It was amazing.

Earlier this month I received a unique birthday present from Baba, a one-hour float therapy session. I was intrigued by the name and had so many questions about process. One thing I did know for sure was that I wanted to see what it felt like to be Eleven from Stranger Things!

We went to Just Float in Pasadena, California (let me know if you are interested in this location because I may be able to get you a discount). Each person gets their own private room with a shower. Once you do a pre-cleanse, you can open the vault-like door to your float tank. I believe some places have pod-looking tanks, but I would stick to the spacious tank room instead. I was so giddy when I opened the door because it looked so cool… like the inside of a Jet Blue airplane! Once you’re ready to start, close the door, lay down, and press the start button. The gentle spa-like music will fade as does the lights.

Basically float therapy is when you get to float (naked) in a tank of warm salt water and experience the full effect of sensory deprivation for an hour. At 11 inches high, you get to lay back on water that’s filled with 1000 lbs of dissolved Epsom salt. It’s kinda cool actually, especially since I spent the first 10 minutes pretending I was an astronaut experiencing zero gravity for the first time. Eventually I settled and felt my mind drift into the dark silence. At one point it felt like everything in the world disappeared all together as I laid there disconnected with my sense of self. Any concerns or stress I had in my life didn’t seem to matter anymore. In fact, the last few moments before you wake up can only be described as transcendent.

Keep in mind that everyone will have their own unique experience. When I met up with Baba, who was a few rooms down from mine, I asked him what he thought. He replied with, “I slept the entire time. It was great”.

Regardless which experience you may end up with, one thing is for sure: you will leave feeling way more relaxed and will probably get the best sleep you’ve had in a long time :). Will we go again? Maybe. What is worth the experience? Definitely.

The introductory price at $40 for an hour (usually $70) is a steal. There’s even scientific research that proves being in a deep relaxation state offers health benefits and performance enhancing effects.

• Pain is relieved
• Blood flow is stimulated
• Natural endorphins are released
• And the brain does something good with alpha waves haha

More importantly this gift of relaxation can be given to almost anybody! Moms who needs a break from the kids. Athlete friends suffering from an injury. Colleagues who are experiencing constant stress. EVERYONE WHO’S STILL TRYING TO WRAP THEIR HEAD AROUND THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTION. You get the point.

Currently there are a few places offering float sessions in the major cities. However, judging from the Nightline Team that was interviewing the staff when I left, I’m confident that float therapy will soon become a growing phenomenon. Let me know if you try it!