Floating takes practice.
Doing absolutely nothing for 90 minutes can prove to be a challenging task. The good news? It gets easier!
The best but possibly most difficult aspect about your float is that YOU are in complete control of your float! The float tank is just the vessel that facilitates your experience. Although there is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to achieving a “great float”, here are a few pro-tips and tricks that you can use to help you get the most out of your float.
Before your float:
Eat a light meal.
You definitely do not want to be hungry while you’re in a float tank, nor do you want to be really full! When you take away all sensory input, your growling stomach can not only be uncomfortable but also incredibly distracting.
Avoid caffeine.
Its best to steer clear from caffeinated beverages a few hours before you float. Otherwise, you will find yourself bouncing off the walls (quite literally).
Avoid shaving and cover any small cuts or scrapes.
With over 1000 lbs. of Epsom salt in each float tank, any abrasion to the skin will sting at first. This only lasts a few minutes, but will help you to be much more comfortable when you get in.
Be hydrated, but don’t drink too much!
Although you can get out at any time to use the restroom, you don’t want to have to!
Go work out!
Epsom salt is known for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as moving lactic acid out of sore muscles. You can optimize the benefits of your float with a good work out right beforehand!
Don’t rush in.
Create some time before and after your float to ensure that you’re not rushing to relax. We have wonderful tea and great books to read in our lounge, you’re welcome to come early and stay late.
During your float:
Keep a towel handy and avoid touching your face.
Be Prepared! You want to be very careful not to get salt in your eyes, but it happens to the best of us. We recommend keeping your wash cloth next to the eye rinse spray bottle in case you do get salt in your eyes, everything you need is handy.
Breathe.
You can start this before you even arrive! Tuning into your breath is a powerful tool to help you be more present and help calm your nervous system. Any deep breathing exercise is great, but if you don’t already know one, we recommend slowly counting backwards from 100 with a BIG breath in between each count. Bet you don’t make it far before finding yourself in a deeply relaxed state!
Let go!
Let go of any expectations about your experience. Everyone floats for different reasons, but the float tank will give you what you need. Falling asleep in a tank is not a wasted float! Once you think you’ve let go, let go a little more.
After your float:
Don’t rush out.
A lot of people don’t realize how relaxed they are when they first jump out. Recent studies have found that the relaxation response and the full effects of your float can continue setting in up to 30 minutes after your float ends and can last for hours or even days after. So enjoy a cup of tea and relax in the lounge after your float.