Experience the immediate benefits of a float pod!
A few years ago I experienced my first panic attack. I was working long hours, travelling, and managing the overwhelming expectations of my employer. I felt guilty for being away from my family for long periods of time, and my body had had enough. It was difficult for me to catch my breath, my hands shook, and I had fallen to my knees. I remember the look of concern on my husband's face as he lifted me off the ground and into the car. The next thing I knew, we were at the doctors. That’s when the tears started. Panic, mixed with shame and exhaustion overcame me.
The US Mental Health Foundation defines a panic attack as a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger. There is no doubt that our world today has put many of us in a state of chronic stress - a consistent sense of feeling pressured and overwhelmed over a long period of time. According to Yale Medicine, chronic stress can lead to hypertension, anxiety, depression, panic disorders, weight gain, sleep disorders and many other health related conditions.
There is a stigma that exists around mental health and as a result, so many of us don’t talk about it. But the reality is every one in four Canadians aged 18 and over have experienced symptoms of anxiety, depression and PTSD (Stats Canada), and Indeed reports that 52% of workers feel burnout, that’s up 30% from pre-covid conditions.
My husband introduced me to the idea of the sensory-deprivation tank. He had done his research and learned that float therapy was a proven method of reducing stress and anxiety and encouraged me to give it a try. In all honesty, the thought of being in a closed space with no sound or light to help calm me sounded far-fetched. But I agreed to give it a chance.
The float tank I experienced resembled a large metal cabin with a square door. I was hesitant to get in at first as I thought I’d be cold. However, to my surprise, the water was just right. Not hot or cold, but body temperature. I got in and immediately felt the effects of the 1,000 lbs of epsom salt!
The salt ensured my buoyancy; I was going to be floating in that tank regardless of my efforts to keep my arms beneath the water. After 20 minutes getting my bearings and acclimatizing to the dark (and playing around in the water), I closed my eyes and zoned in on my breath. When the music played to alert me that my 60 minutes had passed, I was dumb founded. I hadn’t expected I would last 30 minutes, let alone an hour! My first float experience is something I will never forget. I had an overwhelming sense of calm and joy. My arms and legs felt weightless for days afterwards and my mind was clear. That night, I experienced the best sleep I had had in years.
The float tank I experienced resembled a large metal cabin with a square door. I was hesitant to get in at first as I thought I’d be cold. However, to my surprise, the water was just right. Not hot or cold, but body temperature. I got in and immediately felt the effects of the 1,000 lbs of epsom salt! The salt ensured my buoyancy; I was going to be floating in that tank regardless of my efforts to keep my arms beneath the water. After 20 minutes getting my bearings and acclimatizing to the dark (and playing around in the water), I closed my eyes and zoned in on my breath. When the music played to alert me that my 60 minutes had passed, I was dumb founded. I hadn’t expected I would last 30 minutes, let alone an hour!. My first float experience is something I will never forget. I had an overwhelming sense of calm and joy. My arms and legs felt weightless for days afterwards and my mind was clear. That night, I experienced the best sleep I had had in years.
I was hooked. I went back for two additional floats, and then began planning to open a sensory-deprivation centre of my own. I was on a mission to share with the world the remarkable healing powers of float therapy! Here are my floating tips:
10 Tips to Maximize Your Float Therapy Session:
Arrive early so you have time to prepare for your float therapy session without feeling rushed.
Visit the restroom prior to entering the pod. Trust me!
Remove any jewellery/watches/gadgets prior to floating. I left my FitBit on with the hopes of seeing the impact of the float on my heart rate. My band was toast after.
Go in with an open mind. If it is your first visit, focus on your breath. This will help settle you into the float.
For your first float, I encourage you to try a guided journey. This is a meditative float where you’ll be guided through breathwork. This will keep you grounded in the moment to help you settle into your float experience quickly and allow you to reap the full benefits of the 60 minutes.
Breathe. You will not drown! With over 1000 lbs of epsom salt, I couldn’t keep my arms or my legs beneath the water, and that was with me trying!
Take in the silence, let your mind wander in true freedom.
Use the face towel provided to dry your face upon exiting the pod. This will minimize any salt entering your eyes.
Use the ear plugs and halo (head rest) provided. It will improve the overall quality of your float experience.
Book your next session before you leave!
Feeling curious about float therapy? Contact Free2Be Wellness to learn more. Or, click here if you’re feeling courageous and are ready to book your first session!