In this fast paced digital age, relaxing isn’t something that we often make time for. American’s work longer hours than ever before, we have less vacation time than any other country, and we are always connected to our phones. Work has become a priority and health + wellness have been forced to take a backseat, causing mental stress and burnout in a majority of the US workforce.
Today, society tells us that we can have it all if we work hard enough. We push ourselves, and abuse our bodies and our minds in the process. We feed our bodies a diet of caffeine and junk as we take on our anxiety-inducing workloads. As an entrepreneur who works 7 days a week, this year has taken it’s toll on me. I was in desperate need of a wellness retreat, but wasn’t convinced I would actually be able to unwind. I was surprised to find out just how effective a wellness retreat can be, if done right and in a relaxing locale.
What is a Wellness Retreat?
Wellness retreats vary in destination, length of time and activities, but they all have the same goal– to give yourself some much needed self-love. They generally include both mental and physical activities, aimed at challenging yourself, self-discovery and stress reduction. Unlike a typical vacation, there will be a small group of like-minded individuals coming together for scheduled activities. The group I went with 109 World, focuses on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. We practiced yoga, muay thai, and had thought-provoking topics discussed as a part of the program.
Welcoming and Relaxing Atmosphere
Every time I visit Thailand, it feels like I’m going home. Thailand is a country with beautiful scenery, welcoming people, and a unique culture.
The moment I arrived in Phuket, I caught a glimpse of the pristine blue waters and saw sun melting into the pink sky sinking below the horizon, time began to slow down. Taking in natures natural beauty is one of the simplest ways to unwind and let go of our daily stressors.
Beach-side Yoga
I don’t want to do yoga at 8am, I thought to myself as I peeled myself out of my cozy bed at the Centara Grand resort. Beach yoga was an important part of the wellness retreat I was on with 109 World, but I’m not much of a yogi.
During a yoga session with the yoga team of Yulady & Gerry Saludi, I felt the weight of the world slowly lift of my shoulders. Gerry made an adjustment to my yoga position and I felt the pain in my shoulders, along with all the tension I have been holding onto for months quickly melt away once in the proper position. As I rested my body during savasana (the part of yoga where you basically lay down and nap–and the part of yoga when I generally get up and leave class) for the first time in months, I forgot about my to-do list and the workload on my plate, and it felt good.
I let myself listen to the waves crash nearby and opened my eyes to inspect the picture perfect aqua color of the ocean. Thailand is freakin gorgeous.
Delicious & Nutritious Food
High quality food is an important part of staying healthy, and feeling comfortable in your skin. I constantly stress that Thai food is the gold standard of Asian cuisine, but what I failed to previously appreciate is how healthy Thai food actually is.
Tropical fruits like mango and starfruit are plentiful. Tasty curries make vegetables addictive, as well as adding additional health benefits from the local spices. Even their spicy thai soups can remedy any cold.
My favorite dessert in the world has become mango sticky rice– and it is free of any additives and barely has any calories. You are literally made up of what you eat, and in Thailand it’s so easy to feed your body the good stuff without feeling like you are missing out on eating delicious foods. Thai food is truly one of the real treats of a visit to Thailand, and one of the best reasons to experience a wellness retreat here.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai is Thailand’s national sport and is a large part of Thai culture.
Muay Thai is not only an incredible work-out, but it is also an incredibly powerful tool for alleviating stress. The moment I threw my first punch, I immediately felt a sense of empowerment. As the endorphins took over my body, my anxiety began to melt away.
While in Phuket, I joined supermodel and Muay Thai fighter Mia Kang for her daily workout to learn more about the positive effects of Muay Thai on the body, both mentally and physically. Mia explained the importance of having “heart” in Muay Thai, and how it teaches endurance, self-control and perseverance– all great qualities to improve confidence and mental wellbeing.
To hear stories from inspirational guests Mia Kang & Yulady Saluti from the 109 World Wellness Trip, and check out the beauty of Phuket– watch the video above.
Generally, I return from my trips abroad, exhausted from sight-seeing and packing it all in. I was pleasantly surprised to return home from the retreat in Thailand relaxed and alleviated of stress.
Without recharging our bodies and minds, there is no way to give ourselves fully to our work, our families, and our friends. A wellness retreat was exactly the place to recharge and Thailand was the perfect place to do it!