Self Care Secrets (Part 1): We All Float In Here
When we hear the term "self-care," many of us immediately envision bubble baths, spa days, or other indulgent activities that provide temporary relaxation. While these aesthetic experiences can be beneficial, self-care encompasses a far broader range of practices, many of which go beyond the surface level. For survivors of military sexual trauma, self-care is not just a luxury but a vital component of healing and recovery. This series aims to dive deeper into self-care, highlighting its importance and exploring practices that might not immediately come to mind but can have profound impacts on your well-being.
Why Self-Care is Crucial for MST Survivors
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Self-care is the act of deliberately taking steps to preserve or improve one’s health. For MST survivors, self-care is an essential part of the healing process. Trauma can take a significant toll on both mental and physical health, leading to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Engaging in self-care helps to mitigate these effects by providing necessary relief, fostering resilience, and promoting a sense of control over one’s life.
Emotional Healing: Trauma disrupts your emotional balance, often leading to feelings of fear, anger, and sadness. Self-care practices help to manage these emotions, providing a way to process and release them in a healthy manner.
Physical Health: Stress and trauma can weaken the immune system, increase blood pressure, and lead to other health issues. Self-care activities, especially those that involve physical movement, can improve overall health and contribute to a sense of well-being.
Mental Clarity: Trauma can cloud your mind and make it difficult to think clearly or make decisions. Regular self-care practices can enhance mental clarity and focus, making it easier to navigate daily challenges.
Groundbreaking Self-Care Practice: The Power of Sensory Deprivation
One innovative self-care practice that many people might not readily think of is sensory deprivation, specifically through the use of flotation therapy, also known as float tanks or sensory deprivation tanks. This practice involves floating in a tank filled with salt water at body temperature, in complete darkness and silence. Here’s why this unconventional self-care method can be particularly beneficial for MST survivors:
Deep Relaxation: The absence of sensory input allows your body and mind to enter a state of deep relaxation. This can be especially beneficial for those who struggle with anxiety and PTSD, as it provides a respite from constant hyper-vigilance and stress.
Enhanced Mindfulness: Floating in a sensory deprivation tank can help you achieve a meditative state, promoting mindfulness and a deeper connection with your inner self. This can facilitate emotional healing and self-discovery.
Reduced Stress and Pain: The buoyancy provided by the saltwater can alleviate physical pain and tension. This is particularly helpful for MST survivors who may experience chronic pain or physical discomfort as a result of their trauma.
Improved Sleep: Many people who use sensory deprivation tanks report improved sleep quality. For MST survivors, who often struggle with insomnia or disrupted sleep, this can be a crucial benefit.
How to Get Started with Sensory Deprivation
If you’re interested in exploring sensory deprivation as a self-care practice, here’s how to get started:
1. Find a Local Facility: Search for spas or wellness centers that offer flotation therapy. Many urban areas have facilities specifically designed for sensory deprivation experiences.
2. Prepare Yourself Mentally: The idea of complete darkness and silence can be daunting. Prepare yourself by researching what to expect and starting with shorter sessions if needed.
3. Set an Intention: Before entering the tank, set a clear intention for your session. This could be to relax, to explore your thoughts, or to simply experience the sensation.
4. Stay Open-Minded: It may take a few sessions to fully acclimate to the experience. Stay open-minded and give yourself time to adjust.
5. Reflect on the Experience: After your session, take some time to reflect on how you feel. Note any changes in your stress levels, physical sensations, or emotional state.
Self-care for MST survivors is not just about surface-level relaxation; it’s about finding innovative and effective ways to support your healing journey. Sensory deprivation, through flotation therapy, offers a unique and profound method to achieve deep relaxation, mindfulness, and stress relief. By exploring this unconventional self-care practice, you can uncover new paths to healing and well-being.
If you’re curious about how sensory deprivation can benefit your recovery journey, consider booking a session at a local flotation therapy center. For more groundbreaking self-care ideas and support, subscribe to "The Silenced Voices of MST" podcast and join our community of survivors and advocates at The Advocates of MST on Facebook.
Have you ever tried sensory deprivation or flotation therapy? How did it impact your mental and physical health? Share your experiences in the comments below – your insights could inspire others to explore this innovative self-care practice.
