First things first. The winners of my raffle for support of Alexandra’s Playground’s NYC 1/2 team are:
1st prize – $100 Lole Women’s voucher – Kathy J.
2nd prize – $50 J Crew gift card – Lizz H.
3rd prize – runner’s goodie pack – Beth D.
4th prize – Alexandra’s Playground Tech Tee – Marcia K.
5th prize – 240 Sweet Hot Chocolate Gift Set – Barbra J.
6th prize – Love with Food – Classics with a Twist – Mahala B.
Thank you to all for your support! It was a great day and Alexandra’s Playground raised over $45,000 at the NYC 1/2 team and there is a new playground in Chicago that was put up this week!!
On my last birthday, I decided to list 41 things I will try to do (or continue to work on) this year to make my life even better. Number 2 was “try something new every month.” You know that also I love deals. When I saw a You Swoop deal for “$25 for a One-Hour Float Tank Session”, I enlisted some friends to buy it and go to SpaceTime Tanks to check it out with me.
I bet you are wondering what a “Float Tank Session” is. Before we went, we checked out their website and here is what they say:
Floatation Tanks (also known as Isolation Tanks or Sensory Deprivation Tanks) are designed to create a condition which is ideal for the relaxation and rejuvenation of the Mind/Body. Research shows that the effects of a two hour float session are equivalent to eight hours of deep sleep, making it one of the most efficient and comprehensive relaxation techniques available.
The experience of floatation is also one of an heightened awareness of mental, emotional and physical processes. While “floating” you experience an intensified consciousness of the body and mind; you are able to reflect, to ponder, to explore and to refine your powers of concentration and creativity.
A Floatation Tank is an 8′ (l) x 4′ (w) x 4′ (h) enclosed structure which diminishes light and sound. Each tank holds 10 inches of water with 800 lbs. of dissolved Epsom Salts, which enable a person to float effortlessly. The water is heated to an average skin temperature (93.5F) which reduces the sensation between body and water. The tanks are fully ventilated and the water/salt solution is sterilized after each use using a combined system of ozone, concentrated hydrogen peroxide and diatomite earth filters.
Benefits:
> Reduction of tension caused by stress and anxiety
> An increased ability to visualize, create, imagine and problem-solve
> Spontaneous reduction in or the elimination of habits, i.e. smoking
> “Super-learning” by increasing the minds powers of retention, comprehension and original thinking
> Peak-performance enhancement, i.e. athletic, creative, mental
> Recovery from stress of peak output and virtual elimination of fatigue and “post-race letdown”
Sounds pretty impressive, huh? It turned out that Stacy, Molly and I found a Saturday that worked when my mother-in-law, Libbie, was in town so she agreed to join us in this adventure.
SpaceTime Tanks is in this super retro mall on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago. The facility itself is lovely, and very zen and peaceful, with no cell phones, no shoes and a very nice fish tank. We waited a bit nervously and checked out the kooky “logs” with comments of previous vistors. A few people emerged looking relaxed and one woman seemed a bit unnerved and less than 100% excited about her float.
The woman took us back and showed us the space and explained how to get started and the benefits. The water is about ten inches deep and it has 800 lbs of epsom salt in it, so you float on the water. The tank is pitch dark and almost silent, as well. We thought the session was 45 minutes, but we were told it would be an hour. AN HOUR! I wondered when the last time I was silent and still for an hour was and I really struggled — I even toss and turn.
We were each led to our own individual room and tank. They have 4 rooms. I disrobed, showered off and went for it. I was worried that I would be claustrophobic, but it was not bad. It took me a while to get comfortable (and I discovered that I am not totally buoyant). I guess that means I have good muscle mass. It was SO dark! not even a peep of light through a crack! It took a while to get used to and I certainly worried that I would get bored or freak out. After I while, I found a comfortable position and my thoughts drifted off. I began to feel very relaxed (though every so often I hit a side and had to push off of a wall!) Before I knew it, I heard the signal that my hour was up. I sat up (and my head/hair felt like it was 100 lbs with all of the salt!) I may have drifted off, but I felt super relaxed and rested. I showered off and headed out to the lobby to meet the gals.
The verdict: We all felt like it took a while to get used to but that it was relaxing and that we all wanted to try it again. Molly had the best quote, “at first, I had the strange sensation that someone else was in there with me, but I felt around and I was alone.” I did not have that sensation, but I did feel that after I found a comfortable position that I did enjoy the quiet, stillness and solitude. It made Stacy itchy but she thought it was cool. Libbie said she got hungry but emerged feeling very happy. I was interested to see if the epsom salts would help me to feel more loose and comfortable today (as I ran ~13 miles before the flotation). I am also keen to try this again after a marathon, or tough race, to help with stiff, sore muscles and post race let down. (Maybe after the Mt Washington Road Race the crazy, new experience I signed up for in June!) All in all worth the $25 for the new experience. I am proud of my gals for giving it a go, too!
Have you tried anything new lately? How did it go?
That’s all I have for now! I hope that you are having a great weekend. Don’t forget to check out my awesome OKU Oxygen jacket giveaway.