Get off the Hamster Wheel of Half-Read Self-Help Books and Try a Wellness Retreat
If you’re balancing burnout in your role or at home, you’re probably no stranger to the self-help bookshelves.
I certainly wasn’t.
A colleague recommends a new book, and you think, “THIS will be the one that changes everything!” So you settle in to read with hot tea and feel inspired and ready to make sweeping changes.
Weeks pass, and the book goes untouched. You’ve quickly slipped back into the habits that led you to burnout, to begin with.
So you explore the idea of putting the books, blogs, and YouTube videos aside and doing something different — like an in-person wellness retreat.
You’re intrigued but wonder, will it really be worth it?
Between the time, money, and energy it takes to get there, including making sure everything is looked after at home, the investment feels lofty.
I mean, there's an endless supply of free self-help resources on the internet and bookstore shelves.
But here's the deal: A book, blog post, or course can only help you if you have the time, energy, and support you need to apply the principles within it.
And if you're a busy woman like me, your day-to-day doesn't leave much room for personal development, let alone self-care.
In-person retreats can be a great way to interrupt your regular routine so you can slow down and focus on YOU.
Of course, it sounds amazing. But keeping your thoughts in check is half the battle.
When I travel to attend an in-person training workshop, I'm often nervous and wondering...
Will I fit in?
Will I learn anything?
Will I even like it?
This often comes from an unconscious thought that my needs, wants, and desires are not as important as everyone else's. For example, if I turned the question around and asked if I would send my child, spouse, or family member — of course, I would. I’d want them to grow and have a great experience.
Once I do sign up for the event and make my way there, I find myself armouring up before I even slap my nametag on my chest. My brain starts telling me stories about how I'll know more than others, and the information will be about concepts I already know.
Then, I notice the small details and start critisizing the food, the venue, and even the speaker before they have a chance to speak.
I know this is my armour because after the initial uncertainty wears off and I've met a few friendly faces, I start to let it go piece by piece and lean into the experience.
One thing is certain: when I slip out of the comfort of my home and office, it opens my eyes and mind to new ways of seeing the world. I often leave realizing I have so much more to learn.
If you can relate to the hamster wheel of half-read self-help books and abandoned blog posts online, maybe a retreat is what you need, too.
Self-development IS self-care.
There are no shortcuts to personal growth, and yes, a retreat experience requires work — getting there, showing up, staying present, and having some honest conversations.
You can find more confidence and joy in one week of sisterhood than you can in weeks or months, suffering in the belly of the burnout beast alone.
I’ve found that what I need to be successful is coaching, guidance, and accountability along the way. That's when I make the most progress in the shortest amount of time.
And especially for me, an upfront investment keeps me accountable and committed to my goal.
Here are some benefits of attending an in-person workshop over reading a book:
Get away from your day-to-day life to enjoy new scenery
Enjoy fun activities outdoors
Take a break from the familiarity of your day-to-day routine
Enjoy someone else cooking and making your bed
Savoring the abundance of hanging out in a gorgeous hotel
Having time to rest and reflect with no distractions
Explore the thoughts and beliefs that are holding you back from being happy
Making new friends with like-minded people
Returning home with a new perspective
It's normal for our primitive brain to shy away from new experiences and people. Its job is only survival, and new things are scary.
Now that I have had these experiences a few times, I am able to prepare myself ahead of time. I started to say things to myself like, “I’m not sure who I’ll meet, but I’ll be open to learning from the people put in my path,” and “I’m not sure what this workshop will teach me, but it sounded excellent I’m open to lessons it will present to me.”
