Top 10 Concerns About Floating – Answered!

When people are initially told about floating or they see pictures of the pods, there is always an element of interest but this interest is typically tempered by some trepidation or uncertainty over the nature of the experience. In this post, I am going to list the most common concerns about floating and hopefully allay any fears you may have regarding your potential time in the pod.

1. I don’t think I’ll like the enclosed space – isn’t it a bit claustrophobic?

This is the most common concern but happily the first thing people say when they actually see the pods is how big and spacious they are! At 8ft long, 5ft wide and almost 5 ft tall, there is plenty of room in there. Additionally, you are in complete control of the lid and since claustrophobia is a fear of being in a confined space without any control, you should not have any concerns in this regard.

2. It sounds pretty boring. An hour seems like a long time in there

When the first research was conducted into floating, it was believed that the mind would shut down without sensory inputs. What scientists found was in fact the polar opposite. You actually have more creative thoughts in the pod so it is not known as the Think Tank for nothing! One of the cool things about floating is that it takes away the normal sensory inputs to free up your mind to focus on what you really need to think about. Part of this sensory reduction is that you lose sense of time and can fully relax and let your mind go. This is not only very liberating but you will be surprised at just how fast the hour goes and also how much ground your mind can cover in this time.

3. Isn’t it just like sitting in a large bath?

Most definitely not. There is no comparison between a bath and a float. The weightless environment in the pod provides a previously unknown level of physical relaxation while the reduction in sensory input calms your mind, reduces feelings of stress and anxiety and allows you to reset your inner balance.

4. I don’t like the dark – this isn’t for me

With all the lights out, it is indeed very dark inside the pod while you float. Having the light out provides you with the full immersive experience of floating but like the lid, you are in full control of the lights so you can have them on if you wish. However, it is best to give it a go with the lights out to fully disconnect and achieve a deep level of relaxation.

5. I can’t switch off. Wouldn’t floating drive me crazy?

If you feel like this, then floating is exactly what you need! These days everyone needs some time to process everything and just get away from the stressful demands of modern life. If you have a lot going on, a float is a great way to gain perspective and focus your mind. You will be able reorganise your thoughts to ensure you don’t become overwhelmed.

6. I really don’t have the time to try this

If you are this busy, you need to be kind to yourself and ensure you do not succumb to stress. The beauty of floating is that it is just one hour out of your day but you will leave feeling fully refreshed with a fantastic feeling of wellbeing.

7. How hygienic is floating?

Again a very common concern. The pods at Float Level have a very advanced filtration system which runs 3 times between floats. This, added to the high content of Epsom Salts and a small dash of chlorine, ensure that the water remains free of any nasties.

8. Why would I even need to float?

Floating is not just for people who need therapy or help with any other sort of ailment. It can help with a large number of ailments such as stress, anxiety, chronic pain, fibromyalgia and recovery from injury to mention just a few. But floating is about much more than that. It is a very powerful tool for deep introspection and to reassess what is going on in your life as well as providing a deep state of mental and physical relaxation, which frees your mind and relieves your muscles and joints.

9. I don’t like being in water

Well… this one I can’t really help with. If you float, you’re going to get wet so on this one, maybe floating isn’t for you!

10. I’m pretty sure I’ll have some sort of freak out in there!

So we’ve all seen or at least heard about the Simpsons episode when Homer and Lisa float. While visual and auditory hallucinations are possible, they are rare, particularly during your early floats. There should be no reason to freak out. The pod is a tool for relaxation so if you let go in body and mind and trust the water completely, you will reach a deeply meditative state without even trying. Quite the opposite to a freak out!

So, hopefully, the above has clarified some of the most common concerns and opened your minds to the possibilities of floating. If you would like to give floating a try, you can call the centre on 0161 637 5138 or visit our website at www.floatlevel.co.uk to book your session today.

If you have any further questions about floating, do not hesitate to get in touch. My email is chris@floatlevel.co.uk.

