Are You in Need of a Wellness Retreat?
If you are craving some time out to de-stress, rest and rejuvenate but have been unable to go away for a break this year and an expensive wellness retreat is out of your reach then why not create your own peaceful place in the comfort of your own home and local neighbourhood?
An at home wellness retreat is affordable and easy to do and you get to decide how long you want it to last and what to include. Maybe a day is enough to recharge or you could need a longer weekend. Whatever you decide then create your wellness retreat on purpose by scheduling it so nothing else takes its place as this time is valuable for you. Mark the dates of your special retreat on your calendar and create your own agenda for it including things you enjoy and need to support your wellbeing.
Your wellness retreat day or weekend could include a gentle morning yoga session, followed by meditation, time relaxing with a book or a pet, crafting or painting, an afternoon walk in nature or massage, an evening soak in an aromatic bath or quiet time journaling or listening to soothing music. Set aside any clothes you need and plan easy healthy meals too so you are not spending time wondering what to wear and what to eat.
If you have family commitments it is not always easy to create a retreat for yourself at home so try to take a few shorter pockets of time to do some things for yourself.
You can include some of the following in your wellness retreat:
Make your home a sanctuary:
Start by looking at ways you can improve your surroundings to make it a nurturing, relaxing place to be and a sanctuary to feel safe and special to you. You can also use these tips even if you are limited to one room for your retreat!
Bring the outdoors in with house plants Commonly known as 'Biophilia' bringing nature indoors is well known to support wellbeing and lift your mood so add a few green plants and flowers to your space.
Let in the light Allow natural daylight flood your home to give it an airy feeling. Research shows that natural light helps us feel happier, healthier and calmer. Open a window too and let fresh air in.
Clear away the clutter If you have too much stuff laying around you it can affect your mental wellbeing by making your mind feel cluttered. Clearing away the clutter in your space can make you feel calmer and gives you space to breathe.
Add crystals Crystals can help change the energy of a room. Amethyst and Flourite are good for the main living room as they can help clear negative energy. Selenite has a calming healing effect. Rose quartz is particularly good for your bedroom as promotes relaxation and sleep.
Create your own quiet space To support your wellbeing you need your own area where you can go to escape the chaos and unwind. You can use this space for yoga, meditation and journaling etc. Add essential oils in a diffuser such as Lavender, Chamomile, Ylang Ylang or Vetiver to promote calm.
Set the tone with a gentle morning practice
Ancient practices such as Yoga or Qi-gong can be a valuable addition to your wellness
retreat as they support your mind, body and spirit. Try an easy 10 minute Qi-gong routine to help you feel more grounded and present in your body and reduce feelings of stress or alternatively try a gentle yoga flow to get your life force energy (or prana) circulating to give your health and wellbeing a boost. Either of these practices will set you up for a good start to the day. Learn more about Yoga here or Qi-gong here.
Calm your mind with Meditation
If you have been feeling under pressure lately and suffering with stress or anxiety then meditation can really help you to feel calmer and deal with things better. Meditation has become more common these days due to its many benefits. Start with just a few minutes sitting comfortably and focusing on your breathing if you are new to meditation. You can also add some calming essential oils to a diffuser like the ones suggested for your quiet space' above. Find out more meditation and how to start if you are a beginner here .
Go for a walk in nature
Being outdoors in nature has many benefits and will help you feel more peaceful and relaxed, plus walking will improve your health and wellbeing, so why not combine the two and schedule it in as part of your wellness retreat. Take at least a half hour, or a morning or afternoon if you have the time, for a walk through a nearby park, woodland or beside a river or lake or spend some time at the beach.
Do something you really enjoy
Consider making time for doing something relaxing you enjoy such as reading or a hobby or just listening to your favourite music. Try to resist the temptation to spend the day in front of the tv! Make this time enjoyable for you by doing things that actually support your wellbeing.
Create your own Spa and have a pamper session
Why not treat yourself to some wellness products and create a home spa to make your wellness retreat extra special. Exfoliate your skin, have a luxury aromatherapy bubble bath, apply a face mask, use some nice products to pamper yourself. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure, massage your feet or treat yourself to a proper massage, reflexology or Reiki session.
It’s vital to disconnect!
Remember this is your time to unwind and reset to a calmer more natural state you were meant to be in so make sure you turn off your phone, social media and email alerts so nothing disturbs your peaceful wellness sanctuary. The only thing you need to be connecting to and focusing on is yourself.
Don’t try to cram too much in
Your wellness retreat needs to promote calm and relaxation so avoid the urge to cram too much into your day or weekend. Consider how long you can realistically dedicate to the things you want to include. You don’t want to feel tired and stressed at the end of it!
Be more mindful
Whatever you are doing in your wellness retreat, incorporate Mindfulness in it throughout your day by really noticing what you are doing and experiencing with all your senses in the moment. This is especially helpful when you become aware of your mind wandering to any problems or worries you may have. Try to consciously bring your mind to the present moment for a few minutes.
Remember that taking time out for yourself to rest and rejuvenate is not selfish, it is vital in today's fast paced world to allow yourself to slow down and nurture your mind, body and spirit, to protect your health and wellbeing.
Enjoy your retreat!
In warmth
Sharon K
Holistic Health and Wellness Coach
Reiki Master/Teacher
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