December 17, 2021
Stress Less with Float Therapy
Excessive stress can lead to all sorts of mental and physical issues – from a mild headache to a heart attack. However, when we start to see stress-induced problems arise, the simple treatment that doctors often suggest is to reduce the stress in our lives. This seems straightforward enough, and it makes sense. In reality, reducing the stress in our lives isn’t simple at all.
Unlike with other mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression – there isn’t necessarily a medication or different treatment plan for general stress. You sort of just have to stop it. Stop stressing. Take something off your plate that causes you stress. But what happens if nothing can be taken off the plate? What if all items on the plate are essential at the moment, as stressful as they may be? This may be the case for many frontline workers and people in high up management positions. If this is your situation – where do you turn?
For many, the answer is sensory deprivation float tanks.
What is a float tank?
A float tank is a large pod capable of creating a dark, completely silent and relaxing environment. It is filled with warm water with a high concentration of Magnesium Sulphate. Due to the high salt content, you become extremely buoyant inside the float tank, allowing you to release all the tension in your body and float comfortably.
How does floating in a sensory deprivation tank help with stress?
- Relaxes your sympathetic nervous system
A float tank session puts our sympathetic nervous system on standby. The sympathetic nervous system is the bodily system that activates our flight or fight response and controls our feelings of stress and anxiety. By giving this system a rest, you are helping protect the body from the adverse effects of stress.
- Reduces your levels of cortisol
In addition, regular float tank sessions have been proved to lower cortisol levels in your body. Cortisol is a stress response hormone, and high cortisol levels over long periods can cause issues such as increased blood pressure, weight gain, anxiety and depression.
- Creates a space for mindfulness and meditation
Regular meditation and mindfulness have been proven to help reduce the negative effects of stress. However, it’s hard to find the time to dedicate ourselves to this practice in our everyday busy lives. The float tank is the perfect place to start. The quiet, dark environment is ideal for focusing on your breath and slowing down your thoughts. Even taking one hour a week to create a safe space for your mind to be completely quiet can make a massive difference to your mood and productivity.
Contact Float Lab to learn more about the benefits of float tanks for reducing stress.
Please do not hesitate to contact our team for more information. Book your float tank session online now, click here.