Also known as isolation tanks, sensory deprivation tanks were first used in 1954 by a man named John C. Lilly. These tanks are filled with salt water that is at body temperature, and they are large enough to allow a person to lay in them. A person will lay on their back in the water with ear plugs in. The tank closes, causing the person to be in complete and total darkness. To some, this might sound like a terrible and very claustrophobic thing to experience. But there are many reasons why someone should experience a sensory deprivation tank, especially those who are stressed.
Taking a break from everyday stresses.
Whether you are a CEO of a booming business or a mom of five children, everyone experiences stress. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in life, and turn our focus towards our jobs or other responsibilities. Some people may be avoiding their inner thoughts and problems they are facing. A sensory deprivation tank allows one to be one with their mind. As you lay in a sensory deprivation tank, all you have is your thoughts. You are unable to see, hear, or feel. It's as if you are still a fetus floating in your mother's womb. In the tank you are unaware of reality. This allow you to slip into a deep relaxation. As you are floating in the tank, you lose sense of time. To be one with your thoughts is a spiritual and mental detox. It allows you to solve inner issues, or distract you from stressful situations. After leaving the tank, it is encouraged to still be in a peaceful state of mind. You ca achieve this by going home and reading a good book while snuggling on the couch. Anything to slowly allow yourself to be brought back to reality.
It relieves tension you never knew you had.
As you float in the water, you will notice that places such as your shoulders and back are going to tighten. A lot of people who are stressed find most of their tension to be in those areas, especially if your job requires a lot of heavy lifting. By the end of the isolation tank session, most people will feel less stiff in those original tension areas.
You will sleep better that night.
Most stressed out people do not get enough sleep. Let's face it, you are either staying up late to finish a task, or laying in bed thinking of a task that is yet to be done. Either way, getting the proper amount of sleep ever night is tough. For those of you who might suffer from insomnia, I would recommend trying an isolation tank. Everyone who has experienced a sensory deprivation tank has claimed to sleep extremely well that night.
There are a lot of places that are solely for an isolation tank experience. The sessions are based on the amount of time you want to spend in the tank, some places offer overnight sessions. If there is a sensory deprivation tank place close to you, I would highly recommend trying it out the next time you are feeling overwhelmed.
