Do you take time out for a mini retreat or to step out of the world for a time?
As you read this, my Hubby and I are taking a few days away to reconnect with each other. This year has been so full-on for me, despite COVID-19. I’ve been working on expanding the Women Living Well After 50 brand, I’ve started a podcast, I’m organising my very first collaborative Retreat with Carol from Harmony and Healthy Yoga, and I’ve been training for a 42.2km marathon which I ran last Sunday!
I’ve enjoyed, thrived and grown during the last 10 months as I’ve learned new things including certification as a Group Fitness Instructor and meeting and interviewing inspiring Women for the Podcast. However, there are times when we just need to step back from the world and take time to look inwards and really examine how and where your life is heading.
My relationship with my husband is very important to me, so taking time away for a few days to unplug and spend some quality time together is a great way to reconnect with each other.
My relationship with myself is also important and because I value myself I’m taking next week off from all blogging, podcasting and social media activities to relax, rest and recover. I will also be taking time to connect with myself and looking at what things in my life are serving me well and removing things that are pulling me down.
How to organise a mini retreat at home
Although going away from our home environment is a great way to ‘step out of your world’, COVID-19 has made this very difficult. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t experience a mini retreat at home.
- Book it in – schedule your retreat, reschedule appointments and free up at least 2 – 3 days for your retreat.
- Take stock – the retreat is about reconnecting with yourself, your core values and where you are in life. Take time to reflect and ponder what is working well and what is draining you of energy. Journaling your thoughts can help to express how you are feeling and can bring clarity.
- Unplug – technology, social media, connection with others – this might be difficult but is important if you really want to take time out. Tune into your inner self through mindfulness and meditation.
- Prepare your space – create a space that is relaxing. A space you can be with your thoughts.Add some favourite things like a rug, scented candle and books
- Let the day unfold – our days are usually scheduled or have some form to them. Let the days of your retreat unfold and surprise you. Don’t plan just let it happen and evolve
- Gentle movement – include mindfulness walks and gentle exercise daily
- Prepare healthy and nutritious meals
- Pamper time – light a candle, take a bath, have a facial and relax with some soothing music.
7 Comments
These are great ideas, Sue – a mini-retreat at home is precisely the sort of thing that I need. I’m so looking forward to hearing about your upcoming retreat, and sorry I can’t be there. Toni x
Hi, Sue – Great minds think alike! My husband and I just returned from a two-night cabin stay on a small, nearby island. The Cabin and Inn where we stayed had no internet or data reception. Perfect! It meant that we couldn’t even sneak a peak at our emails or social media if we wanted to. We quickly felt our bodies and minds melting into complete relaxation.
Enjoy your well-deserved time away. I look forward to hearing more about it.
Sounds great Sue! I hope you enjoy your break away, you certainly deserve it.
Great idea Sue. Malcolm and I will do just that in about two weeks when we head to our favorite beach get-a-way for a two week stay. I am looking forward to having that time for just the two of us. Enjoy your mini-retreat!
Hi Sue – it all sounds lovely. I don’t think I’ll ever get to the point where I set up my own little mini home spa day, but I certainly know how important it is to unplug from life and breathe in the stillness and quiet. Ross is away atm and having the house to myself feels like a series of spa days!!
Hi Sue, I hope you’re enjoying your time away. My favourite holidays have been unplugged. It’s so essential for our well-being to take time out from our usual routines.
Sue, This sounds lovely and bold really. I would love to do just that but wonder if I can be bold enough. My husband and I certainly need time away from daily schedules but with 2 small dogs and noone to look after them, getting away is not a choice. Or maybe it is? Am going to put on my creative hat and see how it might be done even for 36 hours Thanks for the prompt.