Why Float Therapy Is Omaha’s Secret to Stress-Free Living (And Why You Need to Try It!)
What Actually Happens in a Float Tank?
You might have heard some buzz about floating, but what’s it really all about? Float therapy (also called sensory deprivation or “floating”) is the practice of lying on your back in our spacious float tanks filled with ultra-clean, highly-cushioned, pharmaceutical-grade Epsom salt–filled water. The water is heated exactly to skin temperature, and there’s no light or sound unless you want some gentle music or colored glow. You step into the float tank, close the door behind you, then just lay back, and—thanks to all that salt—float totally effortlessly. Gravity’s off-duty, and so are your senses.
This “nothingness” might sound odd at first, but it’s what sets float therapy apart from every other wellness or spa treatment out there. For about an hour, you give your body and mind a rare chance to disengage completely from the world, creating the ultimate stress reset.
Why We’re All So Stressed—and How Floating Can Help
Let’s be real: modern-day life can feel like a stress Olympics. Work, family, non-stop phone notifications—most of us are in “go mode” all the time, which takes a toll on both body and mind. That relentless hustle can kickstart problems like poor sleep, chronic pain, anxiety, tension headaches, and even lead to bigger health issues over time.
Here’s where float therapy comes in. The float tank is designed to shut out all distractions—no scrolling, no schedules, no gravity. This creates what scientists call a “sensory reduction” state, which calms your body’s stress systems practically at the source. Your brain gets to take a break from processing the outside world, and instead can repair, rest, and recover.
What’s wild is that research shows just one float session can:
Dramatically lower cortisol (your stress hormone)
Ease muscular and joint pain by letting everything physically “let go”
Improve sleep quality, sometimes for days after the session
Enhance mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression
Float therapy isn’t just a good-for-you break—it’s like a full-system spa day for your nervous system.
The Secret Science: Serious Benefits Hiding Behind the Bliss
Floating feels fantastic, but what does science have to say? Plenty, actually.
Deep Physical Relief
Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is famous for helping with aches, inflammation, and sore muscles. When you float, you absorb some of those magnesium ions through your skin, which can help with everything from post-workout soreness to chronic pain conditions. But that’s just the start:
Weightless healing: Freed from gravity, tension in your spine, back, and joints melts away. That relief lets your body start healing tight muscles and rebooting from the inside out.
Blood pressure & heart rate: Floating helps lower both, making it a great complement for anyone dealing with stress-induced headaches or heart concerns.
Reduced inflammation: The combined effect of a zero-pressure environment and magnesium-rich water calms swollen tissues and reduces pain signals.
Mental & Emotional Reset
More and more, mental health pros are recommending float therapy as a drug-free way to manage anxiety, depression, and trauma triggers. In the float tank’s quiet, your brain shifts into a relaxed theta-wave state, the same zone as light sleep, deep meditation, or the restful “daydreaming” that’s so good for your mood.
Decreased anxiety and depression: Repeated studies show that floating helps lower symptoms by stabilizing brain chemistry and giving your mind a break from hyper-arousal.
Boosted creativity: Many users report creative breakthroughs, big ideas, and sharper focus after floating—a benefit that’s inspired everyone from athletes to entrepreneurs.
PTSD improvement: Some clinics in the U.S. offer float therapy to veterans and others with PTSD for its unique ability to calm the persistent fight-or-flight response.
The Omaha Float Scene: Where It’s All Happening
Turns out, Omaha’s ahead of the curve when it comes to this wellness trend. Locals have embraced floating as part of their self-care routines, and Float District is right in the heart of the action. We’re conveniently located near Costco and Cabela’s in the Southport plaza—so it’s super easy to swing by for a quick stress reset, whether you’re running errands or planning a spa day.
Float District: Omaha’s Home for Stress Relief
Here at Float District, we’re passionate about making all the science-backed benefits of floating accessible to everyone. Our spa is designed around comfort, calm, and community:
Flexible float suites: Whether you come solo or want to try out our one-of-a-kind couples float, we’ve tailored the experience for every guest.
Soak up the extras: Looking for more? We offer combo therapy packages with contrast therapy (hot/cold), vibroacoustic therapy, salt rooms, and infrared sauna for a next-level relaxation stack.
Affordable options for every lifestyle: You can try a float for 25% off as a first-time guest, or become a member to get additional services for 50% off and unlock regular relaxation at a deal—check our current options here.
We’ve seen folks from all walks of life walk out of their float session looking lighter and happier. Check out our client reviews here to see what others are saying!
What It Feels Like: Your First Float, Step-by-Step
If you’re curious, but a little unsure what to expect, here’s how a typical float session at Float District goes down:
Arrive & get oriented
A friendly staff member walks you through the basics, shows you to your private float suite, and answers any questions. You’ll shower before entering the tank to keep the water ultra-clean.Set the mood
You can control the lighting (totally dark or a soft glow), pick a chill playlist, or go for pure silence. Entry-level anxiety? Many new floaters start with the lid half-closed until they get comfortable.Step in and float away
Slide into the water, lie back, and let the Epsom salt take over. Within a minute or two, you’ll be buoyant and totally supported. Breathing slows, thoughts wander, and stress starts to trickle away.Let go and drift
Most people drift in and out of awareness, sometimes falling into a “waking nap.” You can open your eyes, stretch out, or even meditate during your session.Finishing up
Gentle lights outside the tank and gentle water movement signal the end of your float. Step out, rinse off, and give yourself a moment in our post-float lounge. Many people journal, sip water, or simply enjoy that deep sense of calm.
After your session? Most clients say they feel recharged, relaxed, and ready for whatever comes next. That relief can last for days!
Who Can Benefit (Hint: Pretty Much Everyone)
You don’t have to be an elite athlete or a wellness guru to see real gains from floating. In fact, float therapy is especially great for:
Busy professionals and parents who need a genuine break
People with chronic pain or sports injuries
Anyone struggling with anxiety, insomnia, or burnout
Creatives and entrepreneurs searching for a fresh spark
Couples or friends looking for a unique, connected experience
If you’re recovering from surgery or under a doctor’s care, always check in first. But for the vast majority of people, floating is safe, gentle, and so worth it.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Float
Arrive early: Give yourself time to shift gears and ask questions.
Don’t fight the stillness: The first few minutes might feel a little weird or even “boring.” That’s totally normal! Your body and mind adjust quickly.
Go in with a goal (or none at all): Some people meditate, some just breathe, and others let their thoughts wander. There’s no right or wrong way to float.
Journal or reflect afterward: You might be surprised at what comes up during your session once you give yourself room to process.
Come back for best results: Like any wellness practice, floating gets better with regular use. Most users notice bigger benefits after the second or third session.
Ready To Experience the Hype For Yourself?
Omaha’s floating community is growing for a reason! The benefits of float therapy—relaxation, pain relief, better sleep, and real peace of mind—are possible for anyone ready to give themselves a break from stress. Whether you’re just curious or you’re searching for a new approach to self-care, a session in the float tank could be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.
Curious to learn more or want to book your first float? Visit our website here, check out our current specials and memberships, and get ready to discover Omaha Choice Award's #1 Float Therapy location in the Omaha area for stress-free living. We can’t wait to help you float your worries away!