Welcome to your float session! As you prepare to embark on this journey of deep relaxation and self-discovery, we want to provide you with some tips to help you get the most out of your experience. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned floater, this guide can help enhance your session and ensure optimal results. Here's what you need to know:
Setting Your Intentions
Before you step into the float tank, take a moment to reflect and set your intentions. This could be anything from finding clarity on a particular issue, cultivating a sense of peace, or simply unplugging from the outside world. By consciously setting your intention, you give your mind a compass to guide your float experience.
Pre-Float Checklist
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable float session, follow this quick checklist:
Earplugs: Insert your ear plugs first. They will reduce noise and prevent saltwater from getting into your ears.
Shower: Take a quick, moderate-temperature shower to cleanse your body and prepare for the float experience. Use the unscented soap and shampoo provided.
Petroleum Jelly: Apply petroleum jelly to any cuts, scratches, or freshly shaved skin to protect from the sting of the saltwater.
Wipe Your Face: After your shower, thoroughly wipe your face to prevent any dripping water during your float.
Enter the Float Tank: Step into the tank, ready to let go and surrender to the experience.
Surrender to the Experience: Let go and trust the process. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to float.
End of Float: The light and sound in the tank will gently wake you up. If you're sleeping, the cleaning cycle will start a few minutes after the light and sound. Either way, take a moment to acclimate after your float. We recommend slowly standing up in the tank to allow your blood to flow before stepping out.
Step Out Mindfully: Be aware of your surroundings as you step out of the tank, as the area may be wet from your first shower.
Second Shower: Take a second shower, using the scented shampoo and soap provided. This helps remove any remaining salt from your skin and hair.
Get Dressed and Exit the Float Room: After your shower, get dressed and prepare to exit the float room.
Mindful of Volume: As you leave the float room, be mindful of your volume. Remember, this is a sanctuary, and others may be in the facility seeking a quiet moment.
Practicing Breathing Techniques
Breathing is a powerful tool that can help you relax and tune into your body. Here are a couple of techniques you can try during your float:
Box Breathing: This technique involves inhaling, holding your breath, exhaling, and holding your breath again, each for a count of four. Imagine drawing a box with your breath as you follow this cycle.
Mindful Breathing: Simply focus your attention on your breath. Notice the sensation of air entering and leaving your body. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath.
Mitigating Overthinking
Floating offers a unique opportunity to quiet the mind, but it's normal for thoughts to pop up during your session. If you find yourself overthinking, try the following strategies:
Observe Your Thoughts: Instead of engaging with your thoughts, imagine them as clouds passing by in the sky. This can help create a sense of detachment, making it easier to let go of distracting thoughts.
Return to Your Breath: Your breath can serve as an anchor, helping you stay present. If your mind begins to wander, gently redirect your focus to your breath.
Use Your Intention: Recall the intention you set at the beginning of your session. This can help guide your mind back to a state of calm and focus.
Conclusion: Dive into Deep Relaxation
After following the pre-float checklist, you are now prepared to experience a truly transformative and restful float session. The peaceful environment, the weightless sensation, and the quiet solitude of the tank will allow you to turn inward and focus on your intention.
As you go through your float session, remember the importance of conscious breathing. Deep, slow breaths can help calm the mind and relax the body, enhancing your float experience. You can try various techniques such as box breathing (inhale for a count of four, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold for four) to bring a sense of peace and tranquility to your mind.
Remember, it's perfectly normal to have thoughts come and go during your float. Instead of getting frustrated or trying to force these thoughts away, simply acknowledge them and then return your focus to your breathing or your intention. This mindfulness approach can help you get the most out of your float session, reducing stress and promoting a deep sense of relaxation.
Your float session is a time for you, a time to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with yourself. Enjoy this moment of solitude and tranquility. As you become more familiar with the practice of floating, you may find that you're able to dive deeper into relaxation and mindfulness with each session.
After your float, be gentle with yourself. Allow some time to sit quietly and absorb the experience. You may feel a range of emotions or sensations - this is perfectly normal. Take a moment to reflect on your experience, noting any insights or shifts in perspective that occurred during your float.
Remember, floating is a personal journey and each experience is unique. Whether you're floating for relaxation, pain relief, mindfulness, or personal growth, each session is a step towards greater wellbeing.
Thank you for choosing The Float Society for your float journey. We're here to support you and we wish you a peaceful and restorative experience.