Floating in a sensory deprivation tank is often described as one of the most relaxing and restorative experiences available. The practice, sometimes called float therapy, allows you to drift effortlessly in warm, mineral-rich water inside a quiet, low-stimulus environment. Many people arrive at their first float with excitement, curiosity, and even a touch of uncertainty. Understanding what to expect can ease nerves and help you get the most out of the experience.
At Altered States Wellness, we guide first-time floaters through each step so they can feel comfortable and supported. Whether you’re seeking relief from daily stress, a reset for your body, or simply a new way to recharge, knowing what awaits inside the tank sets the stage for a meaningful session.
Preparing for Your First Float
Your first session begins before you ever step into the water. Most float centers, including Altered States Wellness, recommend avoiding caffeine or other stimulants a few hours before your appointment, since these can make it difficult to relax fully. A light meal is fine, but it’s best not to arrive overly full.
When you check in, a staff member will give you an orientation. They’ll explain the setup, show you where everything is, and answer questions you may have. You’ll be guided to a private room that includes the float tank or pod, a shower, and storage for your belongings. This private space ensures comfort and privacy, setting the tone for your experience.
The Shower and Pre-Float Ritual
Before floating, you’ll take a quick shower to remove oils, lotions, or makeup from your skin. This step helps keep the tank water clean and ensures your skin can better absorb the benefits of the magnesium-rich Epsom salt solution. Many floaters find this pre-float rinse to be the first moment they feel themselves slowing down.
You’ll then insert earplugs to keep water out of your ears, which also helps reduce external distractions. Some float centers provide petroleum-free balm to cover minor cuts or scratches, since the saltwater can sting on open skin. Once you’re ready, you step carefully into the tank and close the door or lid behind you.
Inside the Tank
The tank is filled with about 10–12 inches of water, saturated with hundreds of pounds of Epsom salt. This creates a buoyancy that allows you to float effortlessly on the surface, much like the Dead Sea. The water is heated to skin temperature, so after a few minutes, you may not feel the difference between your body and the water around you.
Lighting options vary by tank. Some people prefer to float with soft ambient light at first, then switch to darkness once they feel comfortable. The same goes for sound—many tanks offer the option of calming music for the first few minutes, tapering into silence. Once you’re ready, you can float in complete darkness and quiet, which enhances the sensory deprivation experience.
Settling Into the Experience
For most first-timers, the first ten minutes are about adjusting. Your body and mind may still be in “go mode,” replaying the day or thinking ahead to what comes next. This is completely normal. The absence of external stimulation—no light, no sound, no physical effort—gives your nervous system the opportunity to slow down gradually.
You may find yourself experimenting with different arm positions, such as placing your hands at your sides or resting them behind your head. The buoyancy of the water makes all positions comfortable, so you can shift as needed until you find the one that feels most natural.
Breath awareness often becomes the anchor of the experience. Paying attention to the gentle rise and fall of your breath helps your body settle, while the weightlessness of floating relieves muscles and joints of pressure.
The Stages of Relaxation
During your first float, you may notice several shifts in awareness. At first, your mind may wander. With time, your thoughts often slow down, creating a sense of deep mental calm. Some people describe this stage as similar to meditation, where thoughts still arise but pass without attachment.
As your body relaxes, you might notice subtle sensations—your spine lengthening, muscles softening, or tension melting away. Many floaters experience a feeling of lightness, as if they are suspended in air. This phase often brings a sense of profound stillness, where the passage of time becomes less noticeable.
By the end of the session, many people emerge feeling refreshed, centered, and deeply rested. Your experience will be unique, but understanding these stages helps you embrace whatever arises during your float.
Time Inside the Tank
Float sessions typically last 60 to 90 minutes. While this might sound long, most people are surprised by how quickly the time passes. Without clocks or external distractions, your sense of time may dissolve. Some floaters feel they drift between wakefulness and dreamlike states, similar to the early stages of sleep.
The tank’s filtration system usually signals when your float is ending, with soft music or gentle lighting returning to ease you out of your session. This gradual reintroduction of sensory input helps you transition smoothly back into your surroundings.
After Your Float
Once your session ends, you’ll step out of the tank and take another shower to rinse off the saltwater. Many float centers provide natural body wash and shampoo, as well as towels and amenities for freshening up.
After showering, take a few moments to rest. Many float centers have a lounge or quiet area where you can sit with tea or water. This downtime allows you to reflect on your experience without rushing. You may feel lighter, calmer, and more grounded as you re-enter the outside world.
Some people notice effects lasting well beyond their session. Sleep may come more easily that night, or the body may feel less burdened by tension. Others simply carry a sense of calm into the rest of their day.
Tips for Your First Float
While every float is different, a few simple tips can help you get the most from your first session:
- Arrive early to allow yourself time to transition without stress.
- Avoid shaving or waxing immediately before your float, since saltwater can cause stinging.
- Trust the process—your first float is about learning what the experience feels like, not reaching a specific outcome.
- Give yourself permission to fully disconnect from your phone, work, and responsibilities for the duration of your visit.
Making Floating Part of Your Wellness Routine
Your first float is often just the beginning. Many people discover that each session feels different, with deeper relaxation coming as you become more comfortable with the process. Incorporating float therapy into a regular wellness routine can be a way to consistently reset, recharge, and create space for mental clarity.
Whether you choose to float occasionally or as part of a consistent practice, each experience offers a unique opportunity to step away from overstimulation and give your mind and body a chance to rest. With familiarity, floating can become a trusted method of self-care and renewal.
Closing Thoughts
Walking into your first sensory deprivation float with a sense of curiosity and openness is the best way to approach the experience. By understanding what to expect—preparation, the feel of the water, the stages of relaxation, and the after-effects—you allow yourself to surrender more fully once inside the tank.
Every float session is a journey inward, offering stillness in a world filled with noise and distraction. Whether you emerge feeling deeply rested, mentally refreshed, or simply grateful for the pause, your first float opens the door to a practice that can support balance and wellbeing in meaningful ways.
