How to Plan an Affordable Wellness Retreat at Home Step-By-Step

One of the things I’ve noticed about being an entrepreneur is that stress, worry and exhaustion can easily creep into our lives like a cozy pair of jeans, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and out of sync. When life starts to feel like one big jumble, taking a day away—even if it’s just at home—can be the ideal remedy. Creating your own wellness retreat at home offers a personal escape, a chance to reset, and a gentle reminder to prioritize self-care.

With a little planning and structure, a DIY retreat can help you find that sweet balance between relaxation, mindfulness, and self-reflection. By carving out time for self-care and intentional moments, you can shift your perspective, quiet the noise, and reconnect with your creativity.

Planning a wellness retreat doesn’t have to mean traveling to an expensive resort or spending hundreds on spa services. You can experience the same rejuvenating benefits right in the comfort of your home.

With a little preparation, some self-care essentials, and a sprinkle of creativity, you can create a sanctuary that allows you to relax, recharge, and reconnect—all without breaking the bank.

Related Reading: 8 self care habits to adopt before the holidays

Here’s a step-by-step guide on planning an affordable wellness retreat at home.

Step 1: Set the Intention

Start by deciding the purpose of your retreat. Do you want to focus on relaxation, recharging, or just escaping the daily hustle? Your intention will guide how you structure the retreat. Take a few minutes to jot down your goals, whether it's relieving stress, finding inspiration, or getting quality “me-time.” This mental preparation helps set a calming tone.

Step 2: Declutter and Create a Peaceful Environment

Your environment plays a huge role in how relaxed you feel. Take some time to tidy up, declutter, and create a cozy atmosphere in your space. If you’re dedicating the weekend to this, focus on your bedroom, bathroom, and living area, where you'll spend most of your retreat. Freshen up your space by adding soothing touches like soft blankets, pillows, and candles, or use essential oil diffusers with calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus.

Related Reading: How to set up your bathroom for a spa day

Consider lowering the lights, playing gentle music, or adding white noise to enhance the serene vibe. Remember, the goal is to create a space that invites you to slow down and breathe deeply.

Step 3: Plan Your Wellness Schedule

An at-home retreat can be as simple or structured as you want. Here are some activities you might include:

• Meditation and Deep Breathing: Start your day with a guided meditation or a simple breathing exercise to calm your mind and set a positive tone.

• Gentle Yoga or Stretching: Roll out a mat and follow along with a free yoga class online. Yoga is excellent for both relaxation and physical release.

• Journaling: Reflect on your goals, feelings, and gratitude. Journaling is a great way to connect with your inner self and gain perspective.

• DIY Spa Treatments: Treat yourself to a facial, hair mask, or foot soak. You can find budget-friendly recipes for scrubs and masks using common kitchen ingredients like honey, sugar, and coconut oil.

• Mindful Eating: Plan a few nourishing meals that you can enjoy slowly, focusing on taste and texture. Try simple recipes with whole foods, like a fresh salad, smoothie, or homemade tea blend.

Creating a rough schedule can help you make the most of your time. Consider blocking off 30-minute or 1-hour segments for each activity.

Step 4: Prepare Your DIY Spa Essentials

No wellness retreat would be complete without spa treatments, but you don’t need expensive products. Here are some affordable DIY ideas:

• Face Masks: Try a simple honey and yogurt mask for moisturizing or a clay mask if you’re looking to purify your skin.

• Body Scrubs: Mix brown sugar and olive oil for a natural exfoliating scrub. You can add a drop or two of essential oil for a luxurious feel.

• Aromatherapy Bath: If you have a bathtub, create a bath with Epsom salts, a few drops of lavender oil, and some rose petals for a spa-like experience.

• Foot Soak: For a relaxing foot soak, mix warm water with Epsom salts and a few drops of peppermint oil. You’ll feel the stress melt away in no time!

Step 5: Disconnect and Stay Present

For your wellness retreat to truly feel like an escape, limit distractions. Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode, avoid social media, and consider turning off notifications. This is your time to recharge, so give yourself permission to be fully present.

Practice mindfulness by engaging your senses in everything you do. Whether you’re enjoying a meal, a bath, or a cup of tea, savor each moment. Remember, this retreat is as much about mental wellness as it is about physical relaxation.

Related Reading: How to do a proper tea ceremony

Step 6: Wrap Up with Reflection

As your retreat comes to an end, take some time to reflect. Grab your journal and write down any insights, feelings, or new intentions that came to light. Think about how you can carry some of this calmness back into your daily life. This could mean incorporating daily meditation, a weekly “spa night,” or simply taking more mindful moments throughout the day.

