Retreat RX: How Getting Away Increases Health and Wellness

The Power of Community and Nature: Why Retreats Are Essential for Health and Well-being

Sometimes, we really do need to get away from it all. I remember (GenX here!) the T.V. commercials from Calgone, saying “take me away…” with a woman escaping to her bathtub to spend time soaking away the chaos of the day.

Our modern lifestyle is filled with stressful workdays, constant connectivity, and rarely a moment to breathe deeply.

Making the time to get away–and setting the intention and blocking your calendar to ensure it happens–is critical as a way to regenerate our wellbeing.

Retreats offer us chance to reset, recharge, and reconnect with ourselves and others in ways that enhance health and well-being. It’s one of the reasons we built retreats into our business plan, and we are just so excited to be offering our very first retreat: Spring Serenity. But first, let’s explore why retreats truly are a prescription for health and wellness.

Healing in Community at a Retreat

Being with a supportive group of people helps reduce stress and fosters a sense of belonging. When we connect with others, oxytocin levels rise, promoting bonding and reducing cortisol, the body’s stress hormone.

Other benefits to community healing at retreats include:

1. Boost Mental Health: Social connection has been shown to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression and even improve longevity. Community involvement also helps rewire neural pathways, which can improve resilience, adaptability, and mood stability.

2. Increase Motivation: Being around others with shared goals (like those at retreats focused on wellness) inspires participants, creating an atmosphere of motivation, positive reinforcement, and collective growth.
Never underestimate the power of accountability and encouragement!

3. Reinforce Your Commitment to Wellness: At a retreat, everyone is prioritizing time for self-care, connection, and immersive natural experiences. It can act as validation for your health goals, and introduce you to like-minded people who can help you stay focused.

4. Build Lifelong Connections: The bonds formed during these retreats often turn into lasting friendships, creating a support network that participants can lean on even after returning to your daily routine.

Nature’s Restorative Power

Studies show nature amplifies healing and health. Spending time in nature lowers blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and promotes relaxation. The term “nature therapy” or “forest bathing” (Shinrin-yoku) reflects the powerful calming effect nature has on the nervous system.

Time outdoors reduces mental fatigue, allows for deeper reflection, and boosts creativity. Nature creates an environment where participants can think freely, unburdened by daily distractions.

Fresh air, natural light, and open spaces encourage movement—whether hiking, yoga, or simply walking in nature are linked to wellbeing and longevity.

Stepping Away From Everyday Life

Being away from everyday life creates a sense of safety, which allows retreat guests to be vulnerable and open to change. People can explore new aspects of themselves, reconnect with passions, and identify areas for growth in a judgment-free space.

The benefits of retreat experiences can extend far beyond the event itself. Many participants carry lessons learned and habits formed back into their daily lives, fostering sustainable changes.

Retreats provide guided moments for mindfulness, meditation, and exercise.

They are a powerful prescription for rejuvenation, regeneration, and serenity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FIRST RETREAT

Author

Julie Elaine Brown

Julie is the CEO and Co-founder of Rêve Health. She is a serial entrepreneur, accredited investor, and marketing strategist. She ran and sold a funded ecommerce wellness retreat company in 2012 and then started a strategy & transformation consultancy serving Fortune 100 clients. She has a Masters degree in Journalism from Northeastern University and a B.A. in English Literature with a Minor in Exercise Science. As a former Journalist, she is an avid researcher and reader. She enjoys hiking, biohacking, walking her dog, travel, wellness retreats, and watching sci-fi.
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