How to Create the Perfect Mini Retreat

Have you ever wished you could get out of town for a day, but you just don’t have the time? All you want is to go somewhere and relax, but with your busy schedule you don’t think you can make it happen? If only you had the time and money; you would travel somewhere beautiful and cleanse your mind. Well, chances are the peaceful retreat you’re looking for may be closer than you think.

Many people believe that they need to go somewhere unique and far away to experience new things and find a better outlook on life. However, what they don’t realize is that there are places all around them, even in their own town that can bring them the same kind of peace and revival. It doesn’t take a huge vacation to relax; sometimes all you need is a short escape. A short escape is a small trip that you take somewhere nearby to find peace and prepare your mind and body for the week ahead. Whether you drive to the park, hike a new trail, or spend a couple hours reading a book at a coffee shop, finding a weekly activity that allows you to escape from everyday life can be extremely beneficial.

The idea of an escape from stress is not something unique to our daily lives. When we get anxious we may take a nap or make a cup of tea. If we are overwhelmed we might go for a walk to clear our head. A glass of water to cool your anger; a deep breath to calm your nerves. All of these things are ways that you escape from and cope with the stress of everyday life. They bring you peace and calm after the storm. These are all good ways of dealing with bad emotions, and they may help you escape for a little while. However, planning out a short escape for a few hours every week can help you reset your mind before the storm of stress hits. Instead of running to your car when the rain pours down, you’ll be prepared with an umbrella.

Finding your short escape:

• 1.Choose something enjoyable and relaxing

Remember that your short escape is for your personal benefit. It should feel like a mini retreat, so choose something that you are going to enjoy. If you are an active person, you might find a trail or greenway nearby and go for a walk. If you want to focus more on your mind, maybe sit somewhere quiet and listen to music. Your short escape only needs to last a couple hours, and it can be anything as long as you feel like it helps you.

• 2.Be intentional with your time

One of the good things about short escapes is that they are short! This means they do not take too much time out of your week, but it also means that the time you do put into them should be intentional. Put your phone away. Don’t check your email or look at your fitness watch. Take this time to do whatever feels right. Use this place as somewhere you go to think about what you are grateful for, and to appreciate being away from the chaos of life for a moment.

• 3.Allow yourself to think and reset

Finding an escape it not just going somewhere to avoid your problems. It is going somewhere to help yourself solve them. Allow yourself time to think about your week ahead and to go into it with a positive mindset. Though you will likely find the same stressors when you go back home, this time is meant to help you look at them and react to them differently. Try to reset your mind and body, keeping yourself open to what the next few days have to offer.

Hopefully your short escape will bring you the peace that you have been looking for. Giving yourself a mini retreat each week, or even month can improve both your physical and mental health. Plus, you may discover new places around you that you had no idea even existed!