06 August 2019, by i-sopod
Float tanks. Sounds great, right? Sounds easy and restful and, hey, isn’t it supposed to be hugely beneficial, both mentally and physically? Yes, it is! But there are a few things worth bearing in mind in order to get the best from your first floatation experiences.
Firstly, don’t eat or drink too much too close to your float time. It’s recommended that you don’t eat for at least an hour beforehand or, better still, wait until afterwards. It’s also best to avoid caffeine on float days, but it is important to keep yourself hydrated. Eating and drinking too close to the time of your float can make you feel a bit uncomfortable in the pod, perhaps needing to get out of the pod to use the bathroom, and probably making it hard to fully relax and switch off your mind.
Avoid showering in water that is too hot, as the water within the pod is set at skin temperature and if you heat yourself too much you might feel cold when you first enter the float tank. Taking a shower in lukewarm water is the way to go.
Don’t touch your face in the float tank! The water is seriously salty from the Epsom-salts. To avoid getting saltwater in your eyes, dry your face and hairline completely before entering the float pod. If you feel an itch on your face, and it always happens when we’re trying not to touch it, or you feel sweat about to trickle into your eyes, resist the urge to scratch or wipe your face. There will probably be a spray-bottle of fresh water inside the pod in case you do get any salt water in your eyes, and it’s a good idea to leave your towel close by to ensure you can fix any of these scenarios, dry your face again, and get straight back to your float.
Don’t overthink what you expect from the float. Each float will be a unique experience and will be different for each individual. Trying too hard to switch off and find focus is counter-productive, making it difficult to empty your mind of extraneous thought. Better to concentrate on your breathing and feel completely in control of the experience. It’s possible to have the lid open, or to have a light on in the pod if you want to, so that you can float your way, although you will probably find it more relaxing to have the lid closed and the light off. It’s possible to open the lid or put the light on at any time. Remember that it may take a few sessions before you become accustomed to, and are able to get the maximum benefit from, floatation.
Don’t focus too much on trying to stay afloat! You will float without having to think about it. It may take a couple of position changes to find your most comfortable floating position, but you will not sink. There is no need to allow thoughts of sinking to clutter your mind. Some people like to float with their arms above their head as it eases tension in your spine and back. Also, if you find yourself moving around a little bit, placing a hand on each side of the pod will steady you and help you regain your stillness in the water.
Whatever the reason for choosing floatation therapy, the benefits increase with each session. You will find yourself able to relax more with each visit, you will be more aware of what works for you, as you learn to switch off more easily in the weightless, quiet, soothing solitude of the pod. You’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!
Find more in-depth float tank advice here
