Wellness Retreat Preparation Tips
You’ve scheduled a wellness retreat and you can’t wait to escape for a bit from the daily grind. But what if there were a way to get more bang for your buck with these wellness retreat preparation tips?
Before the Retreat
First, begin to mentally prepare for change, growth and learning. You are going to possibly step out of your comfort zone and learn some new things. Be ready and come with an open mind to new experiences.
Second, handle all home and work obligations prior so they aren’t nagging at you or absorbing your mind space. Plan to leave work and home behind as much as possible. Remind yourself why you are here. It’s probably because you need a break from these things. Then, remind friends and family that you are going to disconnect for the length of the retreat so that they are prepared. And then hold true to your promise.
Check the weather and the activities you plan to partake in once you receive the itinerary and plan accordingly. There is nothing worse than coming unprepared and feeling miserable because you didn’t pack the right attire or materials. Imagine you are trying to relax and be in the moment but you have a sunburn, or bug bites, or are cold or wet from outdoor activities you weren’t prepared for. That’s no fun.
Ask the host(s) questions before hand. They love to know you are doing your homework on the area and that you are just as excited as they are.
Fill out your intake forms so the host(s) knows how to best accommodate and serve you. They want you to thoroughly enjoy your wellness retreat experience.
Read through all pre-retreat packets of information and emails to know how to best come prepared and to make yourself aware of the surroundings you will be retreating to. This includes weather, risks, cancellations etc.
Lastly, set a goal, an intention, or a purpose for what you want to achieve during this retreat. Sit in quiet reflection and ask what you need and want to accomplish. The only thing constant is change and that this wellness retreat you will have an opportunity to propel forward or to stay bound to your old habits and ways. The wellness retreat is a golden opportunity to break free of the binds and choose to do something different, to integrate healthier habits and try something new.
At The Retreat
Be you. Prepare to share, to be vulnerable, to allow others to be vulnerable without judgement or criticism or gossip. We are all working through our own shit, it’s just different piles. Plan to dig deep, witness your true self and your habits, patterns of thinking, and values you live by. Are they serving you? If not, a wellness retreat is a perfect time to let it go for good and quit carrying it all around in a hastily packed suitcase.
Journal your gratitude. Where your mind goes energy flows. Journal what practices made you feel good and what you want to start implementing into your life. Write down thoughts, feelings, and aspirations that pop into your mind. Journal the good, the bad and the ugly. Journaling is an excellent way to release held emotions and trauma.
Plan to spend time in nature. Nature heals and can induce creativity, inspiration, and transformation. Plan to look at the stars, sit in the grass, walk amongst the trees and bask in the glow of the suns rays or play in the rain like a kid.
Increase water intake. You might be doing more activity than you would in a normal day. Stay hydrated. Water heals and cleanses and purifies the body, mind, and spirit. Bring a water bottle for easy refills.
Include downtime in your schedule to reflect and be in quiet stillness. Plan to spend time alone and in quiet reflection. Think about the future you want. Are you living the life you envisioned? What can you do to propel forward towards how you really want to live and who you want to be.
Prepare to be social (unless it’s a silent retreat) even if you are introverted. We are all human beings trying to do life and sometimes life is better when we know someone is doing all the hard things right along with us. Spend time chatting and getting to know your fellow retreat goers from time to time. You might meet your new bestie.
Post Retreat
For many it can be difficult to go back into your normal post retreat and wonder how to integrate all you have learned while in relaxation mode. Begin to prepare you mind and body for re-integration. This means sometimes you’ll be angry or impatient when life hits you like a train upon your return. And you’ll just wish you could live like a monk in a quiet village in the Himalayas. But be real, that’s probably not going to happen.
Again be real. Most of us go on wellness retreats and soak in all kinds of wonderful master classes and yoga classes, but in reality we won’t be doing an hour and a half of yoga when we get home. Plan to write down 3-5 things you learn during your retreat that you think you could integrate into your normal routine in your daily life post retreat. A little goes a long way and something is better than nothing.
What to bring:
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Hiking boots/rubber boots
Long pants
Hat
Coat/rain jacket
Journal
Comfortable clothing
Refillable water bottle
Snacks, medication, vitamins
Good attitude & open mind
What not to bring:
Too much stuff
Electronics
Work
A negative attitude
Judgement
High heels
Old habits you are trying to shed
Take a retreat with me by checking out my next retreat events in Northeast Alabama. Or schedule your own intimate custom retreats for your private group of 6 or smaller. Tailored to your groups needs and dates! Learn more about my teaching style, property, and location by visiting my youtube channel.
