A home health retreat experience can be created to suit your timeframe and budget. All you have to do is decide how long you would like the retreat to last and what you would like to do during the retreat.
As you are setting up your own retreat, you will need to prepare ahead. A well-planned retreat will allow you to feel like you are truly having a break.
My home health retreat checklist will help you set up and enjoy your retreat.
The checklist can be used for a personal retreat, or one that you share with others.
Home health retreat checklist
#1 What is the main reason for your retreat (timeout, catch up on sleep, start a new way of eating)?
Tip: Pick one main reason for your retreat, especially if you only have a couple of days.
#2 How many days would you like your retreat to last?
Tip: Aim to have at least 2 consecutive days. But even ½ day can provide a restorative break.
#3 Is it a silent retreat (no telephone calls, emails, social media, TV or radio)?
Tip: If you are aiming for silence, then let family and friends know that you won’t be available. They won’t contact you, or worry about you if you don’t respond.
#4 Will you prepare your own meals?
Tip: Devise a simple menu for your retreat. Buy all of the food beforehand and pre-prepare ingredients and/or meals.
#5 What activities will you prioritise in your retreat?
- Sleep
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Stretch
- Walking
- Cycling
- Learning via pre-recorded courses, such as the Foundations Mindful Eating Program
- Learning via books, such as the Eating for You book and workbook
- Nutritious food
- Massage
- Facial
- Pedi and/ or manicure
- Aromatherapy bath
- Other activities_______________________________________________________________
Tip: Write out a daily program to follow, allowing for ample sleep time (bed from 8.30pm onwards and start your day at sunrise).
#6 Will you stay at home, or go out for activities such as a walk, yoga class or massage?
Tip: You may wish to schedule in some nature time which might require you to venture away from home.
Tip: If you want to stay at home, then consider a personal yoga class or massage at home. These can all be pre-booked.
#7 What do you need to organise before your retreat?
Tip: Make a list of who you need to contact, and allow ample time to book in a massage or personal yoga or exercise class at home.
Tip: Prepare your shopping list for food, aromatherapy bath salts and other educational resources such as books and short courses.
The home health retreat checklist has evolved from my own experience arranging health retreats.
Not alone at home
Now it is quite possible that you share your home with others—children and/or adults.
So, how can you manage to have a retreat?
Ideally, arrange a retreat when you have a few hours or days at home alone.
If you have children, perhaps have your retreat when your children are visiting with friends or family.
Other adults in the home or friends may wish to join your retreat, so you can plan for this too.
If you cannot arrange a home health retreat in your own home, then consider accommodation in a quiet and private location in nature. You can then select according to your budget.
I would love to hear your plans for your own home-based retreat. And let me know how you use the checklist. I wish you a happy and restorative retreat.
If you’d love some help
Setting up a healthier way of eating that lasts, then please book in for a free 15 minute Mindful Eating Discovery call.
In the call, we will have time to discuss your main barrier to sustaining a healthy way of eating, and if I can help you, I will provide you with a personalised tip.