A Mini Retreat in Your Socially Distanced Home

What are your plans this weekend?  What would you have said three weeks ago if you were given the opportunity for a quick getaway where the only thing you had to do was nothing ie:  no carpooling or errands to do.  You are offered a time to just relax and spend time by yourself ( if self-quarantined) or with loved ones in a private location without distractions.  

Fast forward to today.  We are all stuck in our homes and social distancing.  Each day can look like the next without any break in routine.   No matter your religion either Saturday or Sunday is shabbat, a day of rest and a time to break away from the monotony of everyday and spend some time toward inward thinking.  

My proposal is to set the stage for this same overnight retreat in your head.  You will spend Saturday in an isolated cabin away from it all.  To truly enjoy this experience you need to prepare ahead of time.

 Suggested items to have available include:

- an exercise mat and some work out clothing.  
- a reading device or media to be able to watch local movie releases on demand.  
- favorite toiletries 
- comfortable fun clothing and a dress up dinner outfit
-2 to 3 bottles of wine
-a prepared home cooked dinner

Take some time to pamper yourself. The rules are to keep the news off, put your phone away except for emergencies and resist social media.  

Its time to leave all your work and negativity behind.  

Here is a proposed itinerary but you have the choice to make it your own.  The only suggestion is to break away from the routine you had all week. 
Saturday afternoon-If its nice out you may go for a walk around your block and then come inside and either read or maybe do a puzzle. 

May be do a mediation app or just listen to some nice music.  

In late afternoon you are a bit hungry and can have a healthy protein snack of cheese and nuts while preparing a nice Italian feast for dinner.  

Saturday pm-Prepare a nice home cooked dinner,  Pour some wine and enjoy the candlelight ambience.  After dinner you retreat to a comfortable couch to watch a first run movie on demand or stream a show you haven't had time to see.  


Sunday am-Do an online yoga class.  After the class you will treat yourself to a self spa day.  You can take a long shower or bath, smell incense,  polish your nails, and give yourself a facial. 

Sunday early afternoon- have a nice brunch!!

Hope you are inspired to get away.  Our imaginations can make our reality a positive and fun experience.  I am trying to use mine to think outside the box.  Shabbat Shalom.  

Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham who loves blogging, reading, walking her dog and thinking outside the box to make the world a better place.