Couples Who Float Together, Stay Together: A Guide to Couples Floats
Following this year’s Valentine’s Weekend sellout, we want to talk with you more on the experience that is the Couples Float. Couples floats offer a unique opportunity to share and explore a new experience together, and the benefits can be profound. In this piece, we’ll explore couples floats and how to make the most of this experience.
Introduction to Couples Floats
Couples flotation therapy involves lying in a float tank (with your partner) for an hour.. The tank or pod is filled with a solution of Epsom salt and warm water (skin temperature to be exact), allowing your body to float in a weightless environment. Couples floats are becoming increasingly popular as a way for couples to deepen their connection with each other and experience a new mode of self-care together. It can be a great way for couples to take a break from their everyday lives, re-center themselves, and reconnect in a unique way inside the tank, especially for those with young children at home. Imagine, 60 minutes of peace AND quiet!
Benefits of Couples Floats
Improved sleep: Floating helps to relax the body, which can lead to improved sleep. Our tanks are filled with 1500lbs of epsom salt - the salt is what allows you to float, but our bodies also absorb some of the magnesium which is referred to as the “relaxation mineral”!
Reduced stress: Floating helps to reduce stress levels, which can have a positive impact on a couple's relationship. Studies have proven that floating lowers cortisol levels, and while cortisol isn’t ALL bad, generally high levels are associated with chronic stress. Beat stress with floating!
Increased focus: The sensory deprivation environment can help to improve focus and concentration, which can be beneficial for both partners. Block out all sensory input and give your brain the best reset it’s ever experienced.
Improved communication: Floating can help to improve communication between couples, as the environment encourages openness and understanding.
Improved physical health: Floating can help to reduce muscle tension and pain, as well as improve joint mobility. Specifically, the weightless environment in the float tank improves blood flow and gives your body a feeling of being fully supported with ZERO pressure points.
Increased flow: Floating can help to increase creativity, as the relaxed state encourages new ideas and problem solving. Welcome to THETA state! Floating puts our minds into a theta state (referring to our brain waves) which is associated with relaxation, creativity, and meditation.
What to Expect in a Couples Float
When you arrive for your first couples float, it’s important to be as relaxed as possible and open to the experience. You’ll be guided to your private float room and given a brief orientation on how to use the float tank and what to expect during the session. Then you’ll shower to get clean before jumping into the tank. During the session, you will be able to float in complete darkness and silence if you chose, with nothing to distract you, or you can use our guided float track that takes you through the process. We also offer you earplugs since your ears will be submerged throughout your float.
At the end of the session, you and your partner will be given time to shower to rinse off the salt solution and then guided back to the reception area. After the session, you should feel relaxed and refreshed, with a renewed sense of connection with your partner.
Preparing for a Couples Float
When preparing for a couples float, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure that you have the best possible experience. Here are a few tips to help you prepare:
Make sure you are hydrated for your float. You obviously want to avoid the need for using the bathroom during your float, but going in hydrated is important! We will also provide you with water after your experience..
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before your float, as they can interfere with the relaxation process.
Eat lightly before your float, as a totally empty or full stomach can make it difficult to relax.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to our float lounge.
Avoid wearing any perfumes, lotions, or makeup, as these can interfere with the float experience.
Make sure to communicate with your partner before and after the session. Embrace the idea of surrender with both your partner and the experience. We know what it feels like going into your first float - wondering just what the hell it’s going to be like in there!?! - and know that you’re going to experience this amazing process WITH your partner.
Tips for Making the Most of a Couples Float
Once you’ve prepared for your couples float, there are a few tips to help you make the most of the experience:
Set an intention for your float. Before entering the tank, take some time to focus on what you want to get out of the experience. This could be anything from deepening your connection with your partner, to doing something out of your comfort zone, to exploring a new perspective on a problem.
Communicate with your partner. During the float, it can be helpful to check in with each other periodically to make sure you’re both comfortable and having a positive experience. Mostly - “Lights on? Off? Music?”
Take your time. Don’t rush the experience. Allow yourself to relax and take the time to explore your thoughts and feelings.
Stay focused. If your mind starts to wander, take a few moments to focus on your breath and bring your attention back to the present.
Give yourself time to adjust. It can take as much as 20 minutes for your body to adjust to the sensation of floating, especially for your first float. Take your time and allow yourself to adjust to the environment before exploring it.
Let go of any expectations. Allow yourself to be open to whatever comes up during the experience.
Combining Couples Floats with Other Wellness Activities
Couples floats can be combined with other wellness activities to create an even more powerful experience. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of your couples float:
Yoga: Yoga can be a great way to prepare for a couples float, as it helps to relax the body and mind.
Meditation: Meditation can help to deepen the experience of a couples float, as it encourages a deeper level of relaxation and connection.
Massage: Massage can be a great way to relax and ease any tension before and after a couples float.
Creativity: Activities such as painting, writing, or music can be a great way to explore the ideas and thoughts that come up during a couples float.
Nature: Taking a walk in nature or exploring the outdoors can be a great way to extend the relaxation of a couples float.
Let’s Sum it Up
Couples floats can be an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience, and one that can bring couples closer together. Follow our tips to make the most of your couples float and deepen your connection with your partner.
