The desire to relieve stress and anxiety is sought in different forms, as these two conditions can wreak havoc on our daily lives. No matter how often you experience stressors, the impact can be overwhelming, and oftentimes, detrimental to your productivity. In extreme cases, stress and anxiety can even lead to addictive and destructive behavior.
Have you considered adding float spa visits into your life as a healthy way to manage stress and handle episodic anxiety? Below, learn all about stress and anxiety, how floating tanks can help you destress, as well as how to manage the stressors in your life.
The Negative Effects of Stress & Anxiety
Before you work to reduce stress levels, it’s important to identify any issues caused by the mental and/or physical tensions in your life. Stress and anxiety can produce both psychological and physical symptoms, though indicators may vary from person to person. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, you may experience specific symptoms that include, but are not limited to:
- An accelerated heartbeat.
- Rapid breathing.
- Sweating.
- Dizziness.
- Insomnia.
- An upset stomach.
- Tension in the muscles.
- A change in appetite.
In addition, without a way to relieve stress and anxiety, you may be subject to negative feelings, like nervousness, anger and restlessness. Moreover, the destructive duo can lead to difficulty concentrating, which can affect your everyday life – from the workplace to your home.
If you are experiencing heightened levels of anxiety and stress due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, one or more recent or strenuous life changes or a social phobia, it’s time to work toward relief. Once you learn how to reduce tension, you can commit to a healthier and more positive mindset.
How Hormones Can Both Elevate & Reduce Stress
Prior to achieving stress relief, you may feel threatened physically or psychologically, in which case, your brain sounds a full-body alarm. When this occurs, you experience both nerve and hormonal responses, which cause your adrenal glands to release hormones into your bloodstream. In times of tension and extreme anxiety, your body may produce stress hormones such as:
- Adrenaline, which elevates your blood pressure, increases your heart rate and boosts your energy levels.
- Cortisol, which increases sugar levels in the bloodstream, as well as the brain’s use of glucose, while altering certain body functions and systems.
As tension reduces following a stressful or traumatic episode, your hormone levels readjust, but the reactivation of your stress-response system (and overexposure) can impact how your body operates over time.
As a mitigation tactic, float therapy has been proven to lower cortisol levels. In addition, the act of floating may increase “happy hormones,” like dopamine and serotonin.
Float Therapy for Anxiety & Stress Relief
Regular float sessions are a holistic way to release stress and anxiety. For example, REST, or Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy, offers decreased sensory input to your nervous system as you float weightlessly in 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt. Floating tank therapy, along with the minimization of movement and speech, allows your mind and body to recalibrate and lower all sensory signals (also known as sensory deprivation).
To illustrate, those who enter a salt water spa to lower stress and anxiety have experienced added benefits, like reductions in muscle tension, physical pain and depression. Moreover, those with Generalized Anxiety Disorder have also experienced the positive effects – when coupled with existing treatment.
For further relief, you can even practice Dr. Herbert Benson’s relaxation response method, which is essentially the opposite of the fight-or-flight response. In fact, you can utilize this therapeutic relaxation response tool, along with others, while inside your float tank.
In addition, those practicing float therapy for anxiety- and stress-related reasons exit feeling increased positive changes. These include:
- Relaxation and serenity.
- Happiness.
- Overall well-being.
How to Handle Float Tank Anxiety
Although floatation therapy for anxiety may be the underlying purpose for many visitors, floatation may trigger anxiety – especially if you are prone to unease in new situations. However, at Float8, our goal is to ensure you reap the comprehensive benefits of our salt water therapy sessions, and that includes a customized experience that caters to your needs. Our two South Florida float center locations are stationed in Deerfield Beach and Fort Lauderdale, and offer a combination of four floating experiences:
- Float pods – Spacious and comfortable, if you’re claustrophobic, simply float with the chamber open
- Floatation orbs – Designed to accommodate large athletes, the orb provides extra space – and peace of mind
- Float therapy cabins – Enjoy access to your own cabin, which is similar to a shallow-yet-roomy bathtub
- Deluxe floating cabins – This upgrade comfortably fits two, and plenty of room to float freely
In each of the above salt float therapy scenarios, you can elect to leave the doors open – if feeling confined produces anxiety. No matter which way you decide to enjoy the benefits of float tank therapy, you will have access to a quiet and peaceful environment – always void of outside distractions.
Stress & Anxiety Management
If you do not work to relieve stress and anxiety over time, you may acquire chronic health conditions. In fact, those who do not work toward reducing stress and lowering anxiety levels may experience higher risks of:
- Raised blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart disease.
- Panic disorders.
- Depression.
- Weakened immune systems.
- Cognitive problems.
- Weight fluctuations.
By integrating floatation therapy into your wellness routine – along with other practices and treatments, like meditation, yoga, and psychological therapy – you may be able to mitigate your stress levels, as well as experience the long-lasting benefits of salt water float therapy and sensory deprivation. Allow this safe, natural remedy to recalibrate your mind and body – when you need it most.
