There are Happy Chemicals in a Float?
Yes, there are, not floating in the water but activated in us when we float.
Oxytocin, Serotonin, Dopamine, and Endorphins are happy chemicals that balance our body’s functions and bring us the feeling of joy.
A busy day with caffeine keeps us alert but activates the stress hormone, Cortisol, which tenses our muscles and overwhelms our emotions. While sitting on the couch lets us slump into a lump, pause our active body, and escape our active mind, we could still be very stressed.
A float tank, filled with only warm water and Epsom salt, relaxes our muscles, provides minimal sensory stimulation, and dedicates time to our mind, all of which produce more happy chemicals.
Let’s see how a float benefits each one.
Oxytocin is the feeling of trust. It is the strong connection between a mother and child or when we hug someone we love. It’s found that even imagining hugging someone we love releases Oxytocin. In your float, start with thoughts like these or even give yourself a hug. Add deep breaths and you’ll notice Oxytocin easing tight muscles.
A float tank provides a safe place to unfold repressed emotions and expand on ideas for self-expression. When our mind is at ease, Serotonin and Dopamine are activated. Serotonin stabilizes our mood and is known as the happiness molecule. Dopamine is our reward system for doing good to ourselves and keeps us motivated. A deficiency in Dopamine is found in patients with Parkinson’s disease and low Serotonin is correlated with anxiety and depression. If you’re feeling in poor spirits, take charge and book yourself a float.
Feelings of comfort like walking into warm sunshine are your Endorphins. Notice how the warm float tank mimics this and stimulates your Endorphins to reduce pain. Endorphins are also released during exercise, socializing, doing random acts of kindness, and laughing.
Research shows that smiling releases Endorphins reduces blood pressure, boosts your immune system, and extends your lifespan. Research also finds that floating yields these benefits and also improves sleep, strengthens cognitive performance, and reduces symptoms of chronic fatigue.
The float is a powerful place to increase our happy chemicals, improve our health, and awaken our smiles. Start a float practice and thrive in your refreshed happy chemicals today.
May 27, 2022
