How to have a retreat day at home

How do I get ready?

• Pick a day and put it in the calendar, as you would any other plan.
• Tell the people you live with, so they know not to ask you for things.
• Tidy one room the night before. Clutter pulls at your attention.
• Shop ahead for simple, fresh food, so you do not need to go out.
• Turn off notifications, or switch your phone off and put it in a drawer.

What should I do during the day?

Give the day a gentle shape, with plenty of space. Here is one way to plan it:

• Morning. Wake without an alarm if you can. Stretch or do some gentle yoga, then sit quietly for ten minutes.
• Late morning. Go for a slow walk, ideally somewhere green. Leave your headphones at home.
• Lunch. Eat slowly, away from a screen.
• Afternoon. Read, write in a notebook, draw or simply rest. A nap is allowed.
• Evening. Have a bath, eat early and go to bed in good time.

There is no right way to do it. If something does not help, stop and try something else.

What does a half-day timetable look like?

If a whole day is too much, try a morning:

• 8am. Wake slowly. Drink water before tea or coffee.
• 8.30am. Gentle stretching or yoga for twenty minutes.
• 9am. A quiet breakfast, eaten slowly.
• 9.45am. Sit quietly for ten minutes.
• 10am. A walk outside for an hour.
• 11.15am. Write in a notebook: how you feel, and one thing you want to change.
• 12pm. Lunch, then back to your day.

For a full day, carry on in the afternoon with reading, rest or a creative task, and keep the evening quiet.

Can I do a silent retreat at home?

Yes. Choose a day when you can be alone, or ask the people you live with to join in. Do not talk, play music or use a screen. Leave a note on the door if you need to.

Silence feels strange at first. Most people find it gets easier after a few hours. To try it with a teacher, see silent retreats.

What is an online retreat?

An online retreat is a retreat you join from home, by video. A teacher leads sessions such as yoga, meditation or talks, and you rest in between. Some last a morning. Others run over a few days.

It can suit you if you want a teacher and some structure, but cannot travel. It helps to set up a quiet corner first. Our guide to making a meditation space at home shows you how.

What if I want to go away?

A home retreat is a good start. If you want more, a few nights away gives you a full break from home and its jobs. See retreats you can do at home, digital detox retreats or meditation 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.