I spent an hour inside a floatation tank - this is what I thought

The sessions take place inside a floatation tank, which is a giant egg-like pod filled with 1,000 litres of water

I spent an hour inside a floatation tank in Merseyside - this is what I thought

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‘An hour doing absolutely nothing seems like a long time. I don’t like small spaces. What if I fall asleep?’ These were my first thoughts as I made my way to iFloat on South Road in Waterloo on Sunday morning.

iFloat offers hour-long floatation therapy sessions that supposedly come with a range of health and wellbeing benefits - anxiety relief, mindfulness, improved sleep and help with aches and pains. The business opened at the start of the month, offering a new type of wellness experience to the Sefton area.

The sessions take place inside a floatation tank, which is a giant egg-like pod filled with 1,000 litres of water and 500kg of Epsom Salts. The mixture creates a highly buoyant environment to help you lie back and float on top of the water.

Now, I am willing to do anything associated with relaxing. Hot tub weekend? Yes. Afternoon in a spa? 100%. But do nothing but float for 60 minutes? I wasn't too sure. Although it might not sound relaxing on paper, I can vouch for the fact it is after having one of the most relaxing mornings I’ve had in a long time.

First things first, it felt like a mini spa. Aside from the tank, my private room had a modern waterfall shower - to use before and after my floatation session - stocked with shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. I was given a towel, earplugs and some vaseline - in case of any cuts that need protecting from the salt water.

I felt like I was on an episode of Channel 4's Four in a Bed as I made my way around the room, meticulously trying to find a speck of dust or a bit of grime. There was nothing at all.

iFloat also has a hair drying room for after your floatation session. It comes with a Dyson hairdryer, hair brushes, toiletries and a huge mirror with a makeup table and chair.

Before I started my session, I was given a run-through of how it all works. As a first-time floater, I really didn't have a clue about what to do, but a member of the team was on hand to give me advice.

I was given a circular foam support to put underneath my head. I was also shown a water spray inside the tank in case salt water got in my eye - I suspect not the most relaxing feeling. However, the team will inform you on how to avoid this from happening.

You're also given the option to use the floatation tank while wearing your swimming costume or not. The only item the team suggests you bring is a pair of flip-flops, as everything else is provided - excluding the swimming costume.

There is the option to have music and lights on during your session. The music could be played throughout or for five minutes at the beginning or end of the session. The button for the lights is inside the tank.

I kept the lights on and decided to close my eyes. I could still see the colourful lights switch between the different shades.

At first, I felt like I was floating backwards, but I assumed this was due to the highly buoyant water. I found that I had to put my hands under my head to steady myself at first - even though there was nothing really to steady.

But the longer I floated, the more I started to ease into it and allow my body to relax. The more comfortable I felt, the more freely I floated and soon I had my arms floating alongside me.

The racing thoughts of whether I’d start to feel claustrophobic or whether time would feel like eternity began to subside. I allowed myself to switch off completely and make the most of doing absolutely nothing. It’s not often I find myself doing that.

I could feel the physical benefits of the tank too. My slightly stiff neck felt stretched out throughout the session. It's no surprise that people can fall asleep.

Although I didn't fall asleep, I did feel completely zenned out. I could have happily stayed there. Time passed quickly and the music stopped to signify the end of my session.

I got out and used the shower, before moving onto the hair drying facilities - which felt like a luxurious finish to my float. Although I hadn’t had a massage or facial, I felt like I'd had a pamper session and was completely relaxed. Before I left I was offered a coffee or water in the reception area, which was a nice way to finish the visit off.

It's fair to say that floatation therapy is like marmite. Some will love it, but it won't be for everyone.

I left feeling as though I couldn’t have been more wrong about floatation therapy. I was completely relaxed for the rest of the day and could have easily napped if it weren't for a looming work shift. Who knew doing nothing could be so enjoyable?

More information can be found on the iFloat website here.

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