Work, eat, sleep, repeat. If this looks like your average day you are probably in need of a well-deserved escape. The monotony and stress of everyday life can take a toll on your mental health, meaning that every so often it is a good idea to relax and recharge.
When you think of a weekend getaway the usual places are often quaint towns with country walks, or busy cities with theatre shows, these short breaks can be great; however, sometimes your mind needs a getaway as well.
Here are some Zen weekend getaway ideas that will help you relax, detoxify and concentrate on mindfulness.
Meditation Retreat
Meditation is more than someone sitting crossed legged and chanting ‘ummm’ repeatedly. Meditation can be a way of escaping the stresses and burdens of modern day life, allowing you to switch off from social media, work and other life worries. Sometimes you need a chance to unwind but find it difficult in a home surrounded by reminders of those stresses. This is why a meditation retreat may be the perfect way for you to recharge your mental batteries in a calming environment.
There is no place more perfect to meditate than at a retreat immersed in one of the faiths that invented it. You may think you need to travel to East Asia to find a Buddhist Monastery, but you’ll be happy to know there are some within the UK.
The Amaravati Buddhist Monastery in Hemel Hempstead regularly host retreats which run for a weekend, five, ten or thirteen days. They are led by monks and nuns trained in the Ajahn Chah tradition which originates from Thailand and it encourages and supports inward reflection.
This can be the perfect weekend away to reset your mind in an environment of like-minded people.
Spa Break
Sometimes you need some ‘me time’. Between working, parenting and being a partner, it can be difficult to make time for yourself. A spa break can be a quick way to swiftly get back to being you without having to travel too far.
There are hundreds of spas in the UK, many also offering accommodation to ensure you can get a good night’s sleep after a day of relaxation. Generally, spas offer saunas and steam rooms which help detoxify the body by opening pores and encouraging your body to ‘sweat it out’. Some also have hydrotherapy pools and hot tubs to help ease aching muscles.
While at the spa, indulge in a treatment such as a massage or facial. These are usually at an additional cost unless booked as part of a package, but can target certain problem areas.
Spa packages can vary in price but many run offers which allow you to have a relaxing weekend without having to worry about how much it’ll cost.
Nature Weekend
A weekend away to do nothing could be as beneficial as a spa break. Take time out to just enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of somewhere beautiful. You don’t need to travel far for this kind of environment. For example, the Isle of Wight has a varied landscape, from hilly countryside to sandy beaches. It is away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland and is the perfect UK escape.
Book a weekend at the Away Resorts’ Isle of Wight holiday park and just explore the scenery and breathe in the fresh air. The Isle of Wight also has a beautiful botanical garden if you are looking for somewhere a little different to explore. Ventor Botanic Garden enjoys a micro-climate that is more akin to the mediterranean than the UK. With a tropical house and secret garden trail there is plenty to see and experience that promotes mindfulness and relaxation in serene surroundings.
You could also spend your days walking along the idyllic coast, taking in the sea air and listening to the waves crashing, guaranteed to relax even the most tightly wound.
Yoga Getaway
An exercise holiday may not sound like everyone’s cup of tea, however yoga has been proven to have many benefits for both the mind and body. Retreats often involve periods of silence, mantras, breathing techniques and stretches complemented by a detoxifying diet and sometimes access to hot tubs.
The aim of a yoga holiday is not to get fit, although this is an added benefit, but it is to centre yourself. Concentrate on breathing and let all your worries and tension leave you over the course of your stay. These holidays also provide you with techniques to help deal with these worries when returning home.
There are yoga getaways up and down the country that tend to be two to four days long. Why not get a group of friends together, spend the days relaxing and the nights chatting and laughing?
