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Hindustan Times
03-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
No time for long vacation? Here's how to plan your next 3 day micro-retreat
When the world nowadays feels like a race against time itself, juggling work responsibilities, personal commitments, and family, accommodating a long vacation feels more like a luxury than anything. With limited bandwidth and burnout on our heels, plans are postponed, daydreaming with a sigh over the 'someday.' This is why micro-retreats are becoming more relevant than ever; a brief respite without sweating over extended leaves, disturbed routines and big logistics. Micro-retreat may be brief, but the effects are long-lasting and rejuvenating.(Freepik) ALSO READ: Goa for monsoon trip: 8 hidden places to visit during the rainy season In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Mohit Patel, Co-founder and CEO at Raga Svara, a family-run boutique luxury retreat dedicated to holistic learning and healing, shared how micro-retreat is the new way to hit pause and take a bite-sized vacation. Explaining how the roots of micro-breaks are wellness-centric, he traced them back to their origins. He said, "India, with its rich legacy of Ayurveda and Yoga, naturally aligns with the ethos of micro-retreats. Traditionally, such wellness experiences were rooted in long durations. However, the modern consumer's reality calls for a different approach. Instead of multi-week stays, many are now finding more sustainable renewal through shorter, focused experiences." Most importantly, convenience sets micro-retreat apart. Along with this, it is also beneficial for health, bringing much-deserved calm and a break from routine. Mohit added, "Micro-retreats may be more effective for some. By disrupting chronic patterns, like poor eating habits or irregular sleep, even a 72-hour break can reset routines and shift perspectives. And because they're short, people are more likely to integrate what they've learned once back home. For younger generations accustomed to rapid experience or working parents juggling multiple responsibilities, micro-retreats strike the ideal balance between rejuvenation and practicality.' 5 reasons micro-retreats are rising Micro-retreats help to take a break from the daily grind of life.(Freepik) The shift towards micro-retreats is a reflection of the contemporary world's need for time-efficient vacations. Mohit said,'This shift represents a deeper understanding of how transformation works. It's not always about duration, but about the quality of attention and intention. Micro-retreats work with real life, not against it.' Mohit Patel shared a comprehensive guide with us, explaining the fundamentals of micro-retreats, from reasons behind the rise, micro-retreat types, to how to plan one: 1. Time poverty is real: Today's professionals face packed schedules, family responsibilities, and an always-on digital world. Carving out even a full week for wellness often feels impossible. Micro-retreats meet people where they are, offering a breather without requiring a complete exit from life. 2. Ease of planning: Unlike traditional week-long retreats that demand complex coordination, like work leaves, childcare, and travel, 3-day retreats are easier to schedule. A weekend escape is more manageable for young professionals, working parents, and anyone navigating a full calendar. 3. Quick, intentional impact: Micro-retreats challenge the assumption that longer automatically means better. Shorter, focused getaways allow participants to experience rapid mental and physical resets, cleaner eating, deeper sleep, reduced stress, all without the fatigue of extended disengagement. 4. Better reintegration: One of the underrated advantages of a micro-retreat is how smoothly it allows for reentry into daily life. While long breaks often cause a jarring return to reality, the shorter span of a micro-retreat supports a gentler transition. 5. Wellness on your terms: Micro-retreats let people curate their wellness journey over the year. For instance: digital detox in spring, a fitness retreat in summer, and a mindfulness-focused one in fall, addressing evolving needs without overcommitting. What do micro-retreats look like? Micro-retreats are intentional, geared towards a particular purpose. from digital detox or wellness centric.(Freepik) 1. Digital detox retreats: Unplug from devices, social media, and screens. These retreats focus on reconnecting with self and nature by removing digital noise. 2. Wellness and yoga retreats: Short getaways featuring guided yoga, meditation, and mindful eating. Ideal for those seeking physical reset and mental clarity. 3. Solo travel retreats: They are made for introspection and independence. Solo micro-retreats offer solitude, self-discovery, and personalised pace. 4. Creative escapes Focused on writing, painting, photography, or crafts. These retreats offer a break from routine to recharge creatively. 5. Adventure micro-retreats Packed with hikes, cycling, or water sports. Ideal for thrill-seekers wanting both adrenaline and a mental refresh. How to plan a micro-retreat? Knowing how to smartly prepare for your microbreak helps you stay a step ahead.(Freepik) 1. Before you go: Pick your purpose: Know whether you want to relax, detox, create, or be active. It helps narrow your options. Know whether you want to relax, detox, create, or be active. It helps narrow your options. Choose closer destinations: Save time and avoid exhaustion by picking places that are just a short flight away, ideally within 2 to 5 hours. It lets you start relaxing sooner and makes short getaways more worthwhile. Save time and avoid exhaustion by picking places that are just a short flight away, ideally within 2 to 5 hours. It lets you start relaxing sooner and makes short getaways more worthwhile. Be Flexible: Off-season or weekday bookings offer better rates and quieter experiences. 2. Packing and prep: Pack light and smart: Carry only essentials suited to the retreat's theme (yoga mat, journal, etc). Carry only essentials suited to the retreat's theme (yoga mat, journal, etc). Digital boundaries: Leave the laptop. Silence or switch off your phone if going for a detox. 3. Making an itinerary for a micro-retreat Don't overstuff: Leave room for rest. Micro-retreats work best when unhurried. Leave room for rest. Micro-retreats work best when unhurried. Plan ahead for a stress-free escape: Pre-book key activities, whether it's spa sessions, guided nature walks, or wellness consultations, to avoid last-minute hassle and ensure a seamless experience. Opt for all-inclusive retreats that bundle everything together, from meals to activities, easing the planning stress and allowing you to truly unwind. Pre-book key activities, whether it's spa sessions, guided nature walks, or wellness consultations, to avoid last-minute hassle and ensure a seamless experience. Opt for all-inclusive retreats that bundle everything together, from meals to activities, easing the planning stress and allowing you to truly unwind. Return buffer: Try to come back by Sunday noon, which gives you time to settle before the workweek.