The Top Ten Reasons... You Should Float

So you may have heard about floating and wonder what it’s all about. Is it for meditation? Is it for recovery? Is it just lying in some water for a while? It can be hard to grasp exactly what floating can offer unless you have experienced it.

In this post I’m going back to basics and will outline the Top 10 Reasons You Should Float and with Float Level opening later in the month, you’ll soon be able to try it for yourself… if the below appeals of course!

1. It’s Relaxing… Really Relaxing!

When you float, your entire body is effortlessly suspended on the surface of the water due to the high concentration of Epsom Salt in the pod. This removes the burden of gravity on your muscles and joints. And releases all built up tension giving your body and nervous system a much-needed break.

2. Stress and Anxiety Float Away

Everyone unfortunately has stresses and worries in their life and we all know we need regular breaks away to recharge the batteries. An hour in the pod is a convenient and highly effective way to get away from it all and restore some peace and perspective in your life.

3. It Aids Recovery From Injury And Intense Exercise

Due to the weightless environment, floating is an excellent way to speed up muscle recovery as it allows all of your bodies resources to go into repairing muscles without the distraction of external forces acting on your central nervous system. Many athletes and sporting teams use floating to get the edge.

4. It Eases The Sensation of Pain

Chronic pain sufferers have been shown to have significantly lower subjective pain after floating than those who do not float. The weightless experience in the pod reduces bodily sensation meaning that your brain is not receiving or processing information related to pain.

5. It Sparks Creativity

Since the sensation of the body is reduced, you have more mental capacity for creative thinking. This, along with the fact that the calming reduced sensory environment lowers your brain frequency from Beta (alert state) to Theta (Meditative State) enables a highly interesting and creative state of mind. Your big idea could come in the pod!

6. It’s Energising

Since the pod is a reduced sensory environment with reduced sight, sound and touch, your mind can take a break from the sensory overload of modern life. This unparalleled level of rest you get both mentally  and physically when floating for just one hour means that you emerge from the pod feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

7.  Epsom Salt is great for the skin

As one of my previous posts outlines, there are a wealth of benefits to be gained from the use of Epsom Salts. You can find out more about them here but rest assured that your skin will not have looked as good  in some time and you will look glowing after one hour in the pod!

8.  Out of Body Experiences?

While this should not be expected every time, it is possible to drift off into an altered state of consciousness and have very interesting visual experiences in the tank. You can find out more about this and the research, which has been done into the tank and altered states of consciousness here.

9. Say Hello to a Good Night’s Sleep!

Floating has been shown repeatedly in a wide range of studies to improve both the quality of sleep and the time it takes to get to sleep. After your float, it’s a good bet you may actually get that elusive 8-hour sleep later that night!

10. It’s Not Your Everyday Experience!

Whether you like your float or you can’t quite make your mind up, one thing is sure. When you meet up with your friends later that night, your answer to the “how was your day?” question will definitely be the most interesting!

Float Level is Manchester’s first floatation centre and will be open in late May 2014. Pre-Bookings will be possible here from 14^th May 2014.

The Top 10… Benefits of Epsom Salts

Typically our knowledge of Epsom Salt comes from its use in bath salts which are known to be a relaxing addition to our soaks in the tub. It is however also a central part of the floatation experience as huge quantities (over 500kg!) of Epsom Salt are used to provide the necessary buoyancy in the water. But Epsom Salt doesn’t just enable you to float effortlessly; there are a whole host of benefits you may not be fully aware of:

1. Epsom Salt is a fantastic source of Magnesium

Our modern diets are generally deficient in magnesium, which is vital for regulating over 325 enzymes in the body and plays an important role in organizing many bodily functions, like muscle control, electrical impulses, energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins. Magnesium supplements have been shown to lack effectiveness since magnesium is not well absorbed via the digestive tract. Soaking in Epsom Salts and absorbing magnesium through the skin is a far more effective (and enjoyable!) way to top up your levels

2. Sulfate in Epsom Salt helps to flush out toxins and build proteins

Sulfate plays an important role in the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and digestive proteins while also drawing out toxins from cells which helps to eliminate any harmful substances from the body. Great for getting back on track!

