As summer kicks into full swing, many people are looking to escape work with a summer getaway. While many people tend to opt for traditional destinations, such as visiting a theme park or sightseeing in a large city, there is another fantastic option for those who are looking for something a little more natural and serene.
Retreats are a fantastic way to press your internal reset button and get back to the things that matter in life. Intentionally unplugging from stress is absolutely necessary every once in a while. Here are a few of the many other reasons why you should consider a retreat for your next vacation.
Ditch the Hectic Sightseeing Schedules
The fantastic thing about retreats is that the pressure to stick to a plan or an itinerary is virtually non-existent. Many people have experienced firsthand just how stressful and exhausting a vacation can be. Constantly feeling the pressure to run from one event or sightseeing location to another can be just as draining as a long day at the office. It is hard to feel energized and refreshed when you’re stuck amid throngs of tourists at an overrated attraction. Vacations like this often leave you wishing you had another week to just lie around the house and recover.
In contrast, the main point of a retreat is simply to sit back, breathe, and de-stress without feeling the added pressure of a grueling vacation schedule. There’s nowhere you “have” to be and nothing you “should” do, unless you really want to.
Heal From Anxiety and Depression
Most retreats come with a variety of services and opportunities which can be customizable to the experience you’re looking for. These days, people are increasingly overworked and are also feeling the pressure to perform both professionally, and socially. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that rates of anxiety and depression are increasing exponentially, with no signs of leveling off. If this sounds like you, a retreat can be a good way to pause, put the brakes on normal life, and take time for some self-care. Consider a retreat in a natural setting—nature has a strong healing effect. Spending time in nature has been proven to be effective in reducing rates of anxiety as well as depression.
In addition, some retreats may include group therapy as an option. These small groups are usually limited to between five and 15 people interested in the same topics—for example, recovering after a divorce or managing work-life balance—and meet regularly throughout the retreat. Group members share experiences and gain insights from others.
Explore the Healing Sounds of Nature
It’s well known that the sounds of nature—water falling over rocks, the wind rushing through trees, or ocean waves lapping the shore—have a substantial calming effect on a racing mind. Scientists have discovered that exposure to natural sounds can decrease blood pressure and heart rate. A retreat with sound therapy could be the perfect solution for those who are looking to decrease anxiety.
Get Back to Basics With Forest Bathing
Forest bathing engages all five senses and encourages you to be truly in the moment as you walk through nature. This activity is popular among many cultures; the Japanese call it shinrin-yoku. Anyone who’s been forest bathing can see why there’s so much interest in it recently—it’s a form of walking meditation in which you open your senses to the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of nature. We spend so much of our lives inside, removed from nature, that we sometimes forget that we actually are a part of nature. Reconnecting with nature via all five senses is the ultimate way to destress and unwind.
Make a Big Life Change
If you feel stuck in a rut and like your life needs a major change, a retreat could be an excellent way to figure out just what that it is. Maybe there’s a relationship you need to leave behind or a job that isn’t feeding your passion; maybe you just don’t like the person you’ve become, and you want to strike out on a different path. It’s possible to simply wake up one day and make a major life change, but sometimes you need to leave your regular life behind for a little while to think through what you really want. If you feel existentially stuck, don’t spend your vacation mindlessly sightseeing—use that time to pause, reflect, and figure out what you want the rest of your life to be.
Make New Connections and Friends
One of the best things about attending a retreat is the community you often find. Other attendees are usually like-minded individuals who may be experiencing some of the same things you are. Retreats foster a sense of connection and togetherness among those who attend, and it is not uncommon for people to make lifelong friends with those they meet.
Conclusion
Retreats are becoming increasingly popular among people of all ages. If you’re debating between a retreat and a traditional vacation, ask yourself what you hope to gain from your time off. If you’re feeling stressed, drained, or like you’re ready for a major change, but you’re not sure what that might be, a retreat may be perfect for you.