Minimalism is taking our culture by storm. Minimalism is so much more than striving to keep a clutter-free home; many people are taking the same approach regarding their vacations and mental health by going on wilderness retreats. While theme parks and sanitized vacation packages will always have their place, more individuals seek to escape the digital world and have made going unplugged and unreachable of their quests to escape it all for a while.
Types of Wilderness Retreats
Everyone’s needs, goals, and comfort levels are unique, as are their choices for wilderness retreats. Some retreats offer anywhere from comfortable accommodations, known as “glamping” (glamourous camping), to primitive shelters. You can go alone for solitude, as a couple, or as a group. There are also all-women retreats and all-men retreats, as these environments are ideal for camaraderie. Corporate wilderness retreats are also gaining popularity, as you can get to know someone better by seeing how they handle themselves in the woods.
The retreats themselves are usually structured with personal growth goals in mind. Yoga, meditation, or problem-solving exercises are often used to stimulate the mind. Groups learn to work as a team, and couples can grow closer together. Wilderness retreats are customizable to be as busy or relaxed as you would prefer.
The Benefits of a Wilderness Retreat
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The act of being out in nature is therapeutic in itself. The Japanese were the first to recognize the benefits of shinrin-yoku, the art of forest bathing. They understood that being in a forest can help lower blood pressure, improve mental health and mood, and boost the immune system. These benefits are especially apparent when no internet, phone, or distractions exist.
Once you get accustomed to the wilderness’s serenity, your sleep improves. Your mental clarity becomes attuned to personal reflection, giving you time and thoughts for journal writing. Your interpersonal relationships can also improve, as there is less stress. If the retreat includes yoga, hiking, or other physical activities, the exercise in the fresh air can help refresh your body and mind.
Planning For a Wilderness Retreat
First, decide if the retreat’s for an individual, such as yourself. If going alone, it’s a good idea to leave emergency contact information for folks at home should they need to reach you. It’s also best to go with an established retreat organization so that you’re not truly alone. Perhaps consider joining an all-women’s or all-men’s retreat.
Scope out the reviews, itinerary, accommodations, activities, and food options a retreat organization offers. If going as a couple, decide if this is what you’d both like to do. See if you’ll have ample alone time together and both of your needs will be met. For groups, longer planning will be involved, and it will be nearly impossible to please everyone. Will there be experienced guides or instructors at the retreat? Will they be trained in first aid? What about dietary needs? You will need to consider these questions when coordinating a group retreat. Compile a packing list for all the participants and ensure they bring appropriate clothing for all weather conditions.
Lastly, you need to plan your activities. Everyone’s skill levels will differ because not everyone will be an experienced hiker, proficient swimmer, or Davy Crockett‘s protégé. It’s important not to cram too many activities into a wilderness retreat because the idea is to relax and destress, not to make anyone’s stress worse. This is also not a place for competition or bravado.
The Final Take-Away
Wilderness retreats can be life-changing and even life-giving. Henry David Thoreau said it best in his book Walden: “Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.” Thoreau understood the importance of retreating into the wilderness back then, and we humans still have the same need today. In fact, with the advent of the internet, we probably need the wilderness more than ever.
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