Five Tips Before Going on a Yoga Retreat

Have you ever gone to a yoga retreat? If you haven’t, we'll give you a few tips to help you enjoy this wonderful experience.

Going on a yoga retreat is an excellent option to clear your mind from daily stress. It also helps with strengthening the bond between your body and yoga. Nevertheless, there are a few things to keep in mind before going on a yoga retreat.

A yoga retreat consists of spending some time in a place where you can connect with yourself, meditate and do yoga. This way you can eliminate negative thoughts, unite body and mind, relax and find peace.

Some people tend to worry before going on a yoga retreat since it’s a new and unusual experience for most. For this reason, we’re sharing some tips so that you can really enjoy the experience and make the most out of it.

Do it for yourself

When you mention to some people that you’re thinking of going on a yoga retreat, you might have some negative comments. Don’t pay any attention, that’s precisely the type of energy that you want to avoid. Keep in mind that you are going for your own benefit, not theirs.

Leave all your worries at home. Going to a yoga retreat will help you open a window into your soul and explore what’s inside of it. You need to stop thinking about work, home or anything else that might cause you to feel restless. Focus on finding peace.

Get ready

Retreats are usually not activities that happen from one day to the next. Meaning, you need to include it into your calendar and plan ahead. Even when we think we are organized, we realize that we have forgotten something important. That’s why it’s good to have a list of the things you might need.

The most common items to take to a yoga retreat are:

• Comfortable clothes for yoga
• Yoga mat
• Sweater and socks
• Swimsuit
• Notebook and pen
• Toothbrush
• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
• Sandals (or flip flops) and sneakers
• Towel
• Flashlight
• Medicines (for headache, stomachache, muscular pain, and antiallergics)

This list consists of general items, not all yoga retreats are the same. Feel free to add other elements you think you will need. You can also contact the retreat organizer and ask for recommendations on what to bring.

Don’t close yourself off

A yoga retreat includes many new activities and experiences that will help you get to know yourself better. It’s important that you remain open to trying new things. Take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself during the time you are there.

Usually, yoga retreats are held in quiet locations surrounded by nature. They provide different indoor and outdoor areas where you can practice yoga.

Have an open mind and relate with the people and nature that surrounds you. Yoga stimulates different chakras that will help you to improve as a human being. Besides living unique experiences, you will also learn many important things.

Focus on yoga

During your yoga classes don’t let anything distract you. Be it your thoughts or the person next to you, don’t let anything interfere with your sessions.

You are not required to join classes all the time. If you wish to go your separate way and practice some yoga positions by yourself, you can do so. One of the main purposes of the retreat is to strengthen your bond with yoga.

Enjoy the experience

Ask as many questions to your instructors as you can. Try to absorb all of the information that’s given to you. Explore your surroundings and create meaningful relationships with people that share your love for yoga.

Above all, the most important factor is to enjoy the experience. It’s not an activity that you will be able to repeat often. Have a good time while you’re there.

Practicing yoga doesn’t work only on your muscles and flexibility, it also works on your spirituality. A retreat implies a sacred ritual, a journey towards a new world waiting to be discovered. Don’t hesitate anymore and go on a yoga retreat!