Drift Away

Honestly, going into this I was skeptical of the whole experience.  I had never even heard of a float spa, but I am all about anything therapeutic and relaxing.  If the name has “spa” in it, then I am in.  I was super excited when Drift Float Spa opened up in the neighborhood.  First, it was one of my favorite lunch spots, then a trendy clothing boutique, followed by a fabulous shoe boutique, and now a spa!

When I walked into their open and sunny lobby, KB greeted me and was super warm and welcoming, answering all of my “stupid” questions. Drift offers 3 experiences:  the Sensory Deprivation Tank that they are known for, as well as an Infrared Sauna, and Oxygen Therapy.  I only tried out the Deprivation Tank this visit, but look forward to visiting the spa again soon for sure!

First off, you may be wondering, “Why pay for someone to MAKE me relax?”  Unfortunately this is true, most of us need someone or something to MAKE us be still.  I’m sure most of us would say, why go lie in a pod of salt water when I can go float in a pool or take a nap in my own bed, but how many of us can actually shut the computer, turn off our cell phones, close the door to the messy room, and actually do this? I know, I can’t.  Our minds seek sensation and stimulation, and we are constantly striving for productivity and checking off to-do lists.

I was guided to my room and oriented with the pod and a luxury shower, and left to enjoy my deprivation. The pod is really cool looking and futuristic and is filled with 800 lbs of Epsom salt water.  I felt like the water temperature was perfect (approximately skin temperature at 93.5 degrees) and was honestly probably best when the pod was closed and I wasn’t letting in as much drafts of air from the room.  As many of you have asked, you REALLY do float.  I tried to push my limbs down and they would pop right back up to the surface of the water.  And just for ease of conscience and comfort they also provide a little floating foam pad to support your head and neck.  You can truly fall asleep and not worry about drowning.  How amazing!?

Plum Pretty Sugar Robe

On Thursday morning, the day before my Drift appointment I pulled my back while working out and was in a good bit of pain.  I almost cancelled, because I wasn’t sure that it would feel good to lie still in one place and I was worried that I would get stiff.  However, the staff encouraged me that it would probably help, so I kept my appointment, and boy, am I glad I did!  Not only did I feel super relaxed afterwards, my back honestly felt significantly better after floating for 60 minutes (well let’s call my float 45 due to the mild freak out that probably lasted 15 min..haha)

(And just FYI – you do float nakey, for the sake of pictures for the blog, I threw on a suit for this shot.  You’re welcome.)

Marysia Santa Barbara Top // Spring Bikini Bottom 

This spa allows for sensory deprivation, getting away from the stress and noise of everyday life, and let’s get real,  it doesn’t just allow for it, but it forces it, which is key!   The idea is that when our bodies aren’t fighting against gravity and receiving so much information from the outside world, our minds are able to unwind and flow and our brain dumps out dopamine and endorphins.  How amazing are our bodies?!  What an experience to allow our bodies and minds to rest, de-stress and heal?  And how often do we actually do this?

Here is a process of my thoughts while in the pod for 60 minutes: (and a reason why I will definitely be going back for more!)

1. The lights and music that ease you into the pod are nice and peaceful and put me in an immediate state of relaxation.  The yogi in me resorted immediately to my “relaxation” breath.  Deep inhales.  Deep exhales.
2. The lights and music go out (which is supposed to happen)– it is PITCH black and I kind of freak out a little bit and push the pod open a little bit more. How am I going to lie here in darkness and silence for 60 minutes? Am I safe? Is it broken? Seriously…all of this craziness ran through my head.
3. Should I get out? I literally thought this a few times…but I stayed in the pod (with the lid a little ajar)
4. Then I FINALLY started to relax. Like, REALLY relax.  And I think I dozed off for a bit too. Then, all of a sudden the lights and music come back on to finalize my float.  And, I’m not gonna lie, at that point I was mildly disappointed that my float was over.  I was beginning to really relax and enjoy it.

Afterwards, you are given all the time you will allow to “bask in your post-float glow” by utilizing their luxury shower, beauty bar, and beautiful lounge to relax and reintegrate.

In some ways, 60 minutes felt like an eternity, yet also felt like only 5 minutes had passed.  Letting go of “control” is hard for us as humans. And Disconnecting is almost impossible.  Now that I know what to expect, I have a feeling next time I will be able to relax much quicker and I know that I won’t freak out about the darkness and silence.  Relaxing is HARD and sometimes can take some time and possibly more than one visit to reap the full benefits.

The benefits of floating:

• Decreases Muscle Tension
• Relaxation & Recovery
• Decreased Blood Pressure
• Decreased Stress Hormones
• Increased Immune Function
• Unlocks Creativity

Tips before trying:

Most of these tips will be emailed to you prior to your visit or will be announced to you before left in the room, but we all know that sometimes we get overwhelmed and don’t listen (I know I do)!

• Eat about an hour before
• Write down your to-do list so your mind isn’t racing while in the pod
• Try to avoid Caffeine before you float
• Do NOT shave right before!
• Go in with an open mind and expect NOTHING. Literally.

Time invested in our mental and physical health is so crucial, so whether it’s trying this or yoga or a walk outdoors or a massage…must I go on?!?! Do something for YOU today because you want to.  Something that not only fills you up, but provides you some rest and relaxation, because you deserve it.  That’s the only excuse or reason you need.

Check out their website for pricing and memberships!

  Has anyone else ever done this? Let me know how your experience was!!  Can’t wait to try it out for the second time!

XO

Shana