3. Epsom Salt acts as a sedative for your nervous system

Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well-being and relaxation... something we all need!

4. Epsom Salt can soothe Summer ailments like sunburn and bites

Water with a high concentration of Epsom Salt has been shown to soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation brought on by sunburn or bites.

5. Soaking in Epsom Salt water soothes aches and pains

As mentioned in the introduction, the soothing effect of Epsom Salt on muscles is well known and the high concentration in a floatation tank is perfect for those recovering from intense exercise or injury.

6. Epsom Salt exfoliates your skin

A somewhat surprising revelation after your first float is how incredibly smooth and silky your skin feels. Definitely worth trying floatation just to experience this!

7. Epsom Salt can add body and volume to your hair

Many actresses use Epsom Salt mixed in with their conditioner to volumise their hair. The high concentration and prolonged soaking of your hair while floating leaves your hair feeling thicker and with more body.

8. Epsom Salt improves circulation and heart health

The Epsom Salt Industry Council reports that Epsom Salt is effective in reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.

9. Epsom Salt acts as a natural emollient for your skin

While Epsom Salt is a great exfoliator of skin, it is also a natural emollient leaving your skin feeling baby soft!

10. Epsom Salt can draw out painful splinters

Soaking in Epsom Salt has even been shown to help get rid of those annoying splinters you just can’t get to.

Is there no end to the benefits of Epsom Salt? Well… no, actually. I haven’t even mentioned that Epsom Salt eases migraines, helps to maintain proper calcium levels in the body and improves the use of nutrients within the body among other things, but then this is a Top 10 list so I will have to leave it there. Let’s just say that Epsom Salt is a pretty wondrous compound and its benefits coupled with those of the floatation environment make for a pretty amazing experience all round!

You can book yourself in for a session at Float Level from early May 2014 and in the meantime can find out more about floatation on our website www.floatlevel.co.uk

The Top 10 Tips To… Prepare For Your First Float

I thought I would write a post regarding preparation for your first float, or indeed any float, as this is another question which comes up a lot.

While floating is one of the simplest things to do and requires little effort to reap great rewards, there are some things to bear in mind and some tips to make the experience all the more enjoyable:

1. Try to eat 1.5-2 hours before the start of your float

You want to ensure that you are not too full or too hungry as you will be very aware of the sounds your stomach is making when you float so you should ensure you eat a while before your float to allow for digestion and to avoid those tummy rumbles!

2. Try not to drink caffeine within 1.5-2 hours of the start of your float

As we all know, caffeine is a stimulant and if consumed too close to the start of your float, will make it more difficult to relax and enjoy the experience.

3. Do not shave on the day of your float

Shaving can irritate the skin and although you have a personal sachet of Vaseline provided to cover cuts and scrapes, it is advisable not to shave on the day to prevent the salt in the water aggravating you.

4. You don’t have to bring anything except yourself and your normal post-shower toiletries

At Float Level, we provide towels, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and hair-drying facilities so all you need to bring with you would be your normal post-shower products such as deodorant, moisturiser etc.

5. On arrival, try to consciously slow down

It is advisable to ensure you take a minute before your float to slow down. When you arrive, you will need to sign in while your room is prepared. Take the opportunity to take a moment to breathe deeply and slowly. This will allow you to settle more quickly when you get into the pod.

6. Ensure you go to the toilet before your float

As your float session lasts one hour, it is advisable to go to the toilet beforehand for peace of mind and to ensure your relaxing session is not interrupted

7. TOP TIP: Ensure you put your earplugs in BEFORE your pre-float shower

You are provided with earplugs and these should be put in before your pre-float shower as earplugs are hard to fit with wet ears and you want to ensure a snug fit.

8. TOP TIP: Ensure you dry your hair and face after your pre-float shower

Drying your face and hair will reduce the chances of you needing to touch your face to wipe away drips when in the tank. You want to avoid touching your face as your hands will be covered in the salt-water solution and if this gets in your eyes, it rather stings. There is a spray bottle in the tank if some salt does get in your eye but you should try to avoid this.

