Beat the Heat: Why Floating is the Ultimate Summer Hack

Here in Glastonbury, we're fully into the peak of Summer - a time of fire, energy, socialising and celebrating.

Floating might not be the first thought in your mind, spending time alone and in the dark, but here's a rundown on why you should consider changing that!

Temperature

Whilst floating is often considered a Winter comfort due to the warmth of the tank and the room, it can actually be a great place to regulate your body temperature during the hotter months too. We lower the tank's temperature by 1 degree to make sure you don't feel too warm. On top of that, our centre and rooms are built with thick stone walls and are very well insulated, so it's currently a lot cooler here than in most homes. Having the body temperature regulated externally for an hour gives your system a rest in managing it, leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Balance

In Summer, the days become longer and we typically spend more time engaging socially, travelling around, being outside and attending parties or festivals. Whilst this is a lot of fun, it can be really quite draining physically and emotionally. A session in the darkness helps to retore energy and provides a space for you to process any exciting experiences. Spending time in the darkness and stillness brings in a wonderful renewed sense of appreciation for the colour and vibrancy of Summer, especially when combined with a sunset!

Travel

In July, Luke and I drove to France and back. The first thing we did when we came back was take a 90 minute float, straight from the ferry. It was one of the most profound floats we'd had, accessing deep limbic states and revitalising relaxation. Travel takes a toll on the body in many ways. From fatigue due to missed sleep or jet lag, to physical stiffness from lengthy and uncomfortable travel positions. Some time in the tank can help your mind to rest and ease aching muscles. Floating has also been found to be beneficial for recovering from jet lag and retrieving your circadian rhythm. So if you're planning a big trip this summer, booking a float for your return can set you up for a great return to 'reality'.

Recovery

Summer is a time when a lot of sports events and competitions are held. Floating can help prepare you for events bringing in focus and providing a space for visualisation. On the other side, its a great space for recovery by relaxing muscles, encouraging better circulation and restoring balance. Some notable athletes who regularly use float tanks include; Michael Phelps (swimmer), Wayne Rooney (footballer), Jade Johnson (long jump) and Stuart Broad (cricket).

Skin health

With the warmer weather comes increased insect bites and sunburn. Whilst we suggest not floating with serious sunburn or open wounds as this could be painful, if you have some mild irritation then the high density of magnesium can reduce inflammation and itching. The salt also acts as an natural exfoliant leaving your skin soft and smooth,

It's easy for wellness routines to get lost in the busyness of Summer, but taking some time off from the world to rest and recover can allow you to enjoy the expansion of Summer without the energetic hangover.