You don’t need to jet off to a retreat in Mexico to unwind, you can actually find bliss in your own living room. Whether you have a couple of free hours or a whole weekend, follow these steps and enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of a yoga retreat at home.
Prep your space
Before beginning your staycation, make sure you have prepped your space so you’re ready to go. This means cleaning and tidying the area you’ll be using, putting away any distracting items, and having anything you may need on hand (see our checklist below).
Set the mood
Candles, incense, relaxing music and essential oils can all help to create a soothing atmosphere for your day. Take time to set up a relaxing sensory experience for yourself by choosing scents and sounds that you love.
Choose your Yoga
Incorporate any type of yoga you’d like into your staycation. Maybe you want a fiery detox flow, a deep Yin session, or a relaxing Restorative class. Whichever style (or styles) you choose, set an intention for your practice and make a point to stay in the moment as much as possible. You can also include meditation and Yoga Nidra into your day.
Create a day spa
Is there anything more relaxing and luxurious than a spa treatment? Consider at home spa treatments a necessary part of a good staycation. Try an Epsom salt bubble bath, a facial, a hair treatment, or all three! See our DIY beauty treatment recipes below for inspiration.
Indulge your creative side
So often, our creative pursuits get shelved and we don’t get the chance to explore this very vital part of ourselves. During your staycation, take time to indulge in your creativity in whatever way feels fun and light for you. That may mean painting, writing, drawing, cooking, making music, or any activity that brings out your childlike sense of play.
Food
No staycation would be complete without delicious healthy food. Prep your meals for the day ahead of time so you’re not spending all day cooking. Green juices, herbal teas, soups, and stews are all nourishing foods that are both cleansing and satisfying. Or, take an Ayurvedic approach and prepare chai teas, kitchari (a rice and mung bean dish), and root vegetable soups. Choose foods that make you feel happy and nourished and take time to enjoy your meals in a relaxed setting.
Your Staycation Checklist:
☐ Yoga mat
☐ Yoga DVDs or online videos
☐ Yoga Nidra track
☐ Yoga props (bolster, strap, etc.)
☐ Guided meditation track
☐ Journal
☐ Inspiring book
☐ Candles
☐ Incense
☐ Essential Oils
☐ Body oil
☐ Body brush
☐ Relaxing music
☐ Art supplies
DIY Beauty Recipes:
Lemon Honey Brightening Face Mask:
After juicing a lemon, rub the inside of the peel over your face in a slow circular motion. Then, apply a thin layer of honey (preferably raw) and let sit for 20 minutes before rinsing off.
Exfoliating Mask:
Rub a piece of pineapple over your skin and let sit for 20 minutes. The enzymes in the pineapple will break down dead skin cells, providing you with a gentle exfoliation.
Hydrating Avo Mask:
Apply avocado alone, or mixed with 1 tsp of your favourite superfood (acai powder, cacao powder, spirulina, etc) to your face and let sit for 20 minutes before rinsing off.
Rejuvenating Hair Mask:
Massage 1-3 tablespoons of your favourite oil into your hair and scalp. Coconut oil, olive oil, and apricot kernel oil are all excellent choices. Let sit for at least 1 hour before rinsing out. You will probably need to shampoo twice to remove all oil.
Remember, you deserve some time for yourself! Enjoy your day of rest and rejuvenation.
Kate Horodyski
Kate is a freelance writer, a wellness blogger, and she has trained as a yoga teacher and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Practitioner. You can find her online at www.myspiritualroadtrip.com and on Instagram @katehorodyski.
