Anxiety

Anxiety

Spa OVARIUM

Anxiety !

By Guylaine Fortin

Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety? You’re not alone! In Quebec, one in two people report feeling anxious, and women are twice as likely to experience anxiety as men. These statistics, derived from a 2019 survey conducted by Léger, reflect a steadily increasing level of anxiety over the past 30 years. The ongoing pandemic, unjustifiable war, and climate crisis certainly do not contribute to our peace of mind.

Despite what some might claim, there is no miracle cure for anxiety. It can take time to find a method or resource that works among the myriad of available options. Recognizing one’s anxious state is the first step. From there, we can try to self-monitor, to act as our own guardian angel, much like we would with a child to protect them from a perilous situation. Being kind to oneself involves accepting one’s vulnerability, listening to oneself, and finding ways to minimize the effects of anxiety.

Adopting a balanced lifestyle should be our first reflex:

  • Sleep 7 to 9 hours per night and maintain regular hours
  • Follow a healthy and balanced diet
  • Respect your limits, do not push your body beyond its capacities
  • Avoid psychoactive substances such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and drugs
  • Engage in activities that boost morale (sports, gardening, artistic creation, etc.)
  • Practice relaxation, yoga, or meditation
  • Limit anxiety-inducing situations as much as possible
  • Trust others, share your emotions with a close friend or health professional

A promising study on anxiety research

A study on floatation therapy published in 2016 by a team of Swedish scientists from Karlstad University offers a glimmer of hope. The experiment involved a sample of 50 people divided into two groups: the first served as a control group, while the other half benefited from twelve floatation sessions spread over six months. The participants, aged 18 to 65, all suffered from generalized anxiety, some level of depression, insomnia, and difficulty regulating their emotions. Unsurprisingly, no changes were recorded in the control group. However, anxiety symptoms were significantly reduced in the treatment group, with one in three patients reporting complete remission by the end of the experiment. Interestingly, it was the patients with the most severe anxiety symptoms who reported the most beneficial effects.

Disconnecting from the outside world to calm our mind

According to several studies, anxiety is triggered by excessive stimulation of various parts of the brain, leading to the release of cortisol, the stress hormone, throughout the body. Cortisol not only induces anxious thought patterns but also raises blood pressure and heart rate, and can even slow down or alter the functioning of certain organs.

The basic principle of floatation therapy lies in the near-total reduction of sensory stimuli. After a few moments of floating in water maintained at the same temperature as the skin, free from external interferences, the sense of space and time diminishes, and the mind calms. This induces a state similar to that provided by meditation. This deep calm allows hormonal glands to return to their normal state, restoring balance or homeostasis.

A potential to explore

The results of several studies suggest that floatation sessions could become an interesting option to add to treatments for generalized anxiety. Even more promising, researchers hypothesize that this reduction of external stimuli could be beneficial for treating not only psychological conditions but also overall well-being, as they observe a considerable reduction in other variables such as sleep and mood disorders, except for depression, where levels vary little or not at all. Notably, participants report no significant adverse effects.

Further experiments will need to be conducted to document these results more thoroughly, but for now, most data seem to converge in the same direction, offering a glimmer of hope to those living with anxiety.

References :

https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1246446/anxiete-sondage-leger-quebec

Promising effects of treatment with flotation-REST (restricted environmental stimulation technique) as an intervention for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): A randomized controlled pilot trial

https://plus.lapresse.ca/screens/234b71b5-08a0-4555-b9f6-69c83714488a__7C___0.html

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7429139_Effects_of_Flotation-Restricted_Environmental_Stimulation_Technique_on_Stress-Related_Muscle_Pain_What_Makes_the_Difference_in_Therapy_-_Attention-Placebo_or_the_Relaxation_Response

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The Benefits of Floating Baths

The Benefits of Floating Baths

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Benefits of Flotaing Baths

Dive into the Ocean of Well-being: A Complete Guide to Sensory Isolation Tank Therapy

Sensory isolation tank therapy, often referred to as flotation therapy, is emerging as a fascinating holistic practice gaining popularity. This unique experience offers a regenerative break from daily tumult, plunging participants into a state of profound calm. Here’s everything you need to know about this exceptional relaxation method.

What is a Sensory Isolation Tank?
A sensory isolation tank is an airtight space filled with water at body temperature and saturated with Epsom salt, allowing effortless floating. The goal is to create an environment devoid of external stimuli, immersing users in a state of lightness and weightlessness.

Physical and Mental Benefits
1. Deep Relaxation: Flotation promotes deep relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety. The absence of external stimuli allows the body and mind to relax unparalleled.

2. Improved Sleep: Regular flotation sessions are linked to improved sleep quality. The soothing experience can help regulate sleep cycles and alleviate sleep disorders.

3. Relief from Physical Pain: The water’s density and salt concentration provide a sensation of weightlessness, relieving joints and muscles. It’s a beneficial approach for those suffering from chronic pain.

4. Stimulated Creativity: The absence of external stimuli stimulates creativity. Many people report moments of inspiration and mental clarity during and after flotation.

“Excellent article on the benefits of floatation therapy to read, click here!”

Benefits of a sensory deprivation tank

« There are several psychological and medical benefits of a sensory deprivation tanks on conditions such as anxiety disorders, stress, and chronic pain. »

What to Expect During a Floatation Session?

What to Expect During a Floatation Session?

The experience begins with a shower to remove body oils. Then, you enter the sensory isolation tank, lie down on the water, and allow yourself to float. The session typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, allowing for complete immersion in the experience.

Tips for an Optimal Experience
1. Clear Your Mind: Before starting, take a few minutes to meditate or simply breathe deeply to release anxious thoughts.
2. Experiment with Music: Some sensory isolation tanks offer an option of soothing music during the session. Try both options to determine what works best for you.
3. Be Open to the Experience: Let go and be open to the experience. Floatation is a personal experience, and everyone experiences it uniquely.

In conclusion, sensory isolation tank therapy offers a welcome escape into a distraction-free world, promoting physical and mental well-being. If you’re seeking an innovative method to relax your mind and revitalize your body, floatation could be the key to your next therapeutic adventure.

Music by Mansari.

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