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I get really nervous before my rec league soccer games. I play goalkeeper and like many athletes (using the term loosely here), I put way too much pressure on myself. The day of a match, I start feeling more and more anxious as it gets closer to game time -- a feeling that starts in the pit of my stomach and rises, occasionally, to full-blown dizzy spells. I have my pregame rituals, and then poof, as soon as the first whistle blows, Im in the zone.Id been hearing about sensory deprivation float tanks for a while, how theyre used as tools of relaxation by athletes, creative types and people with serious illnesses. I like meditation and Im into natural ways to reduce anxiety, so I thought Id give it a shot. If it can work for professionals, maybe it could work for this rec league goalkeeper, too.What is floating?The isolation tank was developed in 1954, in an attempt to research what might happen to the brain if you removed all external stimuli. In the 1970s, Peter Suedfeld and Roderick Borrie began to explore the tanks for potential therapeutic benefits, using hundreds of pounds of Epsom salts to help subjects float on top of the water. A study in the late 1990s found that more than 90 percent of those who tried sensory deprivation float tanks experienced feelings of relaxation; a 2014 study published found that 12 45-minute float sessions over seven weeks reduced stress, depression and anxiety.Fees and gearA float session is typically 60-90 minutes long and costs between $45 and $90. You dont need to bring anything with you, except maybe something to drink after (many studios offer water). When you first get there, you will have to sign a waiver, but beyond that, you just show up and the attendant will tell you everything you need to know and answer any questions you might have.I found the first studio through a report on my local news station, but just searched Google to find the second one.Preparing to floatTo be honest, seeing the tank for the first time may actually increase your anxiety about the process. Ive been floating twice, the first time in a rectangular tank that reminded me of a refrigerator and the second in a tranquility tank that reminded me of something from a sci-fi movie. The tanks are 8 to 9 feet long and about 5 feet wide (depending on the model), and inside each tank there is about 10 inches of skin-temperature water (about 93.5-95 degrees Fahrenheit) with 800-1,000 pounds of Epsom salts. Dont worry -- in between each session the water is drained and the tank is cleaned, typically with hydrogen peroxide. The water that comes in for the next float client goes through an extensive filtration process, making it cleaner than the water you typically shower with.Every float center does things a little differently. The first place I went to had you start by laying down on a slightly inverted table and listen to binaural beats?for 20 minutes before going in the tank. You could choose beats based on what you were hoping to achieve from the session -- Zen meditation, creative flow, etc. Regardless of the center, the room will have the tank, a shower and a bench or hook to hang your clothes. (There likely wont be a bathroom in the room, so make sure you go ahead of time!)Lisa Lopez, the owner of Healing Waters Float Studio in Northglenn, Colorado (which was also where I did my first float), said doing the inversion before the tank helps the body and brain prepare for anti-gravity and complete sensory deprivation and with the extra blood flow containing oxygen and nutrient. It helps people go much deeper, much faster inside the chamber.Lopez emails her clients a video that explains the process to first-time floaters, which answered a lot of my initial questions.When I was ready to get into the tank, I rinsed off in the shower in my room and wiped my face with a towel first, just to make sure no salty water dripped down in my eyes once I got in the tank. Most tanks have a spray bottle with fresh water either inside or sitting on top, so if you get salt water in your eyes, you can rinse it out right away. I decided to go completely naked, so I carefully stepped in and closed the door behind me. It was easy to get into a floating position (though you can sit up anytime you want), but it took some time for my neck to relax. Although it may feel like you are about to go under, you wont sink, and you cant roll over in the water because there is so much salt. I put my hands behind my head to support it at first, then gradually moved them away.What its likeAt first, it just felt just like floating -- I even tapped into the side of the tank a few times (though barely). Eventually, I came to feel completely supported, comfortable and at ease. I didnt notice a smell, but have read other peoples descriptions of slight locker room smells during their experiences.Im not a claustrophobic person, but if thats a concern for you, you can crack the door or leave it all the way open, or leave the light on, if the tank has one. You will still get some benefits from being weightless, whether or not youre in the dark. I found that once I got in, it looked