healing.
Whether you’ve never heard of “floating” before, have tried it, or are just interested in learning more about the fascinating art of sensory deprivation, let this post be your guide to floating!
What is Sensory Deprivation?
So first thing’s first, what even IS sensory deprivation and why would you want to do it? Basically, it means we are essentially shutting out or hitting “pause” on our senses, therefore eliminating external distractions that prevent us from getting into a deep meditative state. In a float tank, there is no light, no sound, no weight of gravity, just pure nothingness. The water in each tank contains 1000 pounds of pharmaceutical-grade epsom salts! The high magnesium salt content of the water is what allows the body to float.
Most of us are extremely overstimulated due to work, home life, traffic, technology, and other daily stressors. The idea is to embrace the 90 minutes (or more) of nothingness and use this quiet time to do, well… absolutely nothing. It’s kind of like a 90 minute Savasana, only better. Remember, we “do” nothing while laying in Savasana, yet it is the most important part of our yoga practice.
Benefits of Floating
- Relief from the constant weight of gravity. Decompression of the spine and joints.
- Elimination of all external distractions enabling the floater to tune in more deeply to their body and breath.
- Extremely efficient absorption of magnesium via the skin. In today’s sterile society, we are essentially all deficient in certain minerals due to depletion of our earth’s soil. Magnesium is a vital mineral that is actually best absorbed through the skin and floating provides the body with an ample dose.
- Anxiety and stress-relief.
- Softer, smoother skin.
Preparing to Float
Ok, so you’ve decided you want to float. First, think about whether you want to float in the morning, afternoon or evening. This will probably take some trial and error. Some people enjoy a morning float to mentally prepare for the day, while others prefer to float in the evening to wind down from the day. It is mostly a matter of personal preference and I encourage you to try floating at different times of day to see what works best for you.
A 60-90 minute float is usually recommended for first-timers. I did a 90 minute morning float, but now that I know what to expect, I feel that I would probably prefer an evening session. If I were to float again in the morning, I would only do it after an intense workout or yoga class because it’s easier for me to focus on relaxation after I’ve gotten some movement in. Plus, epsom salt baths are fantastic for post-workout recovery, which I’m sure you knew already ;). Again this is just my personal preference, so see what works for you and stick with that. It all depends on what you’re looking to gain from this experience.
So you’ve booked a session. On the day of your float session, I recommend showing up at least 20 minutes early, if not more (if the facility you’re floating at has a waiting area or lounge), to meditate, do some breath work, and really just get in the zone to transition into your float. You will get a lot more out of the session if you are already a little prepped for maximum relaxation. Float8 has an amazing meditation library equipped with yoga props like blocks, mats, bolsters, blankets, and pillows. I’m pictured below in front of the altar that holds incense, sage, palo santo, and healing crystals. To my left (not pictured) is a huge bookshelf filled with amazing reads on sensory deprivation, meditation, and more. It is truly a magical space that is a perfect way to transition into your float.
One you’re zenned out, you’re ready to begin the session.
1.) Turn off or silence your phone!
2.) Insert the provided earplugs (this is optional if you don’t like water getting in your ears).
3.) You’ll be asked to do a quick pre-float shower to keep the pod as clean as possible. Then you’ll take another post-float shower to wash off the salt residue.
4.) Cover up any cuts or wounds you may have. Also, be sure not to shave the day before your session, because the salt will burn.
Now its time to enter the matrix!! The pod, that is.
Step inside and relax. If it’s your first time and you have trouble in enclosed spaces, you can try what I did and lay there with the pod door open for a minute or so. Once you feel okay, close the pod door. The pods at Float8 have a soft light inside. I kept mine on for half of the float, but when I started to get comfortable inside the pod, I switched it off and was able to go deeper into relaxation. You’ll notice that the weight of gravity is lifted off of your body, particularly your spine. Try doing a little body scan, focus on your breathing, and allow yourself to just be.
Post-Float Thoughts
While I honestly wasn’t really able to *fully* quiet my mind, my experience in the float tank was still great. The physical relaxation was definitely nice and I loved how weightless I felt in the pod. It gave me the sensation of floating through outer space which I thought was incredibly cool. I was expecting to freak out about being in a dark closed space filled with water, but I was shocked at how relaxed I was and surprisingly it hardly bothered me at all!
The only thing that did bother me a little bit was my body grazing the sides of the pod. I have an extremely overactive, easily stimulated mind and it’s super difficult for me to shut that off. So each time I felt like I was getting closer to a meditative state, my body bumping the side of the pod sort of took me out of it. I was still relaxed the whole time but I wouldn’t say I reached my full relaxation potential. I think next time I would spend a little extra time mentally preparing for my float. Float8 also offers a larger “suite” tank with more leg room that the standard pods, which I think would be incredibly helpful for long-limbed people like me.
So that was my float experience! I’d say its definitely worth checking out, especially since you have nothing to lose (except maybe stress and back pain) and everything to gain. Also, I got the best sleep that night, likely due in part to the massive dose of magnesium! Be sure to hydrate yourself well post-float. 🙂
Thanks for reading and I hope I was able to answer some of your sensory deprivation tank questions! If you’re local to South Florida and are looking for an amazing atmosphere to float in, I cannot recommend Float8 enough! From the kind and knowledgable owners and staff that made us feel right at home, to the cozy and chill vibes of the facility (featuring some beautiful pieces by local artists), its the perfect environment for avid floaters and newbies alike!
If you’re in the area and would like to book a session, use the code OMMADE at checkout to get $20 OFF your first 90 minute float!! Click the link above to check out their website and show them some love on instagram @float8ion.
Have you tried a sensory deprivation tank? What do you think?! Share your thoughts and questions with me in the comments! Or share on my latest instagram post @ommadebyemily 🙂
We’ll all float on okay. . . . .
