How often do you get an hour to yourself to unplug, unwind and just take a step back from your busy life?
Being busy and multi-tasking can often make you feel productive, but it’s so important to also allow the brain time to disengage from mental clutter.
Taking time out for yourself is often easier said than done, so we’ve explored the benefits of some unique new ways to stop, relax and take some time out for your wellbeing.
Sound bath meditation
Sound healing has been used for centuries all over the world. Tibetan singing bowls have been used throughout Asia in prayer and meditation and are now used to promote relaxation and wellbeing.
How does it affect our health?
The sound from the different sized crystal bowls causes the brainwaves to enter into a state of deeper relaxation, allowing the body to fully relax.
This method can speed up the process of getting to a meditative state, helping to lower blood pressure while releasing emotional and physical tension. Research has found that sound meditation can benefit wellbeing through reducing tension, anger, fatigue and depressed mood.
What happens during a sound bathing session?
In the meditation, you’ll be lying comfortably on a mat. Sessions begin with your instructor guiding you into the start of the meditation, before the sound of the bowls takes over. The crystal bowls are played by striking the bowl with a mallet, or rubbed on the rim of the bowl to create a distinctive sound and vibrations. All you need to do is soak up the sound and be lulled into a deep and restful state.
Float tanks
A floatation tank is a lightless, soundproof tank which is partially filled with salty water and is heated to the same temperature as our skin. The salt water (a solution of water and Epsom salts) is extremely buoyant which makes it easy to float.
Floatation tanks are used for relaxation, as they block out any distractions from external stimulation such as sound, light and even touch.
A typical float tank session is approximately one hour – allowing ample time for the mind and body to unwind and switch off completely.
Why should I try floating?
Many of us are aware of the benefits of meditation – regular practice has been shown to help with reduced stress and anxiety.
When it comes to meditation, it can be hard to know where to start if you want to try it out, which is often caused by all the many external distractions around us!
Float tanks eliminate these distractions and the sensory overload that we are often surrounded by, creating a clear space to switch off and be present while you float.
Benefits of floatation tanks
Research has shown float tanks offer many of the same benefits of mindfulness and meditation – improving the mood by reducing stress and anxiety.
Float tanks are also rich in magnesium, an essential mineral for our general wellbeing.
Magnesium has a range of benefits, from easing sore muscles, to even improving the quality of your sleep – something most of us want more of.
Floatation tanks allow the body to easily absorb magnesium, so floating regularly is a great way to get your ‘fix’ to ensure there are optimal levels of the mineral in your body.
