Take a Break with an Online Yoga Retreat
April 30, 2020
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Looking for a way to unwind and relax? Look no further, because thanks to technology, today you can enjoy a pleasant yoga holiday without having to leave your home.
No need to worry about accommodation, meals and plane tickets. Join an online yoga retreat and forget about your daily routine, take part on a few yoga sessions, make new international friends and gain some peace of mind.
Want to know more about this virtual experience? Read on and learn how it works!
Top reasons to join an online yoga retreat
There are many reasons to join a virtual yoga retreat nowadays. Aside from the current travel situation, it has many advantages.
Since you can access from any device, either a smartphone, tablet, computer or smart TV, you won’t have any troubles following the live yoga and meditation sessions, as well as the online group sessions. In a few words, you’re one click (or tap) away from the instructors and the rest of the participants.
It’s also a good alternative for busy people; if you choose to, you don’t need to fully disconnect from your daily life in order to attend the retreat. During a virtual yoga holiday, you’ll only need to set aside a special time during the day for the practice. There are some programs that even offer you the opportunity to complete the program of the retreat whenever you want.
Plus, if you consider the fact that you won’t need to spend a single minute traveling to another place, making flight reservations and having to be full-time present somewhere else, an online yoga retreat is definitely a win-win situation for those who have a tight schedule.
Moreover, an online yoga retreat is the most budget-friendly yoga holiday you can find, as you don’t need to pay for transportation, meals or accommodation. If you don’t already have props and gear for your practice, it might be good to get at least a pair of blocks, but a mat is all you truly need.
In addition, a virtual yoga holiday offers you more comfort in the sense that you’ll be training from the coziness of your own home. However, if being away from your teacher and yoga mates make you feel disconnected, take it easy because you’ll usually have 1-on-1 guidance video sessions, as well as many alternatives to connect with the other participants.
All in all, for many yogis, an online yoga retreat has turned out to be the most accessible way to unwind, advance their yoga practice, find deep relaxation and connect with themselves. And it is an excellent alternative for those who are craving for a regular retreat but can’t do it right now.
>>READ MORE: 5 great reasons why you should join an online yoga teacher training
How does it work?
An online yoga retreat takes place through live video sessions, held on video conferencing platforms like Google Hangouts, Zoom, Facetime or any other. The teachers will let you know what platform you’ll be using.
Every virtual program offers different ways to interact with your teachers and other participants. It can be via live yoga/meditation sessions, one-on-one coaching sessions, online group sessions or WhatsApp group chats. Some programs also include pre-recorded training videos and reading materials that you can access anytime.
The best part of an online yoga retreat is that you’ll get all the benefits as if you were on an in-person holiday. You’ll be able to calm your mind, release tension, improve your flexibility, strengthen your muscles and learn meditation techniques, just to mention a few.
A few tips to fully enjoy your experience
Now that you know the advantages of an online yoga retreat and how it works, here are a few tips you can use to enjoy your experience to the fullest.
First of all, let the people you live with know that you’ll be taking part in an online yoga program so that they can support you and give you space during the process.
Put aside all distractions; that is to say, forget about your phone notifications and social media. Although it’s true that you’ll most likely be using your phone for taking the course, you can block notifications from appearing on the screen at least during the class.
>>READ MORE: Top 5 online yoga teacher training courses.
Also, in case you don't already have a Zen area in your home, this is the perfect moment to get creative and build a space dedicated to yoga and meditation. Here are some recommendations to do so:
- Choose a space in your house that you like, make sure it gets soft and natural light during the day.
- Pick simple furniture, like a cushion, a chair or a couch where it's comfortable to sit. Remember that a Zen design is all about organic colors, fresh scents and green plants.
- It’s very important for the room to be clean and uncluttered, it means to keep only the essentials and add the minimum of decorations and ornaments.
That said if you get bored of always being in the same place, feel free to change the scenery and take your training to a different room in the house. It could be the living room, the backyard or wherever you feel comfortable!
Finally, when choosing a virtual yoga retreat, be mindful of the instructors’ time zone as well as the schedule of the classes. Make sure to contact them and ask all your questions before booking.
Want to complete a yoga teacher training from home instead? Join an online yoga teacher training course!