Try Something New: Sensory Deprivation Tank

One of my goals for 2018 is to try something new every month.  As I get older, I realize it's important to push myself outside of my comfort zone and keep the body and brain engaged.  In January George and I went snowshoeing, and this month we tried something completely different - immersion therapy in a sensory deprivation tank.

When George first suggested this, I had no idea what he was talking about.  So I jumped on the Google to find out the details.  And promptly said hell no.  I'm up for adventure, but also a teensy bit claustrophobic.  Then I googled a little more, and decided the benefits outweighed my concern.  

Despite the fact that the float tanks look like a flower pod from "Little Shop of Horrors", they're pretty cool.  Filled with 10-12" of water and 800 pounds of Epsom salt, then heated to body temperature, it's the closest thing to zero gravity you can get without being an astronaut.

Once inside, you turn off the lights and music, lay back...and float.  But what's the point?  Well, the complete lack of stimuli calms your buzzing mind and allows your nervous system to take a break.  Float tanks have been proven to boost immunity, improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, increase the production of endorphins for stress and anxiety relief, and ease chronic pain. Plus, the massive amount of Epsom salt mineralizes and nourishes your skin.

Okay, fine.  That all sounded like good stuff.  Still nervous, I booked our appointment and we headed to Seattle.  This guy, on the other hand, was really excited to get started.

We each had a private room with a shower, changing area, and the pod-people-looking tank.

After rinsing off, I gave the tank a final once over, and stepped inside.  The water was perfectly warm, but not hot, and felt a little slippery due to all the salt.  I was comforted by the fact that I could open and shut the tank by hand, and the light and sound controls were nearby.  But I wanted to give it the old college try, so I turned everything off, shut the door, and lay back.

It was completely dark, and totally silent, and I'll admit it took about five minutes to calm my breathing down.  But then I realized...I'm actually floating!  Which was cool for a bit, until I thought...I have to lay here for 50 more minutes?  My multi tasking brain didn't think that was possible.  But apparently my mind figured it out, because before I knew it, the music and lights came back on.  I hadn't completely fallen asleep, but definitely experienced the theta brainwaves - those calming moments right before you drift off.

My thoughts?  Try it.  It was very relaxing, and the feeling of floating on top of water with no effort was divine.  My skin was silky smooth.  To experience the full benefits of sensory deprivation therapy, you need repeat visits.  And at $50-$90 an hour, it's spendy.

But even one trip taught me an important lesson.  Our minds and bodies NEED a break from the constant stimulation of everyday life.  Whether it's floating, or meditation, or just turning off the phone and computer for a bit every day, finding some peace is essential to our health.

Have a peaceful week, friends!