As someone who experiences overwhelm, overstimulation, stress, feeling anxious, and more emotions along those lines from time to time, I have learned the importance of being mindful of my lifestyle habits. Over the years, I have spent time researching and experimenting with different wellness practices to help support me on a daily basis, but especially during those more challenging periods of life. So when I learned about sensory deprivation tanks years ago, I added it to my wellness bucket list.
By: Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA
Service Information: As someone who experiences overwhelm, overstimulation, stress, feeling anxious, and more emotions along those lines from time to time, I have learned the importance of being mindful of my lifestyle habits. Over the years, I have spent time researching and experimenting with different wellness practices to help support me on a daily basis, but especially during those more challenging periods of life. So when I learned about sensory deprivation tanks years ago, I added it to my wellness bucket list. This year for my birthday, my husband treated me to a sensory deprivation tank experience as he knew I wanted to try it out.
Features You’ll Love: In addition to a clean, quiet, and zen, facility; the staff was helpful and friendly. Upon registering, I received an email with what to expect as well as do’s and don’ts in preparation for the float and a waiver. You can view that information here on Float Valley’s website.
When we arrived, we saw a sign as soon as we walked in that prompted us to take off our shoes and switch into flip flops that they provided. We then proceeded to the front desk where we received a friendly greeting from the front desk staff, we checked in, were given a brief tour of the facility and then they explained to us what to expect. Even though I had watched a few different videos about floating, when the attendant was walking us through the process, I started to feel a bit nervous because reading about it was one thing, but doing it was another. I voiced my worries, but he assured me it was going to be okay and it was.
In our room, we had a private area to change, a shower, and the float chamber. We used the restrooms and got ready to float. We were given ear plugs to put in prior to entering the tank to prevent the salt water from entering our ear canal, they were optional and in the event that they came out during the float session, there was a vinegar solution that they provided to rinse out the saltwater. They also provided vaseline to put over any cuts / open wounds that we may have as the salt water could irritate it. We had the option to go in the tank nude or with clothes (I wore a swimsuit). The water was warm and the staff explained that it warms up to your body temperature. It was perfect when we got in and remained consistent in temperature throughout our float session. In our tank, there was relaxing music and lights that eventually faded out which left us there just existing and floating in darkness and stillness. You can control the lights and music from within the floatation tank as well. They provided us with optional neck rests for us to use during the float.
Full transparency, it took my busy mind some time to settle and being in this new environment wasn’t helping. I thought about water potentially getting into my ears in addition to a plethora of other things; however, after some time, I started coaching myself to allow my thoughts to just pass without judgment, take deep breaths, and remind myself that I was safe and supported. Eventually, I surrendered and allowed myself to float and just be. At the end of our float, the lights slowly returned and the music quietly came back on, alerting us that it was time to start making our way to the shower. We used their amenities to cleanse the saltwater from our bodies. They supplied us with towels, shampoo, soap, and conditioner. After we got dressed, we moved to another room that had a vanity, blow dryer, and other items.
Price: Float Valley currently offers 3 float options:
a 60-Minute Ocean Float for $85.00
a 60-Minute Oasis Float for $65.00 (classic float experience with no lights in the chamber)
a 45-Minute Couples Ocean Float for $125.00
To learn more about their different float experiences, visit their website. They also offer discounted services throughout the year, so I suggest signing up for their newsletter here.
Final Verdict: I HIGHLY recommend this experience. I understand that it may not be for everyone, but you won’t know until you try it. I had a concern about being in such a tight space, especially with another adult body, given that I feel claustrophobic in small spaces at times, but it all worked out. While a sandy beach by the water and some sun is my ultimate form of therapy, this is the next best thing! I felt so incredibly relaxed, renewed, and at peace after my session. I am definitely looking forward to future floats! If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact them here. I encourage you to look at the videos on their video resource library here. If you would like to try floating at Float Valley, visit them here. Check out their floating services and FAQ’s.
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