A WELLNESS RETREAT CAN PROVIDE TREMENDOUS HEALTH BENEFITS, HERE’S FIVE:
It’s no surprise that spending time with Mother Nature, soaking up the sunlight, and breathing in the fresh air are all good for your health and well-being.
The reality is that most of us spend a majority of the day indoors—commuting, behind a desk, in front of the TV and on our phones.
All that time indoors, coupled with our high-stress lifestyles, can lead to weight gain, chronic health conditions, sleep problems, and an overall feeling of unhappiness.
The good news is that you don’t have to make wide, sweeping changes all at once. Sometimes all you need is a break from the everyday to totally transform your life, and that’s where a wellness retreat comes in.
A wellness retreat can be the kickstart you need to get on track with eating healthy and exercise, coping with stress, and feeling healthier and happier overall.
Here, learn the 5 health benefits of a wellness retreat:
LESS STRESS
Between work, family, finances, and health, stress is at an all-time high in the U.S. According to the American Psychological Association’s 2017 Stress in America survey, 63 percent of people say that the future of the nation is a very or somewhat significant source of stress. Another APA poll found that people experienced sharp increases in anxiety between 2017 and 2018, with more women (57%) than men (38%) who reported symptoms. Spending time outside in nature, however, is a proven way to lower stress and anxiety, reduce chronic pain, blood pressure, and tension, improve mood, and boost energy. In fact, studies show that people who walked outside felt less stressed, calmer, and experienced more enjoyment than when they walked in a gym.
WEIGHT LOSS
Whether you have 5 pounds or 100 pounds to lose, there’s no better weight loss workout than one in the great outdoors. Whether it’s a leisurely walk on flat, rolling hills, a more challenging trek through wooded trails, or a walk on the beach, outdoor trails can torch some serious calories— and it’s so much more fun than the treadmill.
HEALTHY AND DELICIOUS FOOD
A wellness retreat offers a menu of healthy, whole, natural foods that nourish the body and help you learn how to eat healthy at home. Many retreats offer more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains than a person would typically eat on their own.
EDUCATION AND SUPPORT
A wellness retreat is also the perfect opportunity to get access to evidence-based health, exercise, and nutrition information. In addition to the core offerings and daily schedule, wellness retreats usually offer classes in fitness, yoga, nutrition, and meditation and include massages in their packages.
COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION
The old adage, there’s strength in numbers, couldn’t ring more true than when it comes to a wellness retreat. A group of like-minded people offers the motivation and support you need to stay the course and stay committed to your health and wellness goals while on vacation. Many solo travelers meet others with similar wellness goals and keep in touch once returning home. Meeting new people or even forging new friendships, is also an experience that can change your life.
