You’ve set the dates, booked your flights and accommodations, but now you have to make sure you have the best yoga retreat possible. Whether it is your first retreat and you have just started practicing, or you are an experienced yogi, you can have a fulfilling retreat. There are several tips to follow that will put you on the path to make the most out of your time away.
1. Fuel Yourself Well
You simply can’t give your all at your yoga sessions if you aren’t fueling your body well. Making sure you stay hydrated is very important. Go ahead and pack your favorite water bottle and be sure to drink regularly.
Eating nourishing foods will also be of utmost importance for your experience. No matter where your trip takes you, be sure to enjoy all the local cuisine and choose healthy options. If you are retreating to Mexico or the Caribbean, take advantage of the plentiful seafood options, such as paella. Staying balanced with lots of produce will help too. Loading up on all the local fruit and vegetables will be so fueling for your body.
2. Just Think About You
It may sound selfish to just focus on yourself, but that’s what this yoga retreat is meant for. Don’t be distracted by the performance of the other attendees or how much more skilled they may be than you. Feeling embarrassed will just hold you back from being present. Keep your focus on your personal goals for the retreat. Comparison is never your friend, so centering on yourself is crucial for getting the most out of your getaway.
3. Remember To Rest
It’s true that you took the retreat to focus on yoga, but rest is also key. It’s not just a retreat, it is also a vacation, so remember to treat it like one. You will have many intense sessions that push you outside of your normal comfort zone. Make sure you go to bed and get adequate rest every night. Remember to bring any items from home that help you get adequate rest, such as sound machines, favorite pillows, or eye masks if you need complete darkness to sleep.
4. Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back
Be as brave and bold as you can be. Have fun with it and don’t be too restrained. Definitely don’t let fear stop you from trying new yoga poses. Listen to your instructors and don’t limit what you think you can do. If you have the opportunity to have a session one on one with an instructor you should definitely take advantage of it. It may feel intimidating, but their guidance can really improve your experience for the rest of the retreat.
5. Explore and Be Open
Be sure to take in your surroundings and enjoy everything the resort you are visiting has to offer. Enjoy the sunsets on Mexican beaches, snorkel in Caribbean waters, take hiking excursions in Central American jungles, or go on fishing jaunts in Thailand. Wherever your retreat takes you, make sure you enjoy the local culture of the region. It will truly enhance your entire retreat.
As much as you are exploring, also remember to be open around the other retreat members. Occasionally there will be guests that are traveling alone. There will be plenty of opportunities to bond with the other retreat attendees and you don’t want to skip out on the fun. You will have the gift of meeting some amazing like-minded people and might even make a new lifelong friend.
If you follow these five tips you will be surprised just how incredible your yoga retreat will turn out. You don’t have to be very experienced in yoga to fully enjoy a retreat. Even brand new beginners will have a successful vacation if you keep these five goals in mind. If you follow these five tips, you will come back home rejuvenated, relaxed, and more focused.
