6 Steps to The Perfect @home Mini Retreat

It’s not always possible to get away for a long retreat so, if you’re short of time but REALLY need a retreat right now, we’ve got 6 simple steps to help you to create your very own @home mini retreat.

With our 10+ years experience of creating retreats in Spain, we have (we hope!) a pretty good idea of what makes the perfect retreat.

So, if you’re in need of a retreat right now but can’t join us in Spain, take a look at our 6 steps below to prepare your very own @home mini retreat. We’d LOVE for you to experience the same sense of inner peace & stillness that you’d feel if you were with us so let us know how you get on.

OK, let’s begin! …. No surprise, it’s all about prep!

**1. Ask yourself Why you need a retreat ?**

Start by asking ‘why’ you need a retreat right now. This will help shape what you will do during your retreat. Give yourself a bit of time for this; sit somewhere quiet & tune inwards – notice how you feel … tired? stressed? stagnant? uninspired? anxious?? Whatever you feel instantly reveals the ‘Why’ you need a retreat & will help with step three.

2. How much time can you spare for your retreat?

Be realistic. A whole or half day may not be possible for you right now but maybe you can set aside a couple hours during the day or an evening? You can still create a mini retreat if you only have a couple of hours to spare.

Next, choose a date & time for your home retreat and block it out in your diary. Don’t let anything/anyone change your plan.

Next, what activities will help remedy your ‘Why’?

You probably already know what self care activities make you feel good but perhaps there’s something new & different you’d like to try? Be imaginative as you make a list of what you’d like to do during your retreat.

Here’s a few ideas … journaling, reading, listening to an inspiring podcast, a sound bath, dancing to your favourite music, a yoga session, guided breathwork, a guided yoga nidra, a home mani/pedi, face massage, body scrub, hair mask .. anything you never normally have time for. Make a list of what you’d like to do & then prioritise those that bring you joy.

4. What are you going to eat & drink during your retreat ?

Choose things that will be beneficial to your body, that will nourish you on every level. Don’t forget you’ll need to regularly hydrate too so think about what infusions you’d like. Here’s a lovely Chai Tea recipe full of flavour & spices – its a warm hug!

5. Now type up (or write) your retreat itinerary

From start to finish, create an itinerary for your @home retreat. Rather than just saying ‘go for a walk’ be more specific on how long you’ll walk for so that you have enough time to do all the activities you’d like to do. Don’t forget to allow time for meal prep & eating too and leave some ‘breathing room’ peppered throughout your retreat itinerary to just ‘be’. This isn’t about squeezing in as much as you can, you need time to slow down & unwind too. I’ve included a sample itinerary below for a day retreat @ home if you need any inspiration.

6. Make a shopping list

Make a list of everything you’ll need – food, refreshments, candles, incense, books, a journal to write in, podcasts you’d like to listen to & make a note of any online Yoga sessions ..or whatever body movement you prefer. Order / buy / download everything you’ll need so it’s all at hand ready for your retreat.

And that’s it! You’re all set for your perfect @home mini Retreat!

See below for a sample itinerary for a day retreat @ home but first, here’s a few more retreat planning ideas you might like to consider …

At the start of your retreat set an out of office notice on your emails & put your phone on silent. Tell friends/colleagues/family not to disturb you for xx hours.

Don’t do anything for others during your retreat – ie. run errands, do housework etc. A retreat is to give you a break from the demands from others.

If you’ve time before your retreat, give your house a quick spring clean – there’s nothing nicer than spending time in a place that looks & smells fresh!
Put fresh linen on your bed ready for you to climb in to at the end of your retreat.

Before your retreat decide what you’re going to wear – choose something relaxing, warm & comfortable such as some athleisure wear or maybe you just want to spend the whole time in your PJs?

Sample Itinerary for a Day Retreat @home

On rising, switch on your out of office message for your emails & put your phone on silent. Now, make yourself a cup of lemon & ginger tea using freshly boiled water, slices of fresh lemon & fresh ginger & let these steep whilst you roll out your yoga mat somewhere where you have a view to the outdoors. Now, sitting on your mat, sip your tea slowly as you awaken.
Slow deep breathing to oxygenate your body & cleanse the lungs. Breathe slowly through your nose down into the base of the ribs .. let your ribs & belly expand .. then slowly exhale through mouth or nose. Repeat for 5 minutes.
Now, choose a pre-recorded yoga session (see YouTube for ideas) or move your body intuitively – make any movement that feels good … whatever your body needs to ease any tightness & stagnation. Finish with a lovely long Shavasana.
Time for breakfast. Enjoy every stage – the preparation, the plating up & the eating. Savour every mouthful, notice the textures, eat slowly.
Shower time … include a full body scrub & moisturise afterwards.
Go for a walk. Choose somewhere you’ve not been before – a botanical garden, forest or park. Don’t forget to take some hydration with you.
Relax when you return home & enjoy a little bit of self-care – any activity that helps remedy your ‘Why’.
Lunch. Enjoy!
More self-care whilst your body digests lunch. Choose from the list you made prior to your retreat.
Move. Go for another walk, dance, practice yoga/pilates or whatever you enjoy. Hydrate afterwards.
Resting. Read, listen to a podcast, snooze, write in your journal, meditate .. you decide.
Supper. Begin the preparation, the cooking not forgetting to make an effort to set the table beautifully.
Rest after supper. Let your body digest so enjoy more self care / reading / podcast etc
Prepare for a relaxing evening. Put fresh linen on the bed, put on your most comfy PJs & relax. Now would be the best time to enjoy a guided Yoga Nidra, calming breathwork or meditation .. or all 3! See links above for some of our favourites.
Enjoy an early night.