Chapter 1: The Art of Floating

Floating, heating, and cooling—what a journey! By embracing darkness, silence, warmth, and chill, we can cultivate a more resilient self.

When I entered the float tank, the slick saltwater surface required me to grip the handholds along the walls. I gradually lowered myself into the heated water, cautious not to create splashes that might disturb my tranquil experience. Previous encounters with saltwater in my eyes had not been pleasant, and I wanted to ensure this session started on a soothing note.

Once settled, I floated on my back with a lightweight foam ring cradling my head, resembling a dark halo. It took me several sessions to fully grasp how to relax in this position effectively.

I switched off the light and felt the gentle jets of water cease. The water, warmed to body temperature and shallow enough that I rarely touched the bottom, enveloped me. With earplugs in place, the external world faded away, leaving only my thoughts, breath, and heartbeat—akin to a return to the womb.

This practice is often referred to as float therapy or Restricted Environmental Stimulus Therapy (REST). As float centers gain popularity worldwide (click here for locations), ongoing research continues to reveal their mental health and pain management benefits.

While I cannot quantify the hours spent floating, I firmly believe in its healing advantages. I encourage newcomers not to judge their experience based solely on the first session; it often takes a few attempts to fully appreciate the practice.

However, this particular session was unique as I planned to try something different.

After my float, I emerged feeling deeply relaxed and transitioned into a sauna for a half-hour session.

As a sauna enthusiast, I appreciated that the float center only offered infrared saunas. Although they don’t reach the high temperatures of traditional dry heat saunas, they effectively induce sweating. I took this opportunity to meditate, riding the wave of relaxation I had just experienced.

The benefits of heat extend beyond detoxification; at elevated temperatures, certain proteins are activated, and the heart behaves similarly to when it is engaged in physical exercise. Numerous studies indicate a significant reduction in overall mortality rates associated with regular sauna use. Dr. Rhonda Patrick has excellent resources on these advantages, which you can explore here.

After my sauna session, I prepared for a second floating experience. This was a first for me; I had previously completed two-hour floats but had never returned for a second float after a break.

The first float had enabled me to delve inward, while the sauna helped me maintain that introspective state. The second float allowed me to dive even deeper.

The buoyancy of the saltwater facilitates relaxation in ways that are hard to replicate elsewhere. It mimics a zero-gravity environment, allowing muscles to release tension in unexpected ways.

Letting go of chronic tension can sometimes feel uncomfortable. Muscles may cramp, and I have found myself questioning whether I was relaxing or inadvertently tensing muscles that had been holding onto stress.

Trusting this newfound state is a journey, which is why I advocate for multiple sessions before concluding whether floating is beneficial. It took me a few floats to learn how to position my arms comfortably.

After the second float, I returned to the sauna feeling like soft clay—comfortably malleable.

My mind was tranquil, and my body was thoroughly relaxed, allowing for more meditation in the sauna.

As I prepared to reenter the world, I aimed to regain focus and clarity.

Next, I engaged in several rounds of cold immersion, completing three rounds of three minutes each in the cold tank, interspersed with about 90 seconds of warming breathwork and movement. The water typically hovers between the low 30s and upper 40s (degrees Fahrenheit).

This use of extreme cold is known as cryotherapy. Similar to heat therapy, Dr. Patrick also offers valuable insights on cryotherapy, which you can find here.

I have previously chronicled my experiences with cold exposure, which you can read about here. It certainly transcended the initial discomfort of the cold.

Combining floating, sauna sessions, and cold immersion created a unique blend of physical relaxation and mental clarity. For hours afterward, I experienced a state of relaxed alertness, where usual stressors had a diminished impact. I felt more like an observer of my thoughts and emotions.

I believe that layering these and other healing modalities can amplify their benefits, creating a synergistic effect that enhances each practice in fascinating ways.

If you’ve experimented with blending different self-care techniques, I’d love to hear about it. Please contribute to my research by clicking here to participate in a survey on self-care and healing practices.

Chapter 2: Enjoying Refreshing Treats

As a delightful interlude, let’s explore some enjoyable recipes and experiences.

In the first video, we’ll see how to create delicious root beer floats using freeze-dried vanilla ice cream, perfect for camping adventures.

In the second video, we’ll journey through Disney's Magic Kingdom, featuring the refreshing POWERADE Berry Dole Whip Float and the entertaining Jungle Cruise Skipper.