It’s no secret that the holiday season always carries a different level of stress than the rest of the year, and then add in 2020. In addition to the baseline anxiety of a global pandemic, record unemployment and an impending climate crisis- we now have to navigate through another rugged Maine winter and a global pandemic, taboot! At Float Harder, we’re here to help you maintain your mental, physical and emotional health this winter.
While there aren’t many activities carry a level of risk these days, we believe that floating is one of the safest things we can do right now- even safer than the grocery store! So many of us have had to rapidly adapt to excessive change in all parts of our lives, this takes a toll on our overall wellbeing.
It’s easy to put your self care on the back burner when things get busy but that’s when it is the most essential! Excess stress can cause, among other things, an increase in cortisol- leading to inflammation, high blood pressure and fatigue. Add on top of that Covid-anxiety, holiday stress and everything else you have on your plate- it can get overwhelming.
So how can doing absolutely nothing help you make it (sanely) through the holidays? Floating weightlessly in over a thousand pounds of Epsom salt (that’s almost 6 pounds in every gallon of water) is not only enjoyable, but Epsom salt is rich in the essential nutrient Magnesium- essential for hormonal function and a powerful anti-inflammatory. Due to the incredible amount of salt, you’re floating weightlessly at almost 80% reduced gravity, allowing your joints and muscles to rest. This aids muscle recovery and allows your body to release any built up lactic acid and heal quicker.
Although you can choose to listen to music and keep the light on if you wish, floating in complete darkness and absolute silence allows your brain and body to rest in a way that is almost impossible in normal waking life. After an extended amount of time in a sensory restricted environment, your brain enters a theta wave state. “Theta activity has a frequency of 3.5 to 7.5 Hz and is classed as “slow” activity. It is seen in connection with creativity, intuition, daydreaming, and fantasizing and is a repository for memories, emotions, and sensations. Theta waves are strong during internal focus, meditation, prayer, and spiritual awareness.” This down regulation allows our entire nervous system relax, relieving acute and chronic anxiety.
Stress management might be one of the most important things we can do for both our physical and mental health. As we prepare to close out 2020 and start a fresh year, it is more essential than ever to take the time to recharge.