9. Ensure you can ease yourself back to normality afterwards

Where possible, try to ensure you don’t have anything to immediately rush off to after your float. You want to be sure you have some time to enjoy the post-float glow and ease yourself back in to the real world after your float.

10. Avoid preconceptions of the experience

Although we all do it, it is best to enter the floatation experience with no expectations or pre-judgements. The experience is different for everyone. Just try to let go of all physical and mental tension and enjoy relaxing completely. Thoughts will come and go but do not fight this. If you are finding it hard to settle, concentrate on breathing deeply and slowly and just allow your mind to gradually calm down.

There you have it! Now, you can look forward to an enjoyable and relaxing float. 

Float Level will be open in May 2014. Connect with us on Social Media or via www.floatlevel.co.uk for updates and offers.

Top 10 Reasons... Floating Isn’t Just Like Taking a Hot Bath with Bath Salts

When I tell people that I’m opening a floatation centre, a common response is to ask how a float is different to a bath and I can understand why. The concept of taking a hot bath (perhaps with some relaxing frills such as soothing music, low-level light and bath salts) is so engrained as the go-to relaxation tool that it is hard to think how being in a floatation tank could be any different. They are just big bathtubs, right?

Not so. A floatation tank is a very specialised piece of equipment, which has been designed, set up and maintained according to specific key parameters. These parameters are responsible for creating a wildly different experience from that in the bathtub.

Below I list out the main differences and their effects to explain why a floatation session may well soon become your NEW go-to relaxation tool:

1.  Zero-Gravity Environment

Unless you’re an astronaut, you won’t have experienced the amazing feeling of physical relief brought on by the pure weightlessness in a floatation tank. It would be worth it just for this experience.

2.  No External Sound

Earplugs, soundproofed pod and soundproofed room mean there are absolutely no audible distractions. Perfect for relaxation.

3.  No Visual Distraction (unless you want it)

You control the lighting from inside the pod. You can have a soothing light show or enjoy a totally non-visual experience of darkness with the lid closed (definitely the best option!).

4.  Water Is Maintained at Same Temperature as Skin 

The effect of this is surprising. To slowly lose the sense of the physical body is a unique and immensely relieving experience allowing you to connect fully with your mind. The sensation of the body is always present when taking a bath.

5.  Enables Deeper Meditation and Contemplation

With no sight, sound, touch or weight in the pod, it is so much easier to drift deeper within and achieve lower frequency brainwave states for meditation, creative thinking and profound relaxation.

6.  Euphoria and Increased Positivity Through Temporary Disconnection

A common effect of floating is to emerge more positive or even mildly euphoric due to the experience of pure mental and physical rest. This has been found in many independent studies and has a lasting effect after your float.

7.  Enhances and Speeds Up Recovery from Injury

With no gravity acting on your joints and muscles, all bodily resources can be spent on rest and repair rather than managing the reaction of the central nervous system to external pressures.

8.  Floatation Pod Is Significantly Larger Than A Bath

Floatation pods are a massive 8ft X 5ft. Who wouldn’t prefer to be able to spread out completely without touching the sides?!

9.  Warm Air Circulates Throughout The Pod

The pod is designed so that there are minimal differences between the water and the air to enhance the immersive experience. No more cold knees or shoulders!

10. High Epsom Salt Concentration 

Even in a bath with bath salts, the concentration is but a tiny fraction of the concentration in a floatation pod. This not only helps with the buoyancy of the water but also means you can absorb more Magnesium through the skin which is vital for lowering blood pressure and regulating over 300 enzymes in the body. Epsom Salt is also highly beneficial for your skin and volumises hair.

There was actually more to get in here especially when you consider the overall experience in a good floatation centre and not just the session itself. Why not come down to Float Level in Manchester City Centre when we’re up and running and see for yourself why this will be your new secret relaxation tool?

Find out more and sign up for updates at www.floatlevel.co.uk. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter for great content, offers and latest news. Check out the links on the right.