5 Reasons To Go On A Yoga Retreat
Written by Katie Pierce
Could you use some time out to reconnect with yourself?
Before even getting out of bed in the morning, a million to-dos may already be on your mind…
For many of us the pressures of juggling work, family and other responsibilities can continuously raise our stress levels.
So with all the things on your to-do list – how can you take the break you've been craving for the longest time?
The short answer? – Just make it a priority, book it and go!
In the end there won’t be a perfect time to take the much needed break to reset and reconnect with yourself.
When you've taken care of yourself and filled your own cup you’ll be so much more useful to others and the world around you. Only then can you be at your best and take care of others.
But in case you need some extra reasons to give you the last nudge – we've compiled some of the benefits of taking that yogic wellness journey!
5 Benefits of going on a yoga retreat
1. You’ll release stress and improve your wellbeing
The demands of everyday life can leave their mark on our health, triggering stress responses in our nervous system that have a negative impact on our wellbeing. Yoga is proven to reverse that.
In one study, women who practiced Hatha Yoga for one month experienced significant improvements in their levels of depression and anxiety. Another research with a group of men showed that yoga stretches reduced cortisol and positively affected their parasympathetic nervous system, bringing a state of relaxation.
2. You learn to breathe better
As we grow up, we tend to change how we naturally breathe. Yet, knowing the proper way of inhaling and exhaling comes with many advantages. Deep yogic breathing makes our lungs more efficient, stabilises blood pressure and reduces stress.
Yoga teaches us breathing techniques to learn to breathe slow and deep – which regulates our nervous system to operate at its optimum.
3. You’ll feel more centred and calm
Yoga heightens your focus on the present – just being in the moment without having to accomplish anything.
This sharpens your senses to become more in tune with the “here and now.” The ancient practice helps your spinning mind to become still and quiet, so you can listen to what’s happening within and around you.
As you start paying attention to your body’s own language, you become more sensitive to your inner symphony and your connection to nature. This allows to momentarily leave your cares behind and just let go, allowing your being to flow and sync in perfect harmony with yourself and your environment.
4. You get plenty of R&R
When was the last time you got to really relax? And no, setting yourself up on the couch for a Netflix binge doesn’t count. On the contrary, extended screen exposure results in sleep disorders, increases the risk of high blood pressure and affects our immune system.
But when you go on a vacation in a beautiful setting that just spells R E L A X A T I O N, your entire being shifts into restorative mode. This gives you an opportunity to truly rest and reset.
Practicing yoga in a relaxing environment is even better. The movement and poses of this ancient practice help release tight muscles, effectively diminishing physical and mental tension. Don't forget to treat yourself to a massage after your yoga sessions!
5. You reconnect with nature
Research shows that being in a busy urban environment with much hustle and bustle creates a lot of strain on our senses and nervous system. Another study proves that being in nature helps to reduce feelings of loneliness and promotes calm and relaxation.
Yoga retreat centres are wellness havens that are typically located in a beautiful setting in nature – and yoga teachers are aware of the power of nature to heal one's mind and body.
This allows you to truly unwind and recharge.
If you want to treat yourself to a genuinely blissful yoga experience join Simona for her Autumn Glow Retreat in Zeeland.
Raise your energy & come back into the flow with this powerful meditation… whenever you need.