Yes, the ads for yoga retreats in glossy magazines look amazing, don’t they? Don’t despair, my friends! Even if you don’t have the money, passport or annual leave to attend a luxury ‘destination’ right now, you don’t have to miss out on the fun and benefits.
With a little planning and imagination, it’s totally possible to plan a nourishing, efficient, and cost-effective getaway at “Chez YOU”!
Here are our top tips for creating an amazing DIY yoga retreat in your home.
Plan It
Grab your calendar and pick a day when you can feasibly make time for a retreat. Assess your availability and how much time you can dedicate to it; in light of work, family, and other commitments. Only have a few hours? Then plan a 3-hour ‘mini-retreat’. If you have more time, you can even take a whole day or weekend.
Lock It In
Once you’ve made an appointment, commit. Let your friends and family know that you’ll be “taking some time off”; firmly but politely decline social invitations that conflict with your allotted time. Remember, this is your time and you deserve it!
Name It
Okay, if this were a fancy, private retreat in a glamorous place, what would you name it? Come up with an irresistible name, thinking about what you really need during this time and/or how you want to feel as a result of the retreat.
Choose a Yoga Pose
Choosing a yoga pose for your “insert fabulous retreat name here!” will depend on your overall intention, the time available, and maybe even the time of day. Active sequences are suitable for the start of the day, while longer, juicier, relaxing yoga and meditation practices are for lazy afternoons and evenings. Be sure to include a luxurious savasana and/or a long guided meditation practice.
If you’re an experienced yogi, feel free to plan some sequences for yourself. If you’re less confident, grab a yoga magazine or yoga book for inspiration, or go online and pick a few classes that appeal to you. You can even ask your teacher for some tips or ask them for a simple written sequence.
Create the Space
Map out the location of the retreat. Make sure you have enough space and that the space you choose is clean and tidy. Consider lighting, noise and heat. Will you be distracted by activity in other parts of the house? Make the necessary adjustments to minimise distractions.
Add Small Distractions
Fill your space with objects that create a zen atmosphere for you. Think with your senses – include scented candles, essential oil diffusers or incense burners, soft iron blankets and cushions. Will you be wrapped in silence or doing yoga with a playlist of soul-stirring tunes?
Optional Accessories:
Using Colours
Not a writer? Borrow your child’s pencils and text and rekindle the joy of making pictures and colouring!
Dip your pencils and draw or paint with the help of your pencil. Soothe your body and senses with a long, hot tub bath. Add a handful of Epsom salts and a drop of lavender essential oil for a truly relaxing decadence.
Diary Entry
If putting pen to paper resonates with you, file this powerful self-awareness exercise in your journal. Begin your journal writing with why you need this time and what you hope to get out of it. Or ask big questions, like. Do I need to rant? Go for it! Set a timer for 10 minutes and start scribbling!
Conclusion
To finish your DIY project, take some time to think. Imagine you’re on a real retreat and you’re filling out a value sheet! What did you like? How did you feel after your special time? What would you do differently next time? Share your insights, observations, or notes with your diary.
