{"id":1320,"date":"2021-11-23T17:56:57","date_gmt":"2021-11-23T17:56:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theconsciousvibe.com\/?p=1320"},"modified":"2022-03-03T16:45:43","modified_gmt":"2022-03-03T16:45:43","slug":"what-does-a-float-tank-feel-like-heres-my-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theconsciousvibe.com\/what-does-a-float-tank-feel-like-heres-my-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does A Float Tank Feel Like. Here\u2019s My Experience (and the science)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I first heard about float tanks on Joe Rogan and then I learned Tom Brady and Steph Curry also use them, so I had to give it a try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first 20 minutes felt like an hour, but the next 40 minutes felt like 5 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article I\u2019ll give you a breakdown of my experience in a float tank and everything I learned afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s dive in (literally).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is A Sensory Deprivation Tank (Isolation Tank)?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The idea behind a sensory deprivation tank is to help you focus your mind without any external distractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think about it, when was the last time you were awake without any distractions or input from your senses? Probably when you were in the womb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Float tanks are 100% dark (eyes), soundproof (ears), the water is 98 degrees and filled with salt so you float (touch), you can still smell, and maybe taste (if you had onions for lunch). But for the most part, you senses are numb. This leaves just you, and your brain floating in bliss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The idea behind the float tank is to access a different part of your consciousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re aware you\u2019re conscious. When you\u2019re asleep, your unconscious. But what about when you\u2019re in-between. This is called the \u201cTheta State\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You know that feeling when you\u2019re either just waking up (or just falling asleep) when you\u2019re laying down, eyes closed, but you\u2019re still aware of your surroundings. You might hear someone in the other room, or your cat walking around, but you don\u2019t open your eyes or get up as you\u2019re still soaking up the bliss of relaxing in bed. This \u201csemi-aware\u201d state is called the Theda state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The point of the sensory dep tank is to access your Theta state allowing your body to relax and your mind to focus (or wander freely).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sensory Deprivation Effects (What It feels Like)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Sensory Dep tanks come in all different shapes and sizes. When you first get in the salt water feels a bit slimy, and the water a bit cool. But once you lie down and start floating, the sensory feeling of your arms and legs starts to disappear into the water which is matched to your core body temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It might feel a bit eerie at first as your body acclimates. Your head rests on a floating on a pillow and the pressure of gravity on your muscles and joints ceases to exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dep tank is small but it doesn\u2019t seem any more claustrophobic than closing your eyes. Even when you open your eyes it\u2019s so dark they might as well be closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mind races for the first few minutes as you realize you have an hour to kill before you get out. You\u2019re internal voice starts to wonder what the heck you\u2019re going to do for an hour just floating here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re self-awareness is both heightened and diminished at the same time. The salt water briefly stings any open cuts, and your brain immediately focuses on your bodily sensations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then your mind starts to wander as you think about something random. It feels similar to when you\u2019re laying in bed thinking about your day when you can\u2019t fall asleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But then something strange happens. You start to wonder how long it\u2019s been. Your internal voice struggles to make sense of your surroundings. Has it been 10 minutes or 50?<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You go back to day dreaming in a blissful almost laser focused state of mind. Maybe your toe touches the wall, but you just ignore it trying to focus on your strange state of consciousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But are you dreaming? You just realized there\u2019s no difference when you open and close your eyes because it\u2019s so black. How long has it been, it\u2019s definitely been 10 minutes, but has it been 20 or even 30 minutes yet?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And then, the lights slowly come on indicating that it\u2019s been an hour already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How? An hour already? You might feel a little confused like you just went through a time warp. But you\u2019ll also feel incredibly relaxed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe more relaxed than you\u2019ve felt in years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll shower to rinse off the salt water, put your clothes back on, and then walk out almost stunned at your experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is exactly how I felt my first time. So I signed up for another float to try the experience again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next time was a lot easier. I knew what to expect, and I was able to relax quicker and probe deeper into my internal thoughts and identify the best ways to process and reflect on my life experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Definitely an experience I would recommend everyone should try at least once if not more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do You Have Hallucinations In A Sensory Deprivation Tank?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A lot of people ask if you hallucinate in the dep tank. I personally have not. But I have seen some interesting patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some people think float tanks are like a psychedelic experience<\/a>. I’ve had psychedelic experiences and the float tank is definitely not that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When people think of hallucinating they usually think of seeing things that aren\u2019t there. Like a pink dragon or melting lollipops. But hallucinating in a dep tank may be a little different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever closed your eyes and looked at the sun? You start to \u201c\u201dsee\u201d\u201d patterns and maybe even vivid colors. This is a similar effect you can get from the sensory dep tank, if you\u2019re able to focus well enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I certainly wouldn\u2019t call this hallucinating, but it is an interesting mind trick that commands your focus and attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits Of A Sensory Deprivation Tank<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Studies have found numerous benefits that come out of regular float tank use, both physical benefits and mental benefits. Let\u2019s take a look at some of the most common benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sensory Deprivation Tanks And Mental Wellness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The sensory tank give you a place of tranquility to access and process your thoughts and emotions. processing these thoughts and emotions can lead to a higher level of self awareness<\/a>, higher levels of consciousness<\/a>, and a clearer mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sensory Deprivation Tanks And Anxiety<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Anxiety levels in today\u2019s world are at all time highs. Coincidently anxiety prescriptions are also at record levels. So can float tanks help with anxiety ? Turns out, YES.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2018 Dr. Justin S. Feinstein<\/a> lead a study on float tanks vs. anxiety. His team found that \u201c<\/strong>a single one-hour session in a sensory deprivation tank was capable of a significant reduction in anxiety and improvement in mood.\u201d<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another study in 2016 lead by Dr. Kristoffer Jonsson<\/a> from Sweden found that more studies exploring float therapy could be a fruitful endeavor for advancing treatments in Anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to WebMD<\/a> – The main benefit of using a sensory deprivation tank is to ease mental anxiety and muscle tension.<\/strong> Because the Epsom salt keeps the water buoyant, you can fully relax all of your muscles by effortlessly floating. Some say it\u2019s a similar experience to zero gravity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sensory Deprivation Tanks And Pain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In 2014, researchers at Karlstad University, Department of Psychology found that well the dep tank certainly may help with chronic pain, the data is sparse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dep tank is certainly relaxing, and a relaxed mind can lead to less pain, but there needs to be more evidence before researchers can say for sure to what extent dep tanks can reduce pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sensory Deprivation Tanks And Athletic Performance.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

