In a world of constant notifications and endless digital connectivity, it’s no surprise that many of us feel burned out, anxious, and overwhelmed. For students juggling academics, work, and social lives, finding a real sense of calm can seem nearly impossible. Float Sensory Deprivation Therapy, or simply “float therapy,” is emerging as a powerful remedy for digital overload, offering a unique way to disconnect and truly recharge.

Picture yourself stepping into a dark, silent tank filled with water dense enough to suspend you effortlessly thanks to 1,500 pounds of dissolved Epsom salt. The temperature of the water is carefully set to match your skin temperature, creating an experience where you hardly feel the water around you. This quiet, weightless environment removes all external sensory input, allowing your mind to completely relax and your body to release tension.

Dr. Justin Feinstein, a leading researcher on float therapy, has studied its effects on anxiety and stress reduction. Participants in his studies report deep relaxation and enhanced mental clarity after floating in sensory deprivation tanks. In this environment, free of light, sound, and touch, the brain enters a uniquely calm state, one that many participants find transformative.

Our constant phone use stimulates the brain’s pleasure center, the nucleus accumbens, by releasing dopamine, creating cycles of instant gratification. Over time, this can lead to “digital fatigue,” a mental exhaustion from endless digital interaction. In the float tank, the absence of all stimuli gives the brain’s reward system a rest, lowering dopamine levels and allowing the mind to find true equilibrium. This reset is similar to the euphoric “runner’s high” that athletes describe.

Float therapy isn’t just about relaxation; it’s a popular recovery tool among elite athletes looking to optimize performance. Here are some prominent athletes who regularly incorporate floating into their wellness routines:

• Stephen Curry (NBA) – The Golden State Warriors’ star point guard uses float therapy to mentally reset and keep his performance sharp on the court. Curry finds that floating helps with relaxation, focus, and managing the high stress of professional basketball.
• Tom Brady (NFL) – Known for his extensive and rigorous recovery routines, the Super Bowl champion quarterback has integrated float therapy as part of his training. Brady uses floating to promote muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and support his longevity in the NFL.
• Carl Lewis (Track & Field) – This legendary Olympian used float therapy during his track career to aid muscle recovery and boost mental focus, finding that sensory deprivation enhanced his ability to visualize success and achieve his athletic goals.
• Aly Raisman (Gymnastics) – The Olympic gymnast has also been a fan of float therapy, particularly for its stress-relief benefits. Float tanks allow Raisman to mentally reset and recover from the physical demands of training and competition.

While professional athletes use float therapy to aid muscle recovery and improve focus, students can benefit from these same effects. Float therapy offers a unique mental reset, helping to relieve academic stress, restore focus, and enhance mental clarity. By reducing cortisol levels (the stress hormone), float therapy promotes better sleep and mental resilience, both of which are essential for facing exams, deadlines, or high-stakes projects.

Our brains are constantly stimulated by notifications, emails, and social media feeds, keeping us on high alert. The float tank offers a complete digital detox, allowing your mind to fully disconnect. Research suggests this tech-free time balances dopamine levels, letting you emerge with a sense of calm and focus that’s hard to achieve amid today’s distractions.