the same if my eyes were open or closed, so I didnt really have the feeling of being closed into something. You cant see anything, and you cant hear much beyond your own heartbeat and breathing. (Id recommend not eating a ton before, but dont go in hungry. A growling stomach can be really loud and distracting in the water.) The rooms and tanks are not soundproof, though, so if there was something going on in the next room or a fan was on above the tank, you might be able to hear it.The first time, I was really stuck in my head. I was thinking about anything and everything, not sure what I was going to experience in there and mainly worrying about whether the woman at the desk set the timer (she did). All you have to do is relax, and music will come on to alert you when your session has ended.It reminded me of being a beginning meditator, maybe even more difficult because once you remove every possible distraction, all you have are your thoughts. And your breath. And your heartbeat. Which is also what makes it so wonderful. After a while, I heard the music that meant the session was over.When you first sit up in the tank, its helpful to brush the extra salt water off of you, especially out of your hair. Its pretty easy to just sit down in the tank, but make sure you keep your head back so the salt water doesnt drip into your eyes! Also, be careful getting out, because the salt water is actually pretty slippery. Some tanks have a handle, others you just hang on to the base, just dont grab the door.My fingertips were shriveled, much like after being in a bath, but the salts make your skin and hair super smooth. I was surprised that it didnt dry out my skin. After getting out, I made sure to use the provided eardrops, because I didnt use earplugs. The drops are typically either just vinegar or a vinegar and hydrogen peroxide mixture, designed to break up and wash out any salt that might be crystallizing in your ears. It helps get any water out, too.After my float, I was told I could sit in the oversized chairs in the lobby as long as I needed to. I felt an increasing sense of calm and relaxation when I was able to take my time, sit outside for a few minutes after and ease back into my regular routine. I drank some water and relaxed there for a few minutes before getting in my car.My second float was amazing because I was able to relax much more quickly. I went to another studio to try a different tank. While the other studio did not have the inversion table and binaural beats, music was piped inside the tank for the first 20 minutes. As soon as I got in, I started feeling relaxed. There was a little bit of the overthinking initially, but it all settled down pretty quickly, and I could have stayed there for much longer than 90 minutes.Did it work?The second time that I floated, I scheduled it the same day as a soccer game. It didnt completely eliminate my anxiety, but it definitely decreased it. I felt calm and relaxed for most of the day.I asked Lopez about the effects she has seen athletes experience from floating. It really varies for athletes on the benefits.?Some find it helps them hone in and focus on the task as hand and goals of their endeavor, some find it enhances their performance, endurance and stamina and some use it to help to heal from practice or hard workouts or even from their event to get ready to prepare for the next ones.I felt relaxed after my first float, but the second session felt really good. They say you get better at floating the more you do it, and I can definitely see that. I like that its an hour or so of my day when I cant multi-task. I cant do anything except float there, so all I can do is relax.I highly recommend trying it, and if you do, book a couple of sessions. Nike Air Force 1 Sale . Anthony Calvillo, through 20 CFL seasons, was frequently invincible and largely stoic in the heat of competition. But underneath the professional exterior he was, and is, compellingly human. Cheap Nike Air Force 1 Mens . The defence is doing its part, too. 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There was no hesitation from the 40th-ranked Pospisil, from Vernon, B.C., who admitted that he cut back on his training sessions over the last few days to conserve energy as the long ATP season finishes next week at the Paris Masters.Week 10 provided an opportunity for NFL fans in the UK to choose the Sky Live games for the 6pm and 9pm fixtures on Sunday. With an overwhelming majority, fans voted for the Dallas Cowboys trip to Pittsburgh as the late game, while the meeting between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Atlanta Falcons edged out all competitors for the right to be this weeks opening fixture.To finish off a fantastic triple header, the Seattle Seahawks travel to Foxborough, New England where they face the Patriots in a rematch of Super Bowl 49. Graves Predictions v Panthers Richard Graves picks NFL week 10 games against our Panthers UK fan. Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles - 5:30pm, Sky Sports 2The top ranked offence continues to roll as Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons put up 43 points against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their sixth win of the season. Matt Ryan (left) and Devonta Freeman take on the 5th ranked Eagles defence on Sunday However, they face an entirely different defensive proposition this week as the Eagles look to bounce back from two divisional defeats and get themselves back into the AFC East race.Four losses in five does not read well for the Eagles, who now sit 4-4 and have little in the way of offensive weapons. Philadelphia rank 21st and 28th in rushing and receiving respectively, and rookie quarterback Carson Wentz is suffering accordingly. After avoiding interceptions in his opening three games, Wentz has thrown four in the last three, but may be able to get back on track against Atlanta, who post the second worst passing defence in the NFL. Carson Wentz will hope to get the Philly offence firing against the second worst pass-defence in the NFL However, this game has all the makings of a shootout. The Falcons, running well with Devonta Freeman, with Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu posing aerial threats, certainly have the edge. Home advantage and a strong defence gives Philadelphia a chance, and if they can pull it off, it would be a major confidence boost going into the second half of the season.Dallas Cowboys @ Pittsburgh Steelers - 9:00pm Sky Sports 2Seven games unbeaten, led by a rookie quarterback-running back combination, the Dallas Cowboys lead the NFC conference and post one of the more surprising successes this year. Dak Prescott, their fourth round QB thrown into the starting job after Tony Romos back injury, has excelled behind the best offensive line in the NFL. The big question is whether he will keep his place as Romo returns to full fitness, but it looks as though Prescott will continue for this week at least. Ezekiel Elliott is a standout Rookie of the Year candidate and is chasing Eric Dickersons rushing record Ezekiel Elliott has been even more productive than his quarterback, with seven touchdowns and almost 900 yards. The running back is aiming for Eric Dickersons 1,808 rookie record, and current projections indicate he is on track. In contrast, the Pittsburgh Steelers have lost three on the bounce, despite quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returning from injury for last weeks 21-14 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens. Big Ben will look for an improved performance against the Cowboys to give his side a chance. Dallas are yet to concede more than 23 in a game, but with injuries to Barry Church and Morris Claiborne, the Steelers have a great opportunity to take advantage and improve to 5-4. Watch Chris Boswells terrible attempt at a rabona during the Pittsburgh Steelers loss to the Baltimore Ravens LeVeon Bell was held to 32 rushing yards against the Ravens, and will need some help from his offensive line to get going against Dallas.dddddddddddd#160;Heinz Field is an intimidating place for any player to go, and the Steelers fans will be out in force to make life as uncomfortable as possible for Prescott and co. If the Cowboys can handle their toughest test yet, a Super Bowl run becomes a realistic goal.Seattle Seahawks @ New England Patriots - 1:00am Sky Sports 2Our final live game of the weekend sets up the first meeting since Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler intercepted Russell Wilson to win Super Bowl 49 for New England in February 2015. As the Seattle Seahawks prepare to face the New England Patriots this weekend, we look back on the defining moment of their Super Bowl clash in 2015 Fast forward 18 months and both teams once again lead their respective divisions as Seattle look to have overcome a rocky start with a convincing performance against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night. Russell Wilson has begun to show the movement that stood him out as an elite quarterback, and tight end Jimmy Graham is performing at the top of his game, following a slow start to life in Seattle. Running back Christine Michael will continue to take the bulk of snaps from the backfield as Thomas Rawls continues his rehabilitation with limited practices. There is good news for the Seahawks defence as Kam Chancellor is expected to be fully fit, following a groin injury that kept him out four weeks.On the other hand, the New England Patriots have moved into top gear with the return of quarterback Tom Brady, who is in contention for the regular season MVP accolade already, despite missing four games this season.Brady is averaging more than 300 yards and three touchdowns a game, and the Patriots comfortably lead the AFC East with a 7-1 record. Tom Brady is fired up after a 4-0 start and will Head coach Bill Belichick elected to trade linebacker Jamie Collins to Cleveland in their bye week, which will result in an increased workload for sixth round rookie Elandon Roberts.Catch all of the action from week 10 on Sunday November 13 from 5:30pm with our live triple header on Sky Sports 2, and uninterrupted Redzone coverage on Sky Sports Mix from 6pm. Also See: NFL week nine highlights RESULT: Week 10 game choice WATCH: Sunday Blitz Latest standings ' ' '