You may have noticed that in the lead up to Christmas, people tend to be a bit more short-tempered, irritable, and erratic, both on the roads, and in general life situations. This may have something to do with the looming “silly season” which is caused by increased temperatures, the stresses associated with the holiday season, and chain reactions from such encounters among friends and foes.

With this in mind, we want to send you some ideas on how you can recover from the effects of the silly season with something as simple as a one hour float. By giving yourself the time to practise self-care, you are investing in yourself, making a conscious effort to unwind, and are ultimately allowing your body to recharge from the draining effects of increased stress hormones in the body.

Research has shown that floating can reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the brain and body. Some of the negative side effects of heightened cortisol levels include:

  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Headaches
  • Intestinal problems, such as constipation, bloating or diarrhoea
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Weight gain
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Low libido, erectile dysfunction or problems with regular ovulation or menstrual periods
  • Difficulty recovering from exercise
  • Poor sleep.

While floating can help to reduce cortisol levels and the symptoms associated, floating simultaneously increases your levels of melatonin, a hormone associated with relaxation and sleep. Here are some additional benefits of healthy melatonin levels:

  • Influences the circadian rhythm
  • Aids the immune system
  • Helps eye function and can help heal glaucoma
  • Reduces oxidative stress
  • Promotes sleep
  • Controls many cellular events, including synthesis of important molecules
  • Protects against radiation
  • Assists with jet lag
  • Helps brain regeneration and neuroplasticity
  • Helps with recovery from Stroke
  • Helps with Alzheimers and Parkinsons
  • Can help with cancer treatments.

To learn more about the benefits of increased melatonin levels in the body, you can read 24 Benefits of Melatonin for Sleep, Brain, Gut & More.

Lowered cortisol and increased melatonin levels in the body can have a powerful healing effect on your body not only physically, but also mentally. By giving your body the ideal conditions for a healthy state of mind, it becomes much easier to practise conscious mindfulness both in the float tank and then in everyday life. You may even notice that small changes in your daily life like red traffic lights no longer bother you, that rude customers are easier to relate to, that an irritable partner, friend, or relative is just projecting their own inner turmoils, and that you feel an overarching state of peace and empathy towards yourself and others.

And if you know someone who could benefit from floatation, floating makes a wonderful gift for a loved one or colleague anytime of the year, and especially for Christmas.

For more information on our prices, you can check all of our packages here, and to book, you can call us on 7 3844 4676. Gift vouchers are also available online and in-store for use at both our Brisbane West End and Maroochydore locations.