NBA star Steph Curry famously used a float tank before his epic NBA final performance and Tom Brady also uses float tanks. If Tom Brady uses it, enough said right? Not quite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not about just using the float tank and you\u2019ll perform better. It\u2019s about how you use the float tank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2016 Dr. Matthew W. Driller found that float tanks improved both physical and mental recovery after an intense training sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any athlete knows that sports and competition are as much a mental game as a physical game<\/a>. You can prepare physically by training or going to the gym, but how do you prepare mentally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Float tanks allow athletes the opportunity to mentally prepare for competition. During the 1-2 hour long float you can visualize and run through infinite different scenarios about different situations and how you might react in those situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When game time comes, you\u2019re ready for anything your opponent might throw at you beciase you\u2019ve already mentally prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sensory Deprivation Tank Process (What To Expect)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The float tank process is pretty simple. First you choose your time, usually between 1-2 hours, then you enter a private room where you shower first and then slip into the tank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Most people go in naked, but you can certainly wear a bathing suit if you choose (not recommended).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tank is usually light at first with ambient LED\u2019s and then you shut the door and the timer starts and the lights go off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some places you can choose to have ambient soothing music in the background, but I wouldn\u2019t to start as it may just be a distraction for first time floaters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the float begins, just relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After your time is up, the lights will automatically come back on and a tranquil sound will let you know it\u2019s time to stand up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019re out of the float tank you\u2019ll have to shower again to wash the salt off. Then put you clothes on and start telling people about your experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are There Any Float Tank Risks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The biggest risk of a float tank is getting the salty water in your eye. Float tanks have a high concentration of Epsom salt in order to keep the water buoyant. This makes for a fun floating experience, but be careful not to rub your eye or splash when you\u2019re in there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Float Tank Experience Reviews<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u201dIt seemed like only minutes had passed before it was time to end my float<\/p>

