Everyone needs a little TLC, and going on a wellness retreat is a popular way to pamper yourself. I admit, I’m easily influenced, so after constantly seeing them pop up on my for you page, I decided it was time to attend one.
While researching which retreat would be best for me, I was invited to one (I call that fate). And it rocked my world forever! That’s why I’m so excited to share my experience. As a Black Zillennial woman navigating adulthood in unprecedented times, I believe we can benefit from them.
Most retreats follow the same format, so here’s what to expect and how to prepare to get the most out of the experience. If you’re like me and are curious about attending, consider this your sign.
What To Expect
The goal of wellness retreats is to rest, recover, and activate. You want to leave ready to accomplish however you define a healthy life. The hosts, whether a business, brand, or person, usually achieve that by engaging attendees’ minds, bodies, and souls.
I traveled to Nassau, Bahamas, for the Baha Mar Wellness Weekend, and our agenda touched on each topic. To activate our bodies, we started each day with cardio. Throughout the trip, we ate fresh Caribbean specialties, healthy snacks, and smoothies to supplement our workouts. Eliminating processed foods for two days was exactly what I needed to kickstart my wellness journey (again). Noticing my body positively react to good nutrition paired with intense workouts in just one weekend was my wake-up call. Come to a wellness retreat, ready to form a new relationship with your body.
Also, prepare to address your goals. Wellness is much more than eating right and working out. It’s ensuring your mental and emotional health is intact, and how we feel daily has to do with tracking what we’re accomplishing and doing things that bring us joy. The afternoons of wellness retreats are usually reserved for reflection and meditation. I reviewed what I’m grateful for and clearly mapped out my goals during the allotted time. There’s something about being in an isolated space with no distractions, and the only company is your thoughts. A temporary change of location does wonders for getting your life on track. If you find yourself needing more time or energy to detail the things you want to work on, a wellness retreat may be your answer.
How To Prepare
Though my first wellness retreat was life-changing, there were some things I wish I had done differently or known before attending. First, be prepared to talk a lot. If you’re an introvert like me, small talk is a struggle, but it is necessary in this environment. A bunch of strangers with similar goals come together and spend most of their time as a unit for a few days. It forces you to connect with people you’ve never met very quickly and deeply. My cohort became like family towards the end. Be prepared to network.
Make sure to come with the expectation to challenge yourself. A wellness retreat is not synonymous with vacation. In my opinion, a vacation focuses on relaxation. Wellness retreats provoke all your muscles within your mind and body. Therefore, don’t come expecting to sit poolside each day (like me). Be prepared to work. In doing so, you’ll leave with a different approach to life, which will affect your mind, body, and spirit.
Whether pushing your limits during the workouts or starting a conversation with someone you usually wouldn’t approach–embrace doing things differently for the small amount of time you’re there. Think of the retreat as a new beginning and your rebrand will be on the way.
About the Author: Shelby Denise Smith is a Social Media Editor and Freelance Writer. She’s passionate about lifestyle, wellness, travel, and culture. Smith enjoys packaging the insight she receives into stories that can positively impact the livelihood of others.