Affordable Wellness Retreat Essentials Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist of items you might want for your retreat:

• Candles or Essential Oils for ambiance

• Soft Blankets and Pillows for cozy comfort

• Yoga Mat or a comfortable space for stretching

• Face Mask Ingredients like honey, yogurt, and clay

• Bath Supplies like Epsom salts and essential oils

• Journal and Pen for reflection

• Healthy Snacks like fruit, nuts, or herbal teas

Creating a wellness retreat at home can be a wonderfully nurturing experience, and the best part? It’s entirely customizable to your needs.

Bringing the Lessons of the Retreat into Your Daily Life

A wellness retreat at home can be a transformative experience, but the benefits don’t have to end when it’s over. Integrating small wellness practices into your daily routine helps keep the calm, mindfulness, and renewed energy going long after your retreat day.

Here are 15 suggestions to help you bring the lessons of your retreat into everyday life:

1. Morning Meditation: Start each day with just 5-10 minutes of meditation to set a calm, centered tone. Morning rituals are the perfect way to start every day.

2. Gratitude Journaling: Every evening, jot down three things you’re grateful for. It’s a powerful way to end the day on a positive note.

3. Mindful Eating: Slow down and savor your meals without distractions to stay connected with your body and reduce stress.

4. Nature Walks: Try to spend a few minutes outdoors daily, even if it’s just a short walk. Fresh air and a change of scenery work wonders.

5. Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing when you feel stressed or overwhelmed to quickly restore calm.

6. Digital Detox Time: Designate screen-free times each day, especially in the morning and evening, to reduce overstimulation. Read: 5 things to do with your hands during a digital detox.

7. Self-Compassion Breaks: Take moments during the day to check in with yourself, show kindness to yourself, and let go of harsh self-criticism.

8. Hydration Reminder: Keep a water bottle by your side as a gentle reminder to stay hydrated. Add a squeeze of lemon or cucumber for a spa-like touch.

9. Mini Stretching Sessions: Schedule brief stretching breaks throughout the day to release tension in your body.

10. Creative Journaling or Art Therapy: Set aside time to express yourself creatively, whether through journaling, drawing, or another art form you enjoy.

11. Weekly Spa Night: Treat yourself to a spa night each week, complete with a face mask, a warm bath, and your favorite soothing music.

12. Intentional Breathers: Schedule a few minutes each afternoon to pause, breathe deeply, and bring yourself back to the present moment.

13. Limit Multi-Tasking: Practice focusing on one task at a time to enhance your productivity and reduce feelings of chaos.

14. Daily Affirmations: Use positive affirmations each morning to set the tone for the day. Simple phrases like “I am calm and capable” can be grounding.

15. Personal Check-Ins: End each week with a quick check-in to see how you’re feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically, and adjust as needed.

Incorporating these simple practices can help you carry the sense of peace and renewal from your retreat into each day, keeping the experience alive and allowing it to support your well-being long-term.

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The Ultimate Guide to Letting Go of People-Pleasing + 5 Best Books To Help Support You

Getting nervous about spending the holidays around too many people? Not to worry, this post was written to help support you in being more confident and drop the tendency to go into people pleasing mode this season.

For many women, the urge to please others can run deep, often tied to a desire to be seen as loving, kind, and considerate. While these are beautiful qualities, they can sometimes blur the lines between being genuinely caring and losing oneself in the needs of others.

Letting go of people-pleasing doesn’t mean sacrificing your femininity or warmth; rather, it’s about redefining it in a way that allows you to flourish authentically.

Here’s how to embrace a more intentional, balanced approach that nurtures both yourself and those around you:

1. Understand the Roots of People-Pleasing

The first step in breaking free from people-pleasing is understanding why you do it. Often, people-pleasing can stem from childhood experiences, societal expectations, or simply the habit of prioritizing others' needs. Reflect on moments when you felt the need to make others happy, and ask yourself: What was I hoping to gain? Maybe it was validation, love, or acceptance. Becoming aware of these motivations allows you to reclaim control and shift towards healthier ways of meeting these needs.

2. Embrace Boundaries as a Form of Self-Respect

Setting boundaries is one of the most powerful acts of self-love and self-respect. It’s also essential for maintaining healthy, balanced relationships. Start with small boundaries that feel manageable, like not answering work emails after a certain time or saying no to requests that don’t align with your priorities.

Remember, boundaries are not barriers to love; they are frameