One of the things I noticed when I sat down and properly looked back over what I’d accomplished in 2022 was how many new things I’d managed to try. When I reflected on that, I really valued what I’d managed to do, and decided to make it a true habit. I’ve challenged myself to try a brand new experience each month through 2023. For me, this was realistic in terms of finding time, and potential cost – though I firmly believe that not all activities or experiences have to be costly, and I will be doing my best to balance this out. What did I try in January? Read on to find out…
New year, new experience
I started a quick list of things I’d like to try, and high on the list was a session in a flotation pod. I first heard about Hove’s Float Spa via Co-Women, my networking group. The venue’s owner, Camille, is a fellow member, and several other members extoll the virtues of a regular session. Add in the fact that it’s something that is reported to support physical and emotional health and I was sold… sort ot.
Reservations about trying floating
I wouldn’t say that I’m a claustrophobe… but I have struggled with small spaces on occasion. The experience which sticks in mind most is when I had an MRI scan prior to scoliosis surgery. However, I knew that the float pod would be very different to this, so I convinced myself it’d be ok from that perspective.
The only struggle which remained was that I’m also not a big fan of being in water. Obviously I shower regularly, and I love a hot tub, or sitting calmly in shallow and warm ocean water. But I don’t swim for fun, and try to avoid bodies of water beyond what’s essential! The video on the Float Spa website helped me with this – I was reassured that the water isn’t too deep and, despite the fact that my body truly isn’t buoyant, there was enough salt in these tanks to hold me up. So I went ahead and booked a session.
My first trip to the Float Spa
I read all of the information, and watched the introductory video, and decided to follow the Spa’s advice: I did a workout first, then drove to the Spa for my float. I was welcomed warmly by the team, who knew it was my first ever session and took plenty of time to show me around and answer questions.
Then I was left to it! The pod is in a private room with a shower in it – you put earplugs in (as the back of your head is submerged, but you’re not moving, water in the ear isn’t fun!), then shower, before getting in. Once you close the lid, there’s ten minutes of soothing sounds to help you relax, then 45-minutes of silence, before the sound resumes to signal that you have five minutes left.
At the time, I had a lot on my mind, and even when I don’t I tend to have a busy brain that struggles to settle. This was no exception, so I focused on just appreciating the experience of being in the water and floating – which, as advised, I did easily.
How I felt after floating
Other than covered in salt (it took a thorough shower to sort myself out!), I learned a lot about where in my body I hold tension (I never knew how much I store in my feet), and how to soothe myself. Once I’d cleaned up, the staff at the Float Spa offered me a drink from a huge range of teas – me being me, I chose my favourite brand of cacao instead – and we chatted through the experience. Their wisdom is that it takes three sessions to really feel that you’ve got the hang of it, so I took their advice and booked two more trips.
New experiences continue
With my first new thing ticked off the list, it’s time to figure out the next ones! I’m looking forward to my next float session – having reflected on it fully, I’ve come up with some more ideas to help me relax, and I think just not being brand new to the whole thing will mean that I’m better prepared for my next outing. We’ll see what happens!