May was Mental Health Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of mental health issues while promoting healthy practices for maintaining mental well-being. It’s a time to reflect on the importance of our mental state, engage in open conversations about mental wellness, and explore various approaches to improving our mental health.
In recognition, we wanted to explore how floating’s widespread impact on our minds and bodies can help us build a strong foundation for our mental health. Through helping us by managing our stress, alleviating our anxiety, and even bettering our sleep – floating can be a powerful ally on our journey to enhance our overall mental and emotional wellbeing.
Reducing Stress Hormones
One of the most significant and well-studied ways that floatation therapy supports mental health is by reducing stress. When we’re under chronic stress, our bodies produce excess cortisol (a stress hormone) to help us cope with the perceived threat. However, in the modern world this “threat” is triggered by the fast paced and noise filled life we lead, meaning it’s essentially ever-present. This constant state of hyperarousal can lead to a range of negative effects on both physical and mental well-being.
Regular floating has been shown to regulate cortisol levels, leading to improved mood stability and reduced symptoms of anxiety. By reducing stress hormones, you’ll find it easier to manage daily stressors and maintain a sense of calmness in the face of everyday stressors.