What I Learned After 55 Hours in a Float Tank

In a world of non-stop noise and distraction, solitude becomes rare. Even when we’re alone, we’re glued to our smartphones and addicted to the next breaking news story. The opportunity cost of a simulated world is hardly felt on a micro level, but when added up over months, years and decades, it can be massive. Over the past few years, the growth of mindfulness practices such as meditation, journaling, retreats and more have started to gain traction in all communities, including the startup world.

In this post, I’ll detail what I’ve learned after 55 hours floating and how entrepreneurs can use this magical tool to increase their fulfillment, achievement, creativity, and purpose in life and business.

You Want Me to…What?

Float Tanks are lightless, soundless pods full of a mixture of water and Epsom salt designed to shut off all stimuli and allow for a zero gravity experience. I stumbled upon them when one of my clients was opening up a center and invited me to the experience. During the last few years, the accessibility and amount of float tanks has exploded, and you’ll likely be able to find one in your local area.

The Power of Undistracted Thinking

When was the last time you spent more than 15 minutes in deep thought, without distraction and without checking your smartphone? The simple act of thinking and allowing the mind to wander, be curious and possibly bored is mostly lost. However, in this state, we can often find solutions to complex problems or find innovative business ideas seemingly out of nowhere.

In a float tank, you have no choice but to go inward and enter a state of thought without any stimulus to get in the way.

Deep Brain Waves for Creativity

One of the main benefits of float tanks is slowing down our brain waves. Simply put, this is the amount of activity happening at any given time within the brain. When we’re working or in daily life, we’re engaging in high-frequency brain waves. However, a float tank gives us access to the deeper, slower, more creative brainwave states such as Alpha, Theta, and Delta. For example, children up until the age of 6 spend most of their time in Theta, primed for learning, imagination, and daydreaming.

For entrepreneurs who live in a non-stop active brain wave state, entering a place of imagination can create a much-needed spark for their business and creativity.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence can make or break us as entrepreneurs. Being in a tank allows you to work on the practice of self-awareness and listening to your internal world. Think of this as a meditation on steroids, as the feeling of being in tune with what’s happening in your body. This benefit leads itself to deeper communication skills, empathy, compassion and also understanding and managing stress in life and business.

Shane Stott, the CEO of Zen Float Tanks expands:

“The more you float, the more life is peaceful. The real benefits happen outside of the tank.” – Shane Stott

Deep Peace

Besides the physical, mental and emotional benefits of floating — when you finish your session, you’re in a state of peace. No matter what has happened that week or day, you’re able to fully exhale, balance your hormones and achieve one of the most powerful states in life and business:

Perspective.

Suddenly, your biggest issues become small, and you’re able to focus on solutions.

Last Words

Mindfulness practices for entrepreneurs are essential to growth, problem-solving, mental and physical regeneration and much more. Take inventory of the ways you’re currently disconnecting and unplugging from your hectic world by trying  a  float tank session. You may feel uncomfortable the first time, but remember, that’s where the growth happens. The benefits are endless, and you’ll feel refreshed and inspired when you come back to your work.