Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Requiescent Float Center however all thoughts are my own.
Last week I tried something totally new and hung out in a float tank at Requiescent Float Center in Ballston Spa. If you haven’t heard of float therapy, it’s also referred to as sensory deprivation therapy. Basically you float in a dark tank of water filled over with 1,000 lbs of epsom salts and are forced to relax and shut out the outside world for awhile.
As someone who suffers from anxiety and is a constant worry wart, I have tried several cognitive behavioral techniques whenever I feel myself getting stressed. I have to admit, when I saw the tank I was very skeptical, what was I going to do for an hour while I floated? I totally unplugged and it was the most relaxing experience I ever had. Here are 4 reasons you will love float therapy:
1.) Eases sore, tense muscles – Thanks to the epsom salt, your body is totally weightless, taking pressure off of any tense or painful areas. It also helps to promote circulation and reduce inflammation. Many athletes swear by floating to help their muscles recover. My body felt like jello afterwards.
2.) Detoxes the body -The magnesium and elements from the epsom salt are absorbed into the body and help draw out any toxins allowing your body to heal itself.
3.) Relaxation – It has been said that floating helps the brain get to the “theta state” which is a state of deep meditation and relaxation. The first few minutes into my session I was beginning to think I was going to have a hard time shutting off my mind, but once I got into it, I completely got in the zone. It was the most relaxed I’ve been in a long long time. I slept like a baby that night and felt much calmer for the next few days.
4.) Me time – This year one of my intentions was to practice self-care and make time for myself each day (read more about my intentions). Once in the tank, it is dark, except for some twinkling lights on the ceiling that you can shut off if you choose. The temperature of the water and the air is the same temperature as your body and it is pure quiet. So quiet in fact all I could hear was my own heartbeat. I was totally in tune to my body and my thoughts.
Overall I had a great experience floating. If you haven’t tried it, I encourage you to check it out for yourself. It’s a nice change of pace from all of the sensory overload we experience on a daily basis and a great way to get in touch with yourself. Thanks for an awesome experience Eric at Requiescent! I will definitely be back!