The Importance of Retreats in Nature for Our Well-Being and Happiness

Nature has always been a healing space for me – also when I experienced a sense of sadness and loss in the beginning of 2024. During those months, I spent a lot of time at our little farm, and I discovered a beautiful spot in nature: A rock, up the hill, with a beautiful view over the valley. Every day, I went up to experience the serenity, peace and perspective I was able to access at this spot. This rock became my rock – giving me strength, healing and hope for the future.

During the same time, I developed the concept for the Reflect with Juliane retreats – with the rock as the center of the retreat experience. Every morning and evening, we walk up to spend time on the rock to sit in nature, watch the sunrise and sunset, do breathing activities and meditation and listen to beautiful poetry. I can’t even put into words how special it was for me to observe how the experience in nature and this rock touched the retreat participants. And it reminded me how important it is to rest and to take time in nature. 

In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, finding time to unplug and reconnect with ourselves can be a challenge. Amidst the constant hustle and bustle, retreats in nature offer a sanctuary where we can reset, recharge, and restore our sense of well-being and happiness. Here’s why spending time in natural settings is crucial for our mental and emotional health.

1. Reconnecting with Nature

Modern life often disconnects us from the natural world. Retreats in nature provide a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the beauty and tranquility of the outdoors. Whether it’s the calming sound of a babbling brook, the refreshing scent of pine trees, or the awe-inspiring sight of a sunrise over a mountain range, these experiences ground us and remind us of the simple joys of being alive. We offer nature-based retreats all year around to create a space where we connect with all the seasons. It takes a bit of courage to join during the coldest days but is definitely so worth it (trust me 😌).  

2. Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Studies have shown that spending time in nature significantly reduces stress and anxiety levels. The natural environment helps lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, and promotes a sense of calm and relaxation. Nature retreats create a peaceful atmosphere where we can let go of our worries and embrace a slower, more mindful pace of life. We offer specific therapeutic retreats in which we combine the experience in nature with exercises to overcome our anxieties, fight our imposter syndrome or work through grief.

3. Enhancing Mental Clarity and Focus

The constant barrage of information and digital distractions can lead to mental fatigue and reduced concentration. Nature retreats offer a break from these distractions, allowing our minds to rest and rejuvenate. The serene environment helps improve mental clarity and focus, making it easier to reflect on our lives, set goals, and make important decisions. We were inspired by the perspective we can gain in nature, and the chance we have to reflect  on our lives. So we called one of the retreats we offer each season “Breathe & Reflect Retreat”. 

4. Fostering Physical Health

Our retreats include activities like hiking, yoga, and breath work, which promote physical health. Engaging in physical activities in a natural setting not only boosts our fitness levels but also enhances our mood and energy. The combination of fresh air, natural light, and physical exercise works wonders for our overall well-being.

5. Building Connections

Retreats provide a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. Sharing experiences and engaging in group activities foster a sense of community and belonging. I love being a witness to the connections and relationships our retreat participants form. Every group is so special and unique in its own way but always full of kindness and care for one another. 

6. Cultivating Mindfulness and Presence

Being in nature encourages mindfulness and presence. Without the distractions of everyday life, we can fully engage with our surroundings and ourselves. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and mindful walking, are often integral parts of nature retreats, helping us cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and inner peace.

7. Inspiring Creativity and Joy

Nature has a way of sparking creativity and joy. The beauty and diversity of the natural world can inspire new ideas and perspectives. Whether it’s through creative activities like painting or simply observing the wonders of nature, retreats can reignite our passion and zest for life. We start our retreats with creative exercises to set our intentions for the weekend – sometimes we paint, sometimes we write, sometimes we choose a symbol that represents how we feel about our lives at that point in time.  

8. Healing and Transformation

Nature has an inherent healing power. Our retreats incorporate therapeutic practices that leverage this power to facilitate emotional healing and personal growth. I am trained as a systemic therapist – systemic therapy focuses on how you interact with your environment and the systems you find yourself in – so it fits perfectly to our nature-based retreats. As a systemic therapist, I look a lot at your resources and strengths (not only your problems and issues) to understand how you can use them to move forward in life – the retreat allows you to take this new and hopeful perspective towards yourself and your life.

I truly believe that our unique combination of nature’s serenity and guided therapeutic exercises can lead to profound transformations and we can’t wait to welcome you at one of our retreats. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, consider a retreat in nature as a step towards a healthier, happier you.