Have you ever been on a retreat? Maybe it was with a church group back in the day or a couples retreat or vacation? A self-care getaway is a retreat aimed at withdrawing your energy from being directed out into the world around you and redirecting it inward. What makes it a little different than those other types of retreats, is that a self-care getaway is usually done with just three people… me, myself and I!
This may be a bit different if you have never done a retreat before, but ultimately can be very refreshing, relaxing and rewarding. When planning your special self-care retreat, think about where you’d like to go, what branch of learning you’d like to focus on, and for how long you’ll stay.
Perhaps at the forefront of this adventure is a destination… somewhere you’ve always wanted to go but never had the chance. Well Carpe Diem, now’s the time. Even if it’s just checking out a local wonder of nature and staying at a rustic airbnb, this commitment to spending time with yourself doing something you love is the coolest! Also, since the dramatic changes of the post-COVID-19 era, many retreats are being offered online as well. Find a favorite retreat center (or look one up for yoga, wellness, spiritual, nutritional, etc) and check their schedule to see what offerings may fit best for you.
So what is it that you want to do? Is there a training that you’ve always wanted to complete, a topic that really peaks your interest or a pure R&R resort that is calling your name? Finding out where you want to go is closely tied with what it is you want to do. You may want to try something new or stay with something familiar. Asking yourself, “What do I really want to do?” is a great place to start. Take a few deep breaths and wait for the answer. This is a simple exercise that reinforces self-confidence and trust and works with most anything, especially when we get caught up in confusion or indecision.
Then there’s planning for how long you can get away on your getaway. You can book a weekend, a whole week, month or even longer depending on your situation. Is there a way for you to save in advance if the cost is something keeping you from trying a self-care getaway? Perhaps work or school poses a challenge? Get creative. See how you may be able to work remotely while in your retreat setting. Maybe it’s something like finding a way to fit in school assignments while attending a reiki conference. Wifi and a laptop offer many freedoms these days and the opportunity to balance work and play/relaxation.
Research your options well before making a selection. You’ll want to let someone you trust know where you’ll be. You also want to outsource important responsibilities at home, such as pet-sitting or caring for your garden if it’s summer time. A self-care getaway can offer the opportunity to shift how you relate to your surroundings and yourself in so many wonderful ways.
Self Care Journaling Exercise or Rumination: check out some travel sites and start a list of places you’d like to go. Next to those think about the things you’d want to do in those places. Figure out a plan to make it happen.