With the fast pace of everyday life and daily stresses weighing heavily on us, more and more people dream of checking into week-long wellness retreats to rest and recharge. From spending their days hiking along picturesque trails, perfecting their favorite yoga pose, and enjoying local cuisine, there is no better time than now to book your first wellness break.
So pack your favorite bikini tops and matching bottoms, an array of comfortable workout gear, and that book you have been desperate to start for the ultimate journey of self-love and discovery.
What is a Wellness Retreat?
A wellness retreat is a type of travel that is meant to improve your health and well-being through psychological, physical, and spiritual activities. The ultimate goal is for you to leave feeling revitalized and refreshed, understanding your body and mind better.
The retreat will include a wide range of different activities and resources aimed at improving your overall health. But you are not obligated to attend every activity. Instead, you can choose those best suited to achieving your goal while scheduling downtime to relax or spend time alone.
Whether you are hoping to modify your relationship with food, build your self-esteem, or want to rebalance your emotional or mental state, there is a wellness retreat perfectly suited for you.
Set a Goal Before You Begin
If you are going to invest the time, energy, and resources into attending a wellness retreat, there is a reasonably strong possibility you have a good reason for doing so. It may be to improve your physical fitness or escape the hustle and bustle of your regular life for a mental detox. Whatever your reason may be, knowing your purpose will allow you to better recognize your ultimate goal and what you hope to achieve while away.
Some programs offer a pre-assessment before you arrive to help navigate your journey, while others offer one-on-one sessions with experts once you arrive. These methods allow you to plan the best schedule to make the most of your stay.
Things to Expect
While all retreats are different and offer unique and exciting experiences, some common factors can be expected regardless of the trip you choose.
Apprehension is Normal
When embarking on something new and unfamiliar, having feelings of apprehension is perfectly normal. Whether you are attending with a group of friends or on your own, it may feel like the first day of school all over again.
The important thing to remember is that those around you will be feeling exactly the same way, and the organizers of your trip know this. The environment you are entering is a safe space for you to be vulnerable and honest with your personal journey. Embrace the unknown as the ideal opportunity for growth.
Personal Connections
If you are attending by yourself, you may be concerned about meeting new people and making friends. If this is something you are uncomfortable with, it is worthwhile remembering that everyone around you shares at least one big common connection. Use this as a base to engage with those around you, as it will be the perfect icebreaker.
However, while there will be those you connect with, some you won’t. Keep an open mind and try not to judge anyone by their cover, especially if you know little about them and their story. After all, your time there is limited, and should you choose, you will never have to see any of your fellow wellness attendees again.
Vulnerability
To get the most out of your time away, allow yourself to be vulnerable. It may feel uncomfortable being open and honest around strangers. Still, a wellness retreat offers you the rare opportunity to be completely yourself without the fear of seeing that person again.
Speak your truth and embrace the opportunity to release feelings of insecurity, heartache, and sadness that may be weighing you down. You will find the process very cathartic.
New Opportunities & Experiences
Although you may be eager to work towards the goals you have created for yourself, it is just as important to leave yourself time and opportunities to do something new and unexpected. Saying yes to new experiences is the perfect way to push yourself beyond your comfort zone, and the safe environment of a wellness retreat is the ideal place to do so.
Forget any preconceived ideas or insecurities you may have about things and instead embrace the chance to try them out. You may find something you love or at least enjoy learning something new.
Everyone has Their ‘Why’
While you may know the reason you have chosen to be there, you cannot change the reasons for those around you. Some people decide to join wellness retreats to meet like-minded people, indulge in their love of yoga and spiritual practices, or disconnect from their everyday lives and enjoy time alone.
Whatever the reason, it is vital that you respect the other people attending and focus on your goals. Don’t let those around you undermine or threaten what you hope to achieve.
