Climbing into a flotation therapy tank, and being in a reduced sensory environment, is unlike anything most people have experienced before in their lifetime.

Sure, a dark, quiet bed to lay in is one thing, but you feel all sorts of different sensations from the bed itself, the pillows, your blankets, and your pajamas. The room has a smell of some sort, and no matter where you are, you’re probably hearing sounds from the city, nature, or even the wind outside.

Pure silence and darkness are difficult to achieve at home, especially at the perfect temperature.

If you felt a bit disoriented during your first flotation therapy appointment, that is completely understandable as flotation tanks create a very unique environment.

Floating may take some time to get used to.

Being in the flotation therapy tank for the first time sometimes causes people to have all sorts of questions go through their minds: will I hear the music at the end of my session? What if they forget about me in here, and I float all night?

It can help to read and learn about flotation therapy before you try it, while the environment itself can be challenging to imagine without having tried it before.

There are immediate benefits to floating, even for the first time. The more often you float, the easier it will be to achieve relaxation, and the more the benefits amplify.

Studies show that floating twice a week for seven weeks led to reduced pain, improved quality of sleep, a more optimistic outlook on life, and fewer symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety over time.

My first float was nothing like my latest float.

As someone who has floated consistently over the past fourteen years, and as the owner of Hope Floats, I’ve seen all sorts of reactions to flotation therapy from first-time floaters.

Floating has been instrumental in reducing my anxiety, lifting my spirits, and supporting me in my sobriety journey.

Our goal at Hope Floats has always been to help everyone relax as much as possible during their first float appointment.

I’m here to share tips for first-, second-, and hundred-time floaters alike.

Prepare your mind to relax before floating

Mentally preparing for floating can help to make your appointment more pleasant and worthwhile. Floating is the perfect time to get in touch with yourself, so think about what your goals are for your current state of mind. Do you want to think through a current problem or situation, or do you intend to meditate and make space in your mind for more creativity?

If you’re in a stressful time of your life, getting out of the house or office can be helpful in terms of preparing your mind to float. Try going for a walk outside or sitting in the sauna before your appointment.

Say “see you later” to caffeine

Being jittery in an environment designed to calm the nervous system can lead to an unpleasant experience.

If you feel the need to drink coffee every morning, try scheduling your float for as early in the morning as possible. You can of course consume caffeine after your float, or enjoy some herbal tea in our lobby.

Was your first float too cold?

The water inside flotation tanks is heated to 93-94° which is the natural temperature of the skin.

We highly recommend taking a lukewarm shower before you start floating. Taking a hot shower right before you climb into the tank may make your body feel cold at first.

Some say their toes get cold toward the end of their appointment. If that happens to you, try dipping your toes in the water to warm them up.

If you let us know in advance, we can do our best to set you up with a warmer tank the next time.

Try floating at different times of the day or week

What you do before and what you are planning after your float can have a big impact on the state of your mind.

Some prefer to float early in the morning, so they feel prepared for the day ahead of them, whether that entails a big meeting or a fun weekend getaway.

Some do best floating in the evening, especially during the week, as it helps to wind down after a big day and prepare them for a restful night of sleep.

Mid-week floats can be a rejuvenating treat that propels you forward. Floating can also take your “restful weekend” to the next level.

If you felt extremely sleepy after your float, maybe floating in the evening or on your day off would be the best option for you. If you left your first appointment with a clear mind and motivation to tackle the day, try floating in the morning or early afternoon to continue to channel productivity.

Ask us about our underwater speakers

We play Tibetan Chimes at the end of every appointment, which quietly and peacefully lets you know that it’s time to start wrapping up your float.

We have a variety of meditative music that we can play at the beginning, throughout, or at the end of your session.

We’re equipped with a Spotify account that connects to the underwater speakers in each tank, so you can listen to your favorite podcast or even a guided meditation. Please let us know if you have any requests.

Different lengths of floating

For some first-time floaters, 90 minutes can be much too long. It takes time to work up toward longer flotation appointments.

If the chimes started playing for you too soon, you can book back-to-back appointments or ask us for a longer time in the tank ahead of time.

It may be a myth, but we’ve heard of people floating for as long as 24 hours.

Did you get salt water in your ears?

We recommend our guests wear earplugs to keep saltwater out of their ears, but sometimes water can seep in if they are not placed correctly. If you got unwanted saltwater in your ears during your first float, ask us for tips before your next appointment.

Earplugs are optional. If you go without them, you may feel salt in your ears after your float.

If you’ve floated before, you know that salt gets everywhere. With 1,000 pounds of the Magnesium-rich Epsom salt, the solution in the tank leaves a trace of salt to every surface it dries on. From between your toes to everything you touch when you get out of the tank. See how we clean our flotation tanks and private rooms after each appointment.

How to get salt out of your ears after floating

Ear drops with water and white vinegar will help to clean the salt out of your ears. We, and most float spas, keep ear drops in each flotation room for easy access after your appointment.

If you notice salt in your ears at home, you can make ear drops by combining white vinegar and water. It may help to add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide and/or rubbing alcohol.

If you have a history of ear problems, please consult your doctor as this is not intended to be medical advice.

Try a Floating Pillow

Although many people feel comfortable floating without a pillow, sometimes our minds and bodies aren’t used to completely relaxing our necks.
Some feel the need to hold their head up, and a floating pillow may allow for a more comfortable position for you.
We have blue, round, “Halo” neck pillows in each of our flotation rooms.
If you found yourself a bit uncomfortable toward the end of your last float (sometimes we hear about a bit of pressure in the lower back or a tired neck) we recommend trying the pillow. You can always go back to floating without a pillow in the middle of your appointment if it doesn’t work for you.

Make plans to enjoy the post-float glow

You may have noticed that your external senses were heightened after your first float. You may enjoy listening to music, a beautiful view (like watching the sunset or going to an art museum), putting comfy clothes on, or eating a delicious meal after your next float.

Many avid floaters make plans to float before social events, as floating helps to manage levels of overstimulation, anxiety, and tension.

Plus, the saltwater solution works wonders on our skin and hair by cleaning, exfoliating, and detoxifying. That paired with feeling grounded, centered, and zen…makes for a noteworthy “post-float glow”.

Allow your mind and body to continue to rest, or take in the sensory experiences you desire, to make the most out of your blissful break from external stimulation.

Thank you for reading. You are welcome to call us or reach out on social media to ask us any questions you may have about floating.

-Kimberly Boone at Hope Floats

Tips for Your Future Floats