Floating is an art just as much as it is a science. Which means, you often aren’t going to become a pro at it right away. Even if you have floated 1, 2, 3, or 10 times, there are still mistakes that you might be making in a float tank. Here are the most common mistakes that we find newbies make while floating:

1. Eating or drinking too much beforehand – Especially coffee

“I put too much sugar in my coffee and now I can’t close my eyes!”

It’s a common mistake, especially if you plan a float for later in the day, to drink caffeine in some form beforehand. Try to avoid coffee, tea, or energy drinks at all costs–and stick to water or juice if you can.  The same thing goes for eating before a float. We recommend eating at least an hour before or waiting until afterwards. Eating or drinking too closely to the time of your float could cause you discomfort inside the tank, it creates the urge to need to use the bathroom in the middle of your session as well as the inability to fully shut off your mind.

2. Touching your face

“My eyes are burning!”

As many times as you can tell someone “DO NOT touch your eyes or face” during your float session, there is always going to be someone who fails to listen. This often happens at about twenty minutes into your session. You feel an itch and next thing you know, you use your hands to scratch it and then, BAM! Salt everywhere–in your eyes and on your face–it stings massively and now your whole float session is ruined.

Most float centres provide a spray bottle with fresh water and a hand towel that you can use in case you get any salt water in your eyes or on your face. This way you’re prepared and can get right back to your float.

3. Over thinking

You know when you tell your mind to not think? And then you realise, that’s still a thought, and it causes you to keep thinking. It’s a never ending process!

Instead of telling your mind not to think, focus on your breathing or counting down from 100. You’ll usually lose track of your thoughts well before you count down too far.

4. Not fully relaxing

It is normal not to be able to relax immediately at the beginning as it’s such new environment for both mind and body, but don’t let that put you off – all it needs is a little bit of practice and possibly more than one session to achieve a completely relaxed state.

The most common mistake people make is trying too hard to float. Don’t do this! You will float. Seriously, it’s pretty much impossible to drown in a float tank because of all the buoyancy from the Epsom salt.

The most common area of tension when floating the first time is in your neck and upper back. Try floating with your arms above your head to ease tension on your spine and back. Also, some people like to use an inflatable float pillow while they are in the tank, though we don’t really recommend this as it won’t let your spine realign naturally. Sometimes a slight change of positioning is all your body needs to help your body relax into an even deeper state.

5. Moving around too much

Many first timers move around a lot when they first start floating. When you first get in it tends to get the water moving and you will more likely bump into the walls and have a hard time staying in the centre. To avoid this, put both hands on the walls to get yourself in the center of the float tank and hold yourself there for a minute or two to help avoid ping ponging around off the walls. This way you become nice and steady and can enjoy an hour of stillness.

6. Too high expectations

The best thing anyone can do for their float practice, is to come with an open mind, both to whatever happens during their time in the tank as well as in regards to how they will feel after their float. Go in open to anything and everything!

Each time you float is a different experience and will give your mind and body what it needs at that point in time, even if your mind can’t switch off and you start making to-do lists in your head. It’s all good, as no matter what, this sh*$ is relaxing!

If you choose to float to help you with a mental or physical condition, it is likely that you will need regular floats in order to notice and lasting improvement. Don’t give up after your first float just, we are certain that you will start seeing benefits soon as the more you float the better it gets and the stronger the effects will last!

We hope these tips will help you have a smooth experience next time you float!

If you’re ready to BOOK IN CLICK HERE, or CONTACT US if you have any questions or concerns!