You’re probably already following Estee Laronde, If you haven’t, you should. Online Content Creator, Creative Director, and Self-Care Brand Founder Mirror Water She’s known as a trusted, honest, and authoritative voice in the wellness and beauty world, and as a result, she’s created a community that feels understood and listened to. Estée regularly shares her real-life experiences with her followers, so who better to give her opinion on the biggest beauty and wellness trends of 2024? This month, she’s trying out floatation tanks. Read her honest review of the wellness treatment below.
(Image courtesy of ESTEE LALONDE)
What is Floating?
Floatation tanks, or sensory deprivation tanks, are dark, soundproof tanks filled with salt water. They are used for Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy, abbreviated as REST. Research has shown that spending time in the tank can help relax muscles, improve sleep, relieve pain, and reduce stress and anxiety.
The water is gently heated and has Epsom salt added to ensure buoyancy, making it easier to float. Once in, you’re blocked off from external stimuli like sound, light and gravity. While floating, your brain enters a deep state of relaxation. This type of therapy is said to have a variety of effects on the brain, from increased creativity to hallucinations.
What do you need?
There is nothing special to prepare for the session, not even a swimsuit. This is an activity to do alone or with an intimate partner. Just show up and let the floatation tank do the rest. As with any wellness activity, it is important to stay well hydrated before and after the session. I Float Hub I was given earplugs at a restaurant in Shoreditch, London – they’re essential as the salt water hardens earwax (gross).
What does the floating sensation feel like?
A floating pillow was provided so I could fully stretch out and the feeling of lying on my back in zero gravity was really calming. The session began with around five minutes of background lighting and soft music, followed by an hour of complete silence and darkness. Think of this hour as an aid to the deepest meditation – a time to focus only on your thoughts, or preferably to let go of them. At the end of the hour, the lights and soft music came back on, signaling that the experience was nearing the end.
How to get the most out of your floating sessions
As anyone who meditates knows, meditation is a practice. And for me, the more I practice, the more rewarding it becomes. So if you haven’t meditated in a while, I recommend meditating in the days or weeks before floating to get the most out of your experience on the water.
When you enter the water, do not touch your face. It is not a big deal if you do, but if the water droplets and salt get on your skin and dry, it can be distracting. I also heard that it hurts a lot if you get water in your eyes. Also, you will be in a tank with a closed door, so if you are claustrophobic, it might be scary. At first, I panicked a little because the lights were off, but once I saw that the door could be easily opened from the inside, my mind calmed down and I was able to enter a meditative state.
Exiting the Floatation Tank
Take your time. The Float Hub has changing rooms with hair dryers and a relaxation room with tea. It may take some time for your body to cool down, so take your time to relax before leaving the facility. You may notice that your skin is a little dry after being in the salt water for a while. If so, take a shower and hydrate with a moisturizing body product, including your hair. Do the same for your hair. Be sure to rinse the salt off thoroughly after your session.
Overall impression
I loved the floating experience as it put me into a deep meditative state. I was lucky to be able to try it on a Saturday morning. The only downside to fitting floating into a busy day is that your hair will get wet. If you’re on a meditative journey, I highly recommend giving floating a try. It might be something you can aim for.
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