5 Reasons to Go on a Retreat Holiday

5 Reasons to Go on a Retreat Holiday

Escaping the tedium of our everyday lives to experience a unique mind and body retreat in an idyllic setting, is a treat we should all make time for in our busy schedules. From the excitement of anticipation to the thrill of discovering and exploring a new destination, traveling abroad can do more than satiate a sense of wanderlust.

April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to take stock of the impact that stress can have on our lives. According to a naturopathic doctor in Phoenix, stress is the cause of debilitating health concerns and unhappiness for many people. A recent survey found that three out of every four adults felt “overwhelmed and unable to cope” due to stress in 2018. That's why it is recommended to consult a health professional to help people reduce and manage their stress.

If you’re feeling the pressure of responsibilities and financial worries, consider booking a retreat this spring. From yoga retreats to Ayurveda retreats and meditation getaways, there’s a retreat to suit all needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking to reduce the impact of stress on your mind and body or to swap fast-pace for go-slow, we’ve come up with five reasons why you should indulge yourself with a retreat holiday this April.

Enjoy a Moment of Valuable Downtime for Yourself

Retreat Holiday

Do you remember the last time you allowed yourself a moment of undisturbed stillness to reflect, process and accept your thoughts and emotions? Life is a juggernaut of challenges. Frantic and overloaded schedules, relationship woes and career uncertainties all serve to ramp up stress levels and reduce our sense of wellbeing. When we’re caught up in the whirlwind of everyday life, it’s often hard to prioritize spending time alone to focus on our physical and emotional health. If we neglect ourselves in this way, we risk losing our sense of self and personal happiness.

By taking some time out on a mind and body retreat, you’ll allow yourself the opportunity to discover new destinations, gain clarity and rejuvenate your sense of wellbeing. A change of environment will encourage new habits which — with the right tools and mindset — will continue long after the retreat has ended. Through realizing the value of personal wellness, you’ll learn to prioritize taking the time to practice self-care activities in your daily life.

Learn New Skills or Develop Existing Ones

Retreat Holiday

A holistic retreat is a perfect opportunity to learn new skills or develop and improve existing ones. Are you hoping to develop techniques to manage mood fluctuations, enhance your way of thinking or learn how to enjoy spending time alone? Regardless of your goal, your chosen retreat will provide you with the time and space to develop the tools you need to achieve your objectives, both during your break and after you return home.

Retreats don’t need to be arduous nor take place over an extensive period. Take a short weekend break to relish the tranquility of a forest bathing retreat, or gain a deep sense of peace and relaxation through essential oil body and facial treatments on an Ayurveda retreat. A three or four-night break is plenty of time to relax and gain the knowledge and skills you need to achieve long-term wellbeing.

Get Trained by Top Practitioners

Retreat Holiday

Retreat programs often attract trainers who are leaders in their field. Whether you are an experienced yogi or meditation student, or are looking to try yoga for the first time, practicing under the tutelage of a highly skilled trainer can provide helpful insights and perspectives on your practice. An expert practitioner can make sure that you get off on the right foot with a new skill or can guide you to take established practice to a higher level.

When attending weekly yoga classes, or trying to meditate from home, we sometimes don’t have the focus we need to fully unwind. On a holistic retreat, you have the benefit of time and expert guidance to develop new skills correctly and breathe new life into established routines.

See the World

Retreat Holiday

The retreat location is a fundamental aspect of the wellness experience and your retreat organizers will have given considerable thought to the country, region and accommodation in which you will stay. Immersion in nature is often an essential part of a retreat —which is why retreats are usually held amidst some of the world’s most stunning and spectacular scenery.

Most retreat schedules allow ample opportunities for you to explore the area between activities. In between the energizing yoga class and your next plant-based cooking lesson, why not rent a bike or go for a hike in the countryside right on your doorstep? In these settings, even the most sedentary individuals will feel motivated to get up and explore!

Meet New People

When we travel alone, we step away from the comforts of home and the reassurance of our routine. It’s when we disconnect from the daily routines that we expose ourselves to new opportunities and open the door to new friendships. If you’re experiencing internal struggles with emotional health or finding it difficult to cope with stress, meeting like-minded people to talk to can be both refreshing and rewarding.

Sharing time and space with like-minded individuals provides the opportunity to freely express and exchange outlooks and perspectives on your practice and life in general. The fresh insights you gain from this is likely to impact your approach to life when you return home. You may even forge long-standing friendships which give you an emotional and social outlet beyond your daily life.

Chronic stress can be stifling and cause us to feel agitated and jaded. Instead of accepting this as part of daily life, allow yourself the time to improve your health and wellbeing. Book a mind and body retreat today and learn the tools you need to cope with the demands of your daily life. You might even make some amazing new friends along the way!