From Stress to Stillness: My First Hour in a Sensory Deprivation Tank!
- tyler greenpope
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been hearing a lot about "wellness journeys" lately. I've decided to embark on my own officially, and let me tell you, I’m already trying some pretty incredible things! My latest adventure? A float spa experience that absolutely blew my mind. I’ve driven past the place countless times, seen buzz about it on social media, and finally thought, "Why not try something truly unique to help me center myself?"
So, what exactly is a float spa? Imagine floating effortlessly in a private pod filled with just 10 inches of water, but containing a whopping 1200 pounds of Epsom salt! This incredible salt density makes you completely buoyant, creating a sensation of absolute weightlessness and sensory reduction. Sounds wild, right? It totally is, and I can't wait to tell you all about it!
First off, the logistics were a breeze. I booked online, and as a first-timer, I even snagged a sweet discount! Walking into the spa, the calm immediately struck me, hushed atmosphere—no bustling crowds or loud music—just pure tranquility. I was warmly greeted at the reception desk and then escorted to a cozy waiting room. There, I watched a short, animated video that walked me through what to expect and how to make the most of my float. It was super informative and actually made me even more excited and comfortable!
The Grand Tour and Getting Prepped!
After the video, my awesome Float Tech met me and gave me a full tour of the facility. She showed me the restrooms and a common area post-float where I could indulge in some luxurious lotions, body oils, and even grab a comb. Then, it was time for the main event: my private pod room!
Each room is a little sanctuary, complete with a shower station, fresh towel, earplugs, shampoo, conditioner, and soap. There was even a little tube of Vaseline – a clever tip for any minor cuts, as the salt water can sting a bit. A small bench provided a perfect spot for my personal things. My tech patiently walked me through every step: first, put in the earplugs, then hop in the shower using just the shampoo and soap (conditioner comes later!). While you can float in a bathing suit, they highly recommend going au naturel for the best, most uninhibited experience. I bravely opted for naked, and I’m glad I did!
Inside the pod itself, there are three buttons: one for music volume (it plays for the first 10 minutes and the last 5), one for a two-way intercom to the front desk in case of an emergency, and one to control the light. I decided to go full sensory deprivation – no lights, no music – just me and the water.
My First Float: Weightless Wonders and a Racing Mind
Finally, it was time! Once I got into the pod and gently closed the door, the relaxation was supposed to begin. And wow, that feeling of weightlessness is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced! You truly float effortlessly. It did take a few minutes for me to get used to the sensation and stop fidgeting, but once I surrendered to it, it was pure magic.
Now, I'd heard that on your first float, it can be a bit challenging to clear your mind, and they weren't wrong! My brain was definitely still buzzing with thoughts for a good 20 minutes or so. But after that initial mental hurdle, something shifted, and the 60 minutes truly flew by. I think with practice, it will be even easier to sink into that deep meditative state.
For anyone worried about claustrophobia, let me tell you, it's absolutely nothing like being in an MRI machine! The pod is incredibly spacious. It's completely up to you whether you close the pod door or not. My tech mentioned that even people who were initially nervous ended up closing it to fully immerse themselves, and I totally get why. If you ever feel overwhelmed, you can open and close the pod whenever you want. Plus, there’s a small bottle of fresh water inside in case you get any salt water in your eyes (I didn't, thankfully!). They even provide a small pillow for head and neck support, which I used for about half my float.
Emerging Renewed: Post-Float Bliss
When the music gently came back on and a soothing voice announced that my 60 minutes were up, I slowly emerged, feeling incredibly relaxed.
One thing that really impressed me was their commitment to cleanliness. They filter the water seven times after each float and purify it with UV and Ozone technology. That's going above and beyond to ensure the water is sparkling clean!
After a refreshing post-float shower (this time with conditioner!), I headed to the prep room. It was stocked with fresh Q-tips, extra towels, combs, and even hair dryers – they thought of everything! Then, it was off to the common relaxation area. They have an oxygen bar there, which offers tons of benefits and mostly adds to the serene, chilled-out vibe I was already feeling. I opted for the eucalyptus flavor. There was also tea and water to rehydrate.
The Verdict: A Journey Worth Taking!
So, what's the final word? I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for a truly unique way to relax and kickstart their wellness journey. The benefits of floating are incredible: a clearer mind, extreme relaxation, better sleep, reduced body aches, increased consciousness, enhanced creativity, and even improved circulation.
While it did take about 20 minutes for my mind to fully settle, I left feeling incredibly calm and centered. I definitely think it will take a few sessions to fully harness the power of the float, but I’m already planning my next visit. If you’re looking for a profound way to de-stress and discover a new level of inner peace, you absolutely have to try a float spa!
Have you ever tried floating? Or is it something you’d consider? For more information or to book your expereince, head on over to their website.
True REST Charlotte is located at: 906 Pecan Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
