Imagine: you’re tired, you don’t sleep well, you’re not eating right, your bones ache.

You’ve had enough and decide it’s time to see a doctor.

On your way there, you start visualising what the doctor might prescribe to make everything right again. Visions of orange bottles filled with all sorts of pills pop into your mind.

The truth is the one thing your doctor can tell you that will make you feel better again is to heal yourself spiritually and mentally first. “Connect more with nature, disconnect from technology,” is what he’ll probably say. “It’s cheap and has no side effects.”

Your doctor then takes out his pen and prescription pad and gives you the following advice: ‘Go to a Healing Retreat’.

You’ve heard of healing retreats before, but never really thought of them as your kind of thing. The doctor leans in across his desk, familiar with the confused look on your face, and starts explaining in full detail all the benefits of a healing retreat:

1. Acceptance

This is the first benefit, and it’s also the first step in any healing process. The only way you can get through difficult stages and reach a solution or find inner peace, or whatever your goal maybe is to accept how things currently are in your life.

Whether it’s health issues, financial troubles, relationship problems – if you can’t face it and accept it as part of you, you’ll never be able to be mentally or physically healthy.

2. Invest in some much-needed ‘me’ time

Very few people have the luxury of taking time off regularly to pamper themselves and indulge in some self-care time. This is why a healing retreat is ideal for the majority of people who continuously prioritise everything else before their own needs.

Understanding your nature via self-exploration is an empowering, uplifting experience. By taking responsibility for your feelings and behaviours is a potent tool to embrace your fears in a safe, controlled environment so you can reach inner peace and strength.

At a healing retreat, you’ll meditate, do yoga, and take relaxing, energetic walks. You’ll meet with specialists who are good at listening and providing you with precisely what you need in terms of personalised healing treatments specially made for you. You’ll learn how to redefine your priorities and eliminate clutter from your life, both mentally and physically.

3. Letting go

We often keep our emotions locked up; unknowingly just shoving them back in our minds, believing they’ll dissolve on their own, and just cease to exist, but what happens, in reality, is precisely the opposite. These emotions and thoughts sit there and fester like an open wound. Most of the time, they’re the reasons we have physical symptoms that ail us day in and day out.

Healing retreats have experts that encourage discussing pent-up emotions, either in a group-type setting where you can feel safe to share and open up or during individual sessions which can provide clarity and liberation. These discussions are supportive, encouraging and are a great way to free all the negative, repressed thoughts and emotions.

4. Re-energise the body

If you need to clear your mind, revitalise, and energise your entire system, then a healing retreat is the ideal place for you. You’ll be able to do many physical activities that leave you more balanced and energetic, along with spa therapies specifically suited for your needs.

After you leave, you’ll continue experiencing great benefits such as daily boosts of energy, focus, better concentration, enhanced memory retention, relief from chronic pains, strengthened immune system, better sleep quality, better digestion, glowing skin, and much more.

You’ll also get to meditate, practice yoga and learn how to stop over-thinking; these holistic approaches are productive for tackling negative emotions, stress, anxiety, and depression. They are your guide towards a calmer outlook.

By improving your emotional balance, you learn to control your thoughts and keep issues in perspective. It also enhances your wellbeing and self-esteem.

You discover your purpose in life and learn how to put your body’s natural energy to better use so you can enhance your positive thinking, feelings, energy, and people. It’s also a gateway to inspiration and creativity.

Healing retreats can be as long or as short as you like, depending on the program that has been designed accordingly with your needs. It’s a great way to invest in your health and wellbeing so you can enjoy life with a healthy and happy, recharged and relaxed.