How to Create a Home Yoga Retreat

In today’s hectic world, we could all use a few days dedicated to self-care. While yoga retreats are exciting and designed for self-care, they can also be expensive. Every yoga retreat advertises an experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Why not feel this same sense of relaxation from the comforts of your home without having to spend any money?

Benefits of a Home Yoga Retreat

Anyone who has been to a yoga retreat knows the retreat is about so much more than the yoga. It’s about taking time to just be with your body and mind. It’s about discovering what you need and giving that to yourself. It’s a chance to reflect on how you have been living and what changes you want to try. Create a home yoga retreat where you can really pamper yourself and find deep rest. Here are other benefits of conducting a yoga retreat at home:

• Deepen your yoga practice
• Improve your health and diet
• Boost your self-care and deeply relax
• Learn to meditate or deepen your meditation practice
• Study the philosophy of yoga and apply it’s lessons to your life
• Practice mindfulness and be more in the moment
• Discover new insights and perspectives
• Return renewed, revived and refreshed

6 Simple Steps to Create a Home Yoga Retreat

Step 1: Disconnect

If you can, take a few days off from work and other responsibilities. If you can’t, dedicate your weekend to self-care. Make it clear to your friends and family that though you may be in the area, you are not available during your specified retreat time. Tie up any loose ends before you begin your retreat. If you cannot get away with disconnecting for days on end, pick designated hours over the weekend. Whatever time works for you, really make that your retreat time. Do whatever you need to do to unplug. Turn off your computer and phone, and let the retreat truly be your time to pamper yourself and give yourself deep care.

Step 2: Create a peaceful space

One of the things that make yoga retreats so alluring are the locations. They whisk you away to these stunning countries and house you in unbelievable spaces, but you don’t have to go thousands of miles across the world to find peace and tranquility. Before your at-home yoga retreat officially starts, create a designated space for your retreat. Do a brief clean of the space. Wash laundry. Do the dishes. De-clutter the area and put away anything that makes you think of work and responsibilities. Light candles or put up some peaceful pictures. Make a playlist to add to the atmosphere. Whatever makes the space feel magical to you and whatever helps you feel at ease is perfect.

Step 3: Practice, relax, rejuvenate, and reflect

Now that the space is ready and you’ve designated a set time for your retreat, it’s time to start enjoying it. If you are not confident in your home practice, you can find some great free yoga videos on YouTube or consider signing up for an online yoga conference. Set intentions for the retreat. What would you like to experience at the retreat? Why are you doing a retreat? Decide if you want this to be a retreat about pushing your boundaries and trying something new or a retreat for relaxing and nourishing your body. Then act accordingly and gather the resources to support your retreat intention.

Step 4: Nourish your mind, body, and soul

During the retreat, fuel your body by eating healthy. This is a great opportunity to try out a sattvic diet or just eat more yogi friendly foods. When you’re not practicing yoga asana, spend time journaling, reading, or meditating. Reflect on how the retreat is going. Notice what thoughts, feelings, and sensations arise throughout the day, and write about them in your journal.

Step 5: Enjoy the resulting bliss

Whether you create a half-day or a week-long yoga retreat at home, simply giving yourself the time for self-care will have a powerful impact. After the retreat, enjoy your refreshed spirit and quiet mind. Feel everything that comes with taking care of yourself. And consider planning another home yoga retreat again.

Step 6: Integrate Back into Daily Life

Slowly integrate back into your daily life after your retreat. Plan ahead for this stage so there’s no need to rush. Think about what you’d like to take with you from the retreat and how you’d like to apply it to your life. Maybe you’d like to spend more time journaling or wind down for bed earlier. Whatever it is, be gentle with yourself as you re-enter the daily grind.