The Power of Retreats: Why You Should Consider Taking a Break
In our fast-paced, constantly connected world, the idea of stepping away for a retreat has never been more appealing—or necessary. Retreats offer unique benefits that can profoundly impact our wellbeing and outlook on life. Taking time for a retreat might be one of the best investments you can make in yourself.
Despite there never being a greater need to make time for our own self care, many people are reluctant to do so – why?
Usually they feel guilty spending the time or money on themselves when there are so many other things competing for time and money. But Self care isn’t selfish, and when people do invest this time for themselves, they wonder why they haven’t done it before as they feel SO MUCH better, and more able to give what is required for work and family commitments.
People are experiencing stress and anxiety at higher levels than ever before, and it’s understandable due to the fast pace of modern life, and the last few years world events on top of this – for example Covid, wars, rising costs of living are all taking their toll on people more than ever before. However, most people are trying to just soldier on without really giving their wellbeing the priority it deserves. Leaving stress and anxiety levels unchecked has both short term and long term health implications. Having high levels of the stress hormone Cortisol is believed to lead to being at higher risk of serious health conditions such as Heart Attacks, Strokes and Cancers.
The analogy I always like to think of, is that in an emergency on a plane you are always instructed to put your own oxygen mask on first, before helping others. In reality, the “emergency” is the daily stresses and strains of life – we need to keep ourselves in tip top condition both for our own health, and also so that we can have the physical and mental energy to keep giving to others.
So, how can going on a retreat help us?
1. A True Disconnection from Daily Life
One of the most immediate benefits of a retreat is the opportunity to physically and mentally separate from your regular routine. Just being in a different environment that you don’t associate with anything negative can be extremely powerful. This separation creates space for:
Digital detox: Many retreats encourage limited or no use of technology, allowing your brain to reset from constant notifications and screen time
Breaking habitual patterns: Removing yourself from familiar environments helps interrupt autopilot behaviours
Perspective shift: Distance from daily concerns often reveals which problems are truly important and which are merely urgent
This disconnection doesn't just feel good in the moment—it can help you return to your life with a clearer sense of priorities and a refreshed ability to focus on what truly matters.
2. Deep Rest and Rejuvenation
Most retreats prioritise rest in ways that our regular lives simply don't allow:
Better sleep: If you are attending a residential retreat, new environments, reduced stress, and nature-based settings often lead to deeper, more restorative sleep
Reduced cortisol levels: Studies show that retreat settings can significantly lower stress hormones
Physical renewal: Whether through structured exercise, or simple relaxation, your body gets a chance to recover from chronic tension
This deep rest isn't just luxurious—it's essential for preventing burnout and maintaining long-term health and productivity.
3. Self-Discovery and Inner Work
The spaciousness of a retreat creates ideal conditions for meaningful personal growth:
Time for reflection: Without the distractions of daily responsibilities, you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and patterns
Guided introspection: Many retreats offer structured activities or sessions to help you navigate important personal questions
Emotional processing: The safety of a retreat environment often allows for the release of pent-up emotions or the working through of unresolved issues
People often report that insights gained during retreats lead to significant positive changes in their lives afterward.
4. Community and Connection
While some retreats focus on solitude, many offer the chance to form meaningful connections:
Like-minded individuals: You'll meet people who share similar values or are on parallel life journeys
Authentic interactions: The retreat setting often encourages more vulnerable and genuine communication
Support network: The bonds formed during intense shared experiences can last long after the retreat ends
These connections can be especially valuable for people who feel isolated in their daily lives or who are seeking a community that shares their interests.
5. Skill Development and Learning
Many retreats offer the opportunity to develop new skills or deepen existing ones:
Immersive learning: Concentrated practice in a retreat setting can accelerate mastery of meditation, yoga, breathwork, journalling, or other practices
Expert guidance: Access to skilled teachers in a retreat environment allows for personalised instruction
Experimentation: The safety of a retreat makes it easier to try new approaches or techniques
These new skills and practices often become valuable tools that participants can integrate into their daily lives after returning home.
6. Clarity and Vision for the Future
The combination of rest, reflection, and new perspectives often leads to enhanced clarity:
Life purpose: Many retreat-goers report gaining insight into their deeper calling or mission
Decision-making: Important life choices become clearer when viewed from the retreat perspective
Goal setting: The spaciousness allows for more aligned and authentic goal-setting for the future
This clarity can be transformative, helping people make changes that better align their daily lives with their true values and aspirations.
7. Lasting Health Benefits
Research has shown that retreat experiences can have enduring positive effects on health:
Improved immune function: Stress reduction and lifestyle changes can enhance immune response
Better mental health: Studies show retreats can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
Lifestyle changes: New habits formed during retreats—like healthier eating or regular meditation—often continue afterward
Some research suggests that the benefits of a well-designed retreat can last for months or even years after the experience.
Making the Most of Your Retreat Experience
To maximise these benefits, consider these tips:
Set an intention: Decide what you hope to gain from your retreat before you go
Choose wisely: Research thoroughly to find a retreat that aligns with your needs and values
Prepare for re-entry: Plan how you'll integrate your experience back into daily life
Stay open: Approach the experience with curiosity rather than rigid expectations
Remember that the true value of a retreat often reveals itself in unexpected ways and continues to unfold long after you've returned home.
Transformation
Whilst undoubtedly the retreat environment CAN lead to transformation of the way you view things or the way you live your life, I get a little frustrated at seeing every retreat advertised as being transformational. There are a number of things that I object to about this…Firstly, I feel there is an insinuation that there is something wrong with you or your life that needs to be transformed, and there isn’t! The only transformation you need is probably to look after yourself a bit more. Secondly it implies a “Guru” mentality about the person leading the retreat – and there feels something a bit disingenuous about that - I don’t have everything figured out for myself, so promising to transform people’s lives feels like too of a stretch and too much pressure on me. Thirdly – I think it’s important to set expectations as promising such radical transformation could lead to disappointment at the end of the retreat if it feels like it hasn’t solved all of life’s issues for you!
What I can promise you is that if you attend a retreat with me, you will feel truly nurtured and cared for, leave feeling refreshed and less stressed, and resolved to put your self care first more often!
Conclusion
In a world that increasingly values constant productivity and connection, choosing to step away for a retreat isn't self-indulgent—it's a profound act of self-care and personal development. The benefits extend far beyond the retreat itself, often creating ripple effects that positively impact your work, relationships, and overall wellbeing for months or years to come.
Whether you're seeking rest, clarity, or community, a well-chosen retreat can provide the conditions for meaningful change and renewal. Consider it not as a luxury, but as an essential investment in your most important resource: yourself.
Where you can join me on retreat
The next day retreat is on Sunday 11th May 2025 11:00am – 5:00pm at Alderwasley Village Hall, DE56 2RB. The day retreat costs £75 and you can BOOK HERE.
If you are interested in a longer weekend retreat, then contact me to join my waiting list for a retreat towards the end of 2025.
