Self-Care and Wellness: Midwest Float
In the hopes of making it a truly happy holiday, we often undertake a myriad of responsibilities on the behalf of others: we schlep relatives from the airport at odd hours, fight the crowds at the super market to get that special ingredient that was conveniently forgotten during the last trip, and – on top of maintaining your personal and professional schedules – somehow find time to clean and decorate the house for company. So, is it any wonder that to many of us the season “to be jolly” ‘tis also the season for stress and anxiety?
In many cases, holiday stress can be attributed to a pension for putting the preparation for “family-time” before “me-time.” And don’t get us wrong, family is at the heart of the holidays. But, what if you could start implementing more healthy practices into your routine so that you could enjoy the family-time more and stress the preparation less? Instead of getting frazzled, saying or doing something you might regret and putting off healthy habits until the new year, decide to take care of yourself during and after the holidays. Challenge yourself; treat yourself; care for yourself.
Throughout the final weeks of November and the entire month of December, the Topeka Chamber of Commerce would like to key you in to our members that provide self-care services and practices.
We begin with Midwest Float.
Float your troubles away at Midwest Float, Topeka’s first float center. What’s a “float” you may ask? Floating is a self-care practice that involves literally floating in a soundproof tank or pod that is designed for short-term sensory deprivation. Midwest Float utilizes 850 lbs. of Epsom salt and over 200 gallons of water in both its two tanks; types of tanks include a pod, a tank the size of a full-size bed which includes an overhead hatch, and a cabin, which is the larger of the two tanks and more closely resembles a pool. Participants also have the choice of employing colored lights and calming music from inside the tank. The standard 60 or 90-minute float can relax muscles, loosen stiff joints and improve mood.
Owner Casey Campbell claimed to find his calling when he was introduced to floating after his military discharge: “I was having trouble adjusting after I left the army. I found floating and just fell in love with it.”
It was Casey’s hope that by opening a float center that he could help others suffering from physical and emotional ailments. Midwest Float sees a range of different customers, including those living with chronic diseases, such as Lupus, PTSD, Fiber Myalgia, arthritis, as well as those looking to decompress or meditate.
Comfort is Casey’s number one priority. When a new customer comes in they will be given a tour of the facilities, which includes a fully stocked bathroom (complete with hair and skin products as well as a hair dryer) and the individual’s float room (which houses a shower and a tank), and a thorough run-through of the floating process. First, the individual will shower to reduce all contaminants from entering the tank. From there they will enter the tank, lay back and begin the float. A floaty pillow and earplugs are available, although neither are required. Once in the tank, you will trigger an automated voice which indicates when the float begins and ends. During a float, participants can manipulate the music and the color of lights present in the tank. Once the float is over, the partaker may shower, use the bathroom and relax with a hot tea or water in the front lounge area.
For more information on Midwest Float, see their website and keep a look out for my blog chronicling my first float.