#motorcityfloat

Here’s a confession that will come as little surprise to those who know me. 

I’m a little high strung. OK I’m a stress case, just naturally. I worry. I overthink. I get anxious. It’s chronic and as much as I chalk it up to my personality and my ability to get things done. But it’s also likely to take a toll on my health. 

I try to manage stress and anxiety as best as I can. I attempt regular meditation, commit to daily workouts. I get enough sleep and take vitamins. I also sabotage all of this due to my love of coffee and don’t always stick to the strict diet I should. 

I work in a high-stress, deadline-driven world and have for so long that this feels normal to me. I might even thrive on it. Gasp!

So I’m always willing to try out new ways of managing stress or finding a healthier path. Since I started my own business, work and clients take priority. So to make sure I am eating healthy real food - especially when cooking it seems impossible - I order from Better Woodman. I head over the gym 5 days a week and I opt to walk, rather than drive, whenever it’s feasible. 

I’ve been a major fan of massage and acupuncture for managing stress (not to mention chronic migraines). And truly, the only way to disconnect and shut off my busy brain seems to be physically traveling to another location - a day away at the beach or a quiet plane ride helps when it’s possible. 

This week I tried something new - sensory deprivation via a salt water float. 

I met the owners of Motor City Float at December’s Detroit Urban Craft Fair and instantly had questions. Would it look like that giant tank from Stranger Things? How much water is in the chamber? How long do you stay inside? Do people get claustrophobic? 

As it turns out, floating isn’t nearly as spooky as I suspected. I love water, lakes, oceans and pools but - little known fact - thanks to a scary fall into a deep pool at age 3, I still haven’t mastered swimming. So I definitely approached floating with a bit of fear. I was assured the tank contained only 10 inches of water and all it takes is the ability to trust that you can and will float. 

As someone convinced she sinks like a stone when submerged in water, I can attest to this - floating was very relaxing. Curious about it, too?

Here’s how it goes:

At Motor City Float you can make an appointment and read the FAQs or talk with the friendly staff beforehand. Upon entering, you exchange shoes and socks for rubbery shower shoes (or can bring your own) and flip-flop over to the float rooms. They are completely private, but before you begin on a first visit the staff will go over some tips. 

Remember to put those earplugs in first. Then you shower under a fantastic rainfall showerhead. Then if you have any cuts put a bit of petroleum jelly on them to prevent the salt from stinging. It’s a good tip - be sure to do this. 

Then it’s time to enter the sensory deprivation tank. It resembles a giant refrigeration unit. But as soon as you open it, you see an array of relaxing lights and steam coming off of the water - which is about your exact body temperature and very comforting.

The only real challenge was letting myself trust the process and float. I found myself holding tension in my arms, lower back and neck. Once I submerged myself past my ears, it felt pretty amazing. The lights and music subside after a few minutes and it took me longer than that to get the hang of it. 

After that, though I felt completely supported, warm and relaxed. A wiggle of a finger or toe, touching the top of the water was the only real reminder of the setting. The only sound I could hear was my own breath. It sounded a bit intense in the tank with my earplugs in - think Darth Vadar. But after an hour, the lights and music returned and lulled me back to reality. 

Taking time to exit the float tank is important. I felt less than graceful doing so and really hope no one witnessed my flailing about. Then, a second shower followed to remove all remnants of the epsom salt. I conditioned my hair and grabbed a fluffy towel. That was that.

The whole experience leaves you feeling super relaxed. My skin was very soft and I took time to relax in and enjoy some water before heading out into the world.

I slept really well - and actually couldn’t wait to go to sleep that evening. The following day I experienced some odd aching in my joints and a bit of a headache - which I might attribute to the weather. I can only wonder if the sensations were related to any detoxing effects of the float. I plan to try it again and see what happens.