India.com
21-06-2025
- Health
- India.com
International Yoga Day 2025: How Yoga Boosts Mental Focus, Reduce Anxiety And Enhance Physical Wellness
In a world that moves relentlessly fast, finding stillness has become both a luxury and a necessity. Yoga, an ancient practice rooted in presence, offers more than just physical flexibility—it provides a sanctuary for the mind, body, and soul. Whether you're a working professional trying to balance burnout, someone seeking better sleep, or simply looking to deepen your self-awareness, yoga offers a powerful, accessible pathway to wellness. From home practice to immersive retreats, the benefits are deeply personal, yet universally transformative. Managing Stress and Anxiety: The Calming Power of Breath and Movement Mohit Patel, Co-founder & CEO at Raga Svara says, "Stress and anxiety often show up in the body through symptoms like a tight chest, shallow breath, and restless thoughts. Yoga helps you slow down and return to your breath." "Gentle movement lowers cortisol levels, while deep breathing activates the parasympathetic response, calming both body and mind. You start noticing your patterns, your triggers, and with practice, you respond rather than react," says Mohit. It's not about avoiding stress but creating space between the feeling and what you do next. You begin to trust your ability to come back to yourself even in chaos, that quiet steadiness makes all the difference. Improving Sleep and Mental Focus Through Gentle, Restorative Yoga Mohit says, "Practices like forward bends, legs-up-the-wall, gentle twists, or simply lying in Savasana with deep breathing help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, easing the body into rest mode." "This reduces cortisol levels and slows the heart rate, preparing the body for deeper sleep. Over time, you feel more rested, more clear-headed, not from forcing rest, but from truly unwinding. Mentally, yoga builds focus by training you to return to the present moment, again and again. This quiets mental noise, improves clarity, and helps you stay steady through distractions," says Mohit. Yoga for Strength, Stamina, and Body Awareness—not Just Weight Loss "Weight loss is not the goal of yoga, but it can be a natural result of consistent, mindful practice. Surya Namaskar builds heat, activates the entire body, and boosts metabolism. Standing poses like Virabhadrasana (warrior pose), Utkatasana (chair pose), Phalakasana (plank), and Navasana (boat pose) develop strength and tone the core, legs, and arms," says Mohit. Mohit says, "Twists like Ardha Matsyendrasana support digestion, aiding sustainable wellness. But more than burning calories, yoga tones the body by improving posture, breath, and awareness. With time, your body changes not just in shape, but in how you feel living in it." Emotional Healing Through Breath, Stillness, and Somatic Awareness Mohit explained, "Yoga supports emotional well-being by regulating the nervous system. Slow breathing calms the mind and signals safety to the body. Movement, especially through poses that open the chest, hips, and shoulders, releases physical tension where emotions are often stored." Spending time in stillness helps you notice what you're feeling without getting overwhelmed. This builds emotional awareness and resilience. Instead of pushing feelings away, you learn to sit with them and let them pass. Regular practice also boosts mood by increasing feel-good hormones like serotonin. Work-Life Balance for Professionals: Small Yoga Breaks, Big Impact For working professionals, the day rarely slows down—emails, deadlines, meetings, and constant mental noise can quickly build up. Yoga offers a much-needed pause amidst the chaos. Even a brief 15-minute session—whether breathwork, light stretching, or mindful stillness—can significantly reduce stress, improve circulation, ease joint stiffness, and release built-up tension. Mohit says, "With consistent practice, posture improves, fatigue lessens, and focus becomes sharper. On an emotional level, yoga fosters calm responses rather than reactive ones, helping you recognize when you're pushing too hard and when to step back. Instead of being overwhelmed by work, you learn to reconnect with yourself, enhancing both well-being and productivity." Why Wellness Retreats Offer a Deeper Yoga Experience Than Home Practice Mohit says, "While practicing yoga at home can be beneficial, it often competes with the noise of daily life—responsibilities, distractions, and mental clutter. In the midst of it all, even our most grounding rituals can start to feel distant or diluted. A retreat that weaves yoga into its core offers something profoundly different: an immersive space purposefully designed to nurture stillness, reflection, and renewal." Every element—from the serene environment to the thoughtfully crafted schedule—supports your inward journey. The daily rhythm helps you stay consistent without interruptions, allowing your practice to deepen naturally. You feel held by the environment, uplifted by the energy of the community, and inspired by the presence of others on similar paths. You return home feeling lighter, clearer, and more deeply attuned to yourself. Yoga is more than a mat-bound ritual—it's a reminder that peace, strength, and clarity already exist within us. Whether you're rolling out your mat at home or stepping into a quiet forest retreat, each pose, each breath, is a step toward a more balanced, centered life. In today's fast-paced, hyper-connected world, yoga doesn't just help us stretch—it helps us pause. And sometimes, that pause is the most powerful thing we can do for ourselves.
