Mini retreats through movement

When we think of a retreat, we often picture ourselves away in a beautiful space with ample time to rest and reconnect with ourselves. And while those moments are powerful and lovely (my upcoming POWER co retreat at the end of this month is one of my favorite weekends of the year), they are often harder to come by. Not to mention, they often cost time, money, and resources to get away.

What if we didn’t have to wait for a getaway to access the benefits of retreat? What if we could create mini-retreats in our own everyday lives?

The good news is that we can! And one of the most powerful and simple ways we can do that is through movement.

Let movement be a retreat. Let it be an opportunity to step out of the whirlwind of daily responsibilities and into your body at the present moment. You don’t need a giant budget, fancy equipment, or several hours carved out of your schedule. It can be as simple as a walk around the block, rolling out a yoga mat for a few minutes of stretching in your living room, or picking up a set of weights for 15 minutes of strength training.

Here’s why movement makes such a powerful mini-retreat:

1. It shifts your focus.
Movement pulls your attention away from your never-ending to-do list and gets you into the rhythms of your body. Even a few minutes can help reset your mind and body while creating space away from the noise and hustle and bustle of everyday life.

2. It reconnects you to yourself.
How often do you find yourself on autopilot throughout the day? You know when you are driving, then arrive at your destination, but don’t quite remember how you got there? Movement asks us to check in: How does my body feel today? What would feel good to me right now? That pause is a form of retreat.

3. It creates joy.
Retreats are about renewal, and joy is a big part of that. Whether it’s wearing your coziest sweats while you stretch or dancing around your living room to your favorite record, movement can bring levity and energy into your day.

4. It builds resilience.
Just as a weekend retreat can remind us of our strength, so can everyday movement. Each time you show up, you’re creating evidence that you can care for yourself even in small, simple ways.

This month, as my community looks forward to our POWER co retreat, I encourage you to practice creating mini-retreats through movement in your daily life. Step outside and take a mindful walk. Put on your favorite playlist and move however feels good. Or block off 20 minutes for a strength session and treat it like sacred time just for you.

You don’t have to wait for the big retreat to experience the renewal you’re craving.

Let movement be your mini-retreat—anytime, anywhere you need to escape.

But also, take the trip. Book the mountainside retreat. Schedule the ocean vacation. Because you deserve that too!