How to keep the retreat feeling when you get home

Is it normal to feel low after a retreat?

Yes. Many people feel flat, tired or tearful for a few days after a retreat. You have left a calm place and a kind group, and come back to everyday life. It is a big change in a short time.

This usually passes. Be gentle with yourself and do not pack your diary too full. If you still feel low after a couple of weeks, talk to your GP.

What should I do on the first day back?

• If you can, take a day off before you go back to work.
• Do not open all your messages at once. Give yourself an hour.
• Write down the three things that helped you most on retreat.
• Keep the evening quiet and go to bed early.

Which habits should I keep?

Pick one or two, not ten. Small habits that fit your day are the ones that last. For example:

• Ten minutes of quiet sitting or stretching each morning.
• A short walk at lunchtime, without your phone.
• One meal a day eaten slowly, away from a screen.
• Your phone out of the bedroom at night.
• A few lines in a notebook before bed.

If you set up a quiet corner, it helps to use the same spot each day. Our guide to making a meditation space at home shows you how.

How do I make more room for rest?

Look at your week and find one thing you could drop. It might be a job someone else could do, a meeting that does not need you or a habit that drains you. A to-do list that never ends will always push rest to the bottom, so put rest on the list too.

Notice what relaxes you, and do more of it. For one person that is cooking. For another it is gardening, reading or a long bath.

When should I go on retreat again?

Some people go on retreat once or twice a year to stay on track. A single day can help in between. You can also try a retreat day at home.

When you are ready, browse self discovery retreats, mindfulness retreats or all retreats.

How booking works with us

We do not take bookings and we never hold your money. You send your question straight to the host, then book and pay them direct. There are no booking fees and we take no commission.