News18
10-06-2025
- Health
- News18
5 Wellness Retreats In India That Are Preserving True Ayurvedic Practices
Last Updated: Rooted in centuries, Ayurveda offers a holistic path to healing that nurtures body, mind, and spirit. These wellness retreats in India honour the roots this ancient knowledge. In a world racing toward burnout, Ayurveda offers a return to balance – a holistic path to healing that nurtures body, mind, and spirit. While wellness trends come and go, the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda remains a trusted guide. Rooted in centuries of natural healing knowledge, Ayurveda offers profound guidance for nurturing the body, mind, and spirit — yet in today's booming wellness industry, authentic Ayurvedic experiences are rare. In India, a handful of retreats still honour the roots of Ayurveda. These sanctuaries offer more than treatments – they deliver transformative journeys, grounded in centuries-old practices and tailored to modern lives. Here are five wellness retreats in India that represent the gold standard of authentic Ayurvedic practice, where traditional wisdom meets modern comfort, and where healing happens at the deepest levels. Raga Svara: Ayurveda and Wellness Retreats – Raga Svara is a family-run boutique luxury retreat in Rajkot, Gujarat, dedicated to holistic learning and healing. Inspired by the Ayurvedic expertise of its affiliated college, this luxury retreat blends ancient Ayurveda and Yoga with modern healing practices. Every program is guided by a distinguished team of Ayurvedic doctors and experienced therapists, delivering deeply personalised journeys that restore mental clarity, build emotional resilience, and rejuvenate physical vitality. To extend its healing reach beyond physical boundaries, the retreat also offers online consultations. For newcomers to Ayurveda or those seeking a meaningful yet time-efficient immersion, the retreat provides Raga Anubhava: a signature half-day program that distils the essence of Ayurvedic healing. This curated experience features rejuvenating therapies, nourishing cuisine, and the tranquil ambience of the retreat's thoughtfully designed spaces, offering a perfect introduction to the timeless wisdom and transformative power of Ayurveda. Ananda In The Himalayas – Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort – The world's first Ayurvedic resort, Somatheeram, has been preserving and promoting the authentic essence of Ayurveda for over 30 years. Located in the serene surroundings of Trivandrum, Kerala, it offers a dedicated sanctuary where the ancient science of Ayurveda is practised in its purest form. Every aspect of the guest experience – from meticulously prepared herbal therapies and personalised Ayurvedic diets to tailored yoga practices – is grounded in classical Ayurvedic principles. Six Senses Vana – Located in the Himalayan foothills of Dehradun, Vana is a luxury wellness retreat that places Ayurveda at the heart of its offerings. The retreat honours traditional Ayurvedic principles while addressing modern health concerns such as burnout, anxiety, and lifestyle-related illnesses through personalised programs. At Vana, Ayurvedic doctors develop treatments based on individual prakriti (constitution) analysis, complemented by mindful movement, clean nutrition, and immersive forest experiences – bringing Ayurveda's holistic philosophy into a contemporary setting. Soukya – At Soukya, the purity of Ayurvedic practice is upheld at every step – from cultivating herbs in its organic gardens to preparing oils and medicines on-site, and maintaining exacting standards in administering therapies. Guests begin their healing journey with an in-depth Ayurvedic assessment, including pulse diagnosis, lifestyle evaluation, and prakriti-vikriti analysis, ensuring each treatment is precisely tailored to individual needs. Highly trained Ayurvedic doctors and therapists oversee therapies that follow classical Panchakarma protocols. These multi-week programs are designed to promote deep detoxification and rejuvenation, all within a supportive and carefully controlled environment. First Published: June 10, 2025, 13:25 IST
