Why a Yoga Retreat is the Ultimate Self-Investment
We all get caught up in our routines: We wake up, go to work, do a couple of errands, make dinner, and repeat the cycle all over again the next day. Our wants and needs (think: that yoga class and massage you keep putting off) often take the back burner to the more practical and pressing matters of life.
But the truth is, you are the most important investment if you want to live a long, healthy, and meaningful life. Self-care is the new health care, after all—and it’s not a selfish act. If you are depleted, distracted, and uninspired, you’ll have an energy-draining effect on those around you, but if you’re fulfilled, enthusiastic, and purposeful, you have the power to lift others up along with you.
One of the most powerful "self-investments" I made was to go on a yoga retreat! If you're wondering whether or not it's time to open your heart and mind by embarking on a yoga adventure, here are my five reasons why a yoga retreat is such a powerful “self-investment”
1. TAKING TIME OUT FOR YOURSELF
Being away from your usual routine can enable you to evaluate your life if stress is causing a problem. Being able to step away from the hustle and bustle of every day life and put your health and wellbeing at centre stage is vital in keeping us healthy when we return. Being on a Yoga Retreat is to be conscious of the moment you’re in and increase mindfulness without needing to put anybody else first. That’s not selfish, as it’s important to realise sometimes we just need a few days to put our own physical and mental health first.
2. WORKING ON YOUR OWN DEVELOPMENT
A retreat will enable you to work on your inner world as well as your outer reality. It’s not quite the same as going on a standard holiday. Relaxation sessions that you take during your retreat will help you find out what makes you relax, discover new ways to de-stress and recognise signs of stress. These are tools that you can keep and come back to when you are at home.
If you find it impossible to silence your mind and you’re always thinking of the next thing you need to do then a retreat gives you a great opportunity to stop over thinking it all. Use your retreat to turn off all the noise from your own voice and open yourself to a more positive way of thinking.
3. SPENDING TIME WITH LIKE MINDED SOULS
One of the nicest things about going on a retreat is meeting like-minded people who are there for the same things as you are and who share the same interests and values. You are surrounded by the good vibes and positive energy of the group and your experience is reinforced.
4. LIVING A LIFE OF PURPOSE
A yoga retreat is traveling with a purpose. It helps to understand the meaning of life, your roles, and responsibilities as a human being and the source of life’s motivation. You gain a number of experiences by living in a community of people from diverse cultures, countries, and languages. It’s a moment where people understand the significance of a society, friends, and family.
5. CONNECT WITH YOUR YOGA PRACTICE
No matter how long your retreat, you will go deeper than a single class or even a weekend workshop. A day-in-day out retreat will definitely help you connect and get a good look around at your inner world through asana, pranayama and meditation. All of these activities that fall under the umbrella term of yoga are designed to connect you, first with yourself. And with that connection comes a lot of benefits you just need to experience to believe.
Invest in yourself lovelies!