Whether it’s yoga, surfing, fitness, hiking or a mix of all activities, there are a few things that you can do to ensure you make the most of your trip and have the most fun. Having just run my first Cat Meffan Yoga Retreat and with more coming up this year I hope my lovely guests take all of these things on board.
One of the first questions I was asked by most people enquiring about my yoga retreat was “is it ok to come on my own?”. By all means come with a friend, partner or family member, but it really is so amazing to come on your own and the majority of people you’ll meet will also be alone, which leads me nicely on to my first tip…
MAKE FRIENDS:
Be opened minded to meeting new people from all walks of life. On my retreats I set certain areas as ‘no phone zones’, which means that if we’re in the yoga studio or at the dining table then phones are not allowed. It’s so important that we use these journeys in life not only as a way to rest and recharge, but as a way of meeting new people who, you never know, might just become friends. Sure they might not be the kind of people you’re used to surrounded yourself with, but that’s the beautiful thing. Learn not only about yoga/fitness/wellbeing, but learn about human interaction and about other people.
BE OPEN TO CHANGE:
This is true for all retreats, but even more so for yoga retreats I feel. I started my yoga practice from a physical asana stand point and honestly I didn’t think I’d have gone on the journey of self discovery and development that I have. These new learnings and spiritual practices are something I bring into my retreats every day, not only in the yoga sessions, but also when chatting to people individually. Yoga changes your body, but it changes your mind more. Be open to those changes and watch yourself grow as a person.
TRY SOMETHING NEW:
So you’re on a fitness retreat and the instructor throws a heavy weights session into the mix when you’re only used to circuits and HIIT workouts…. what do you do? Embrace it! That’s just one example. What about being a meat eater, but the retreat you’re on serving on vegetarian or vegan food? Sure, it’s not what you’re used to, but it’s not forever and who knows, you might just like it!
JOURNAL:
A notepad and pen and is an absolute must in the goody bags I gift to my guests on a retreat. Journaling is something that has helped me so much over the past few years, so it’s something I’d love my guests to take away with them as a new practice. Obviously not every retreat will provide you with these tools, so make sure you take your own. If you haven’t got a clue how to start writing, I’ll give you these two questions to ask yourself each morning and each night to write down.
How do I feel physically?
How do I feel emotionally?
Usually when I ask myself these two questions these words just start flowing and if that doesn’t happen for you, that’s ok. Just jot down what feels right, don’t force it.
RELAX:
Sounds like a no-brainer, right?! And it is. You’re on a wellness retreat and there’s nothing more ‘wellness’ than listening to your body, letting it recharge and relax. Make sure you get lots of sleep, reading time, and chill time. A lot of retreats will offer the option of a massage during your stay and even though it’s an extra cost, I’d recommend going for it. Both your body and mind will thank you.
All of my Cat Meffan Yoga Retreat spaces for 2017 are full, but keep your eyes peeled on my Instagram and YouTube to find out when I announce my 2018 Cat Meffan Yoga Retreat series – think Portugal, UK, Bali and maybe South America! Can’t wait to see you there!
SHOP MY OUTFIT:
Love, Cat x