When life feels like one endless to-do list and the economy’s got you clutching your wallet a little tighter, booking a week-long retreat in Costa Rica might feel…a little out of reach. And honestly? That makes total sense. Travel, time off work, childcare (pet care in my case), flights, lodging-it all adds up FAST.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to hop on a plane to feel rested, clear, and reconnected with yourself.

You can create a deeply nourishing, soul-soothing retreat at home: no flights, no packing, no giant price tag. Just intentional time carved out for you.

Because a retreat isn’t just about the destination. It’s about giving yourself the space to pause, reset, and come back to yourself. And you can absolutely do that in your living room.

Here’s how to plan a DIY self-care retreat right at home:

1. Set the Scene for Stillness: Transform Your Space

One of the best parts of going on retreat is stepping away from your usual environment. But you don’t need to book a cabin in the woods to shift the energy around you.

• Declutter a small area-your bedroom, a cozy corner, even your bathtub.
• Light a candle, diffuse essential oils, or burn incense to set the tone.
• Put your phone on Do Not Disturb. This is sacred time.
• Set the intention that this is a space for rest and reconnection.

2. Begin With a Grounding Ritual

Just like retreats start with a moment to land and settle in, you can do the same at home.

• Try a short guided meditation or breathwork session to signal a shift.
• Take a warm shower or bath and imagine washing away stress.
• Journal a simple question: How do I want to feel by the end of this retreat?

3. Nourish Yourself, Inside and Out

This is your time to step away from autopilot and move into care mode. Think: what feels good for your body and nervous system right now?

• Gentle movement: slow yoga, stretching, or a mindful walk.
• Prepare a simple, nourishing meal-or order one from somewhere. Eat slowly and intentionally.
• Listen to music that calms and grounds you: nature sounds, instrumentals, binaural beats.

4. Get Quiet & Reflect

The real magic of a retreat comes when you finally stop and listen to yourself. Create space for insight to bubble up.

• Sit outside with your tea or coffee and do nothing.
• Pull a tarot or oracle card and reflect on what comes through.
• Journal with prompts like:
  • What do I need more of right now?
  • What am I ready to release?
  • What parts of me are asking to be seen and loved?

5. Close With Intention

Don’t just slide back into regular life. Take a moment to honor what has shifted.

• Write down any insights or takeaways.
• Choose one thing you want to carry forward into your daily routine.
• Thank yourself. You showed up. You created space. That’s powerful!

Even a short pocket of intentional time can make a huge difference. When you slow down long enough to hear yourself again, you reconnect with your needs, your desires, your vision. That’s what retreats are really about. And you don’t have to wait for the “perfect” time to do it.

Want Some Support Planning Your Own At-Home Retreat?

If this all sounds amazing but you’re not sure where to start, I’ve got you with a fun resource:

The Retreat At Home Kit is your roadmap for creating a simple retreat at home-whether you’ve got a whole weekend or just a few hours.

It’s packed with:

• Step-by-step retreat planner, sample schedules, and boundary-setting guide
• Flexible structure that works whether you’ve got a few hours or a full weekend
• 8 customizable segments to support mind, body, creativity, and business clarity
• Grounding tools like breathwork, affirmations, journaling, and guided visualizations
• Business exercises to reset your direction, energy, and role as CEO
• Creative prompts and movement options to reconnect with joy and intuition
• Bonus resources: meal ideas, playlists, and links to elevate your retreat experience

You deserve rest. You deserve clarity. You deserve time for you—without needing to leave home (or break the bank).

Grab your DIY Retreat Guide here