High-Stress Lifestyle? How Float Therapy Can Help

You can’t go 10 feet in the wellness space these days without hearing about how bad stress is for us. And that’s totally valid because chronic stress takes quite a toll on our bodies and our minds. But sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by all the chatter about how to deal with overwhelming stress!

So how are we supposed to minimize stress when our modern lives just seem to have stress baked in—jobs, kids, caregiving, commutes, groceries, meal prep, cleaning, laundry, bills, self-care, working out, drinking enough water, seeing friends, helping our communities…the list truly seems almost endless.

So, short of moving to a tiny, hand-hewn cabin a million miles from nowhere and churning our own butter, what practical and realistic steps can we implement to help us manage our modern levels of stress without feeling overwhelmed?

We’ve got you. Enter float therapy—a unique and effective way to manage stress.

Factors Contributing to a High-Stress Lifestyle

Stress can be triggered by various aspects of life, especially in our modern circumstances. Some of the most common stressors include:

• Major life changes
• Work-related stress (I believe you have my stapler…)
• Financial problems
• Relationship difficulties
• Internal stress
• Overwhelming responsibilities

The Physical and Psychological Effects of Stress

Our bodies are well equipped to handle brief bouts of stress (think: running from a tiger). In a life-or-death scenario, our autonomic nervous system instantly kicks in and floods our brain with vital chemicals that allow us to think and move quickly in order to survive the situation.

Very cool. But what happens when our stress levels are always turned on? Our ANS thinks we’re running from a tiger. All day. Every day. This type of chronic stress is very problematic in all aspects of health.

Physical Symptoms of Stress

• Aches, pains, or muscle tension
• Chest pain or heart palpitations
• Exhaustion, headaches, and digestive problems
• Difficulty sleeping
• Weakened immune system

Psychological Symptoms of Stress

• Anxiety, depression, or irritability
• Panic attacks
• Difficulty concentrating or feeling overwhelmed

Understanding Float Therapy

What is Float Therapy?

Float therapy, or sensory deprivation, is a therapeutic practice where you float in a tank filled with perfectly warmed water saturated with Epsom salts. This creates a gravity-free environment where your body can float effortlessly. (Think: Dead Sea.)

The concept of sensory deprivation is key. The tank is designed to minimize outside stimuli, meaning it's dark, quiet, and isolated—perfect for completely disconnecting from the stressors of daily life.

What Happens in a Float Tank?

Inside the float tank, the water is infused with Epsom salt, which increases buoyancy. The water temperature matches your skin, so you barely feel the water around you. The idea is to eliminate external sensations—no sounds, no lights, no distractions. This experience creates an environment that allows you to focus on relaxation.

How Float Therapy Helps Relieve Stress

The benefits of floating extend beyond physical relaxation. The weightlessness you feel during a float session enhances the feeling of detachment from the world, helping to relieve both mental and physical stress.

It’s as if gravity itself ceases to exist, offering you a deep sense of release. Studies show that float therapy can reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. It gives your mind and body a chance to reset.

Benefits of Regular Float Therapy

Whether you’re dealing with long-term chronic stress or short-term life stressors, making float therapy part of your routine can bring relief. Regular sessions can help your body and mind cope with daily stress, making it easier to navigate life's challenges.

Studies have also shown that floating can reduce stress hormones by 30-40% in regular floaters; these study participants expressed feelings of increased "serenity" and "relaxation."

To learn more about studies on floatation therapy, visit ClinicalFloat.org.

How Floating Helps With Digital Overload

In today’s digital world, many of us suffer from stress caused by constant exposure to screens and notifications. Float therapy offers a way to unplug, allowing you to escape the barrage of digital stimuli.

What to Expect During Your First Float

Wondering what to expect on your first float? Just come with an open mind and be ready to relax. You’ll be guided through the process from pre-float prep to salty end.

Combining Float Therapy With Other Stress Relief Methods

Float therapy pairs well with other relaxation methods, such as meditation, sauna, or yoga. Together, these practices can provide an all-encompassing approach to managing stress.

Why Float Therapy is Ideal for a High-Stress Lifestyle

If your lifestyle constantly pushes you to your limits, float therapy can offer the respite your body truly needs. It’s a pocket of complete escape from the pressures of daily life, allowing your mind and body to recover.



In a world that seemingly never stops, managing stress can feel like a constant battle (we’re overwhelmed by overwhelm!). Float therapy offers a serene, effective, and predictable way to unwind and to alleviate stress. By making floating a regular part of your routine, you can reclaim control over your mental and physical health one float at a time.