How to create a 5-star ‘DIY’ yoga retreat at home.
Yes, those yoga retreat ads in the glossy magazines look great, don’t they? Don’t despair, friends! Even if you don’t have the money, passport or annual vacation to attend a luxurious “retreat,” you don’t have to miss out on all the fun and benefits.
With a little planning and imagination, it’s entirely possible to create a nourishing, effective and budget-friendly retreat at “Chez YOU”!
Here are our top tips to help you create a wonderful DIY yoga retreat at home.
Plan it
Pick up your diary and choose a day when you can make time for your retreat. Be clear about how much time you have available and how much time you can dedicate given work, family and other commitments. Do you only have a few hours? Then plan a 3-hour “mini-retreat”. If you have more time, you can stay for a whole day or a weekend.
Commit
Once you have set a specific time, you should commit to it. Let friends and family know that you will be “off the grid” for a while; firmly but politely decline social invitations that clash with your allotted time. Remember that this time is for you and you deserve it!
Name it
OK, so if this was a fancy private retreat in a glamorous location, what would you name it? Come up with an irresistible name by thinking about what you really need during this time and/or how you want to feel after your retreat.
Reflect on what inspired you to take advantage of this sacred time of self-care. Are you craving more energy? Rest? Time to rest? Time for “me”? Perhaps you want time to work on a specific posture or meditation technique. Would you like to feel pampered or nourished? Maybe you just want to dive deeper into your practice.
This process of naming is a simple and effective way to breathe life into your overall intention.
Create your space
Assess your retreat. Make sure you have enough space and that the room you have chosen is clean and tidy. Consider light, noise and heat. Are you distracted by activities in other parts of the house? Make the necessary adjustments so that you can get on with your day with as little distraction as possible.
Set small accents
Furnish your room with objects that create a relaxing atmosphere for you. Think with your senses – provide scented candles, diffusers for essential oils or incense sticks, soft, chunky blankets and cushions. Do you want to wrap yourself in silence or get into the yoga groove with a playlist of soulful music?
Choose your yoga
Your choice of yoga postures for the “Insert fabulous retreat name here!” will depend on your overall intention, the time available and maybe even the time of day. Active sequences are great for getting your day going, while longer, juicier, restorative yoga and meditation practices are more suited to lazy afternoons and evenings. Don’t forget to include a luxurious savasana and/or a long guided meditation practice.
If you are an experienced yogi, you can come up with a few sequences yourself. If you’re not so sure, take inspiration from a yoga magazine or a yoga book, or find a few classes you like on the internet. You could also ask your teacher for some tips or ask them to give you a simple written sequence.
(Be mindful of ahimsa (do no harm) in your choices and stick to postures and practices that are within your current capabilities. Always work with an experienced and qualified teacher for advanced yoga techniques to ensure your safety).
Equipment
You are your own event manager and your own road crew, so you should have all your equipment ready. You’ll probably need a yoga mat and some props like a pillow, blanket or strap. Don’t have all the equipment? Get creative with things you already have! Bath towels, pillows and belts are a good substitute for real yoga gear until you’re ready to spend money on some fabulous custom-made props from Stretch Now, of course!
Food, glorious food
Indulge in lots of delicious, healthy food during your retreat! Of course, you can prepare some delicious treats in advance, but why not shop at your favorite cafe? Get some pre-made salads or soups before your retreat and stock up the fruit bowl and herbal tea jar!
Make sure your meals are light, seasonal and nutritious so you’re not distracted from your precious zen time by a grumpy or uncomfortably full tummy!
Optional extensions:
Journaling
If you enjoy going to paper, consider adding this powerful self-discovery exercise to your schedule. Maybe start by journaling about why you need this time and what you hope to get out of it. Or ask big questions like: What is my true purpose? Need to rant? Do it! Set a timer for 10 minutes and start doodling!
Color it in
Not a writer? Borrow your child’s crayons and inspire the joy of coloring and drawing!
Bathing
Soothe your body and senses with a long, hot soak in the tub. Add a handful of Epsom salts and a drop of lavender essential oil to really relax.
Wrap up
At the end of your DIY yoga retreat, plan some time to reflect. Imagine filling out an evaluation form at a real retreat! What did you enjoy? How do you feel after this special time? What would you do differently next time? Share any insights, observations and notes with your journal.
Most importantly, express your sincere gratitude for taking time out to nourish yourself with your practice.
(And get out your diary and plan your next DIY retreat at home!)