Was the deep sense of relaxation I got from floating a placebo effect, or the result of actual changes in my brain? I\u2019m not sure, and I probably won\u2019t find out: the science behind floating is still so new that it\u2019s tough to point to any concrete evidence of therapeutic benefits.<\/p>

But to be honest, I don\u2019t really care. After my experience with sensory deprivation I\u2019m already counting the days until I can get back in the tank.\u201d\u201d<\/p>

Deanna Debara<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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 \u201c\u201dI had only ever done 60 minutes before. I can\u2019t tell you how much of a difference it makes! I, personally, am really fidgety, so it takes me a while to relax. Then the extra time, i *really* relaxed \u2013 Other Worldly Relaxed. It was great. \u201c\u201d<\/p>

Heather Q.<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u201dWhat an amazing experience!!!<\/p>

I was totally afraid at 1st, But once I settled in, the float took me away!! I went to Egypt, floated down a river, visited with my mom who passed away in 2014, and felt like I was in the uterus of the universe.<\/p>

Let me mention as well I was smiling and laughing the whole time too! \u201c\u201d<\/p>

Pam F.<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u201dFor the rest of that night, I felt rejuvenated, like a weight was lifted off of me. I was really happy and optimistic. \u201c\u201d<\/p>

Maddie Moats<\/a>,<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u201dI\u2019m smitten with \u201cfloating\u201d mostly because it\u2019s lowered my baseline stress level. I\u2019ve also regained the ability to relax myself on demand. At the moment, I\u2019m going so frequently because I love it, and also because it\u2019s a 5 mile round trip walk, and I haven\u2019t been able to exercise with my neck injury. It\u2019s been a Godsend, and if you struggle with stress or anxiety, I urge you to try it.\u201d\u201d<\/p>

Stephen Guise<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sensory deprivation tanks are an unusual and welcomed experience for anyone looking for a moment to relax, think, meditate, or just to take a moment to yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I personally use the float tank as a tool to help me find clarity when life gets complex. The sensory isolation forces my mind into a relaxed state of consciousness where I can pick and choose which thoughts, ideas, and feeling to explore deeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes the answers to life’s problems are obvious, we\u2019re just too distracted by life (phones, internet, social media, reading headlines<\/a>, kids, fiends, Netflix, ect) to explore our minds deep enough to find answers that we feel good about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I couldn\u2019t recommend a float tank experience enough, JUST DON\u2019T GET THE WATER IN YOUR EYES.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Loved what you read? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hit that share button and let the world in on the secret \u2013 we\u2019d be thrilled!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Got thoughts? We\u2019re all ears for your feedback, corrections, or a good old chat. Don\u2019t be shy; drop us a line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And hey, don\u2019t miss out on our curated list of must-reads in the recommended books section<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Big thanks for diving in with us today!<\/p>\n\n\n

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I first heard about float tanks on Joe Rogan and then I learned Tom Brady and Steph Curry also use them, so I had to give it a try. The<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1321,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theconsciousvibe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1320"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theconsciousvibe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theconsciousvibe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theconsciousvibe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theconsciousvibe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1320"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/theconsciousvibe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1320\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2376,"href":"https:\/\/theconsciousvibe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1320\/revisions\/2376"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theconsciousvibe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1321"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theconsciousvibe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1320"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theconsciousvibe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1320"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theconsciousvibe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1320"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}