what is floating

Your First Float

Floating for the first time creates a wide variety of new experiences. It can take a bit of time to get used to all the new sensations, including the lack of distractions. The benefits of floating happen with one session, however it is common for it to take 3- 5 sessions before the full effects of floating can be noticed.

As you begin to sit in the water, you will find that there is resistance and it’s actually hard to touch the bottom. Your butt will want to pop up in the water!  This is the buoyancy effect created by the high density of the dissolved salt.

Allow yourself to lie back gently and settle into the feeling of weightlessness. This is the closest you will come to the experience of being without gravity.  Relax and get comfortable. Notice where there is tension and focus on relaxing that part of your body.

Experiment with different body positions. Try floating with your arms above your head instead of by your side. Some people find that putting their hands behind their head can help to relax neck muscles.

As you float, allow your mind to go blank. You may find that you have lots of mind chatter, which is normal. Like meditation, it can take time to let your mind adjust to the effects of the lack of stimulation. Simply note the thoughts and go back to focusing on letting go of tension.  Some people find that focusing on your breathing can enhance relaxation.

The water and air temperature are the same temperature as your body, which helps create the feeling of truly “floating”, all sensation of support on your body falling away. You may find that you drift off to sleep. This is very common and very safe. It has been determined that an hour of floating is equivalent to 4 hours of deep sleep.

After your first session, you should feel relaxed and rested.  After several sessions of floating it is common to have feelings of intense well being that can result in effects such as enhanced senses, colors and sounds are more vibrant, greater alertness and energy and feelings of happiness and even euphoria.  These effects can last well beyond the session.

Learn more about what to expect for your first session at Driftaway Floatation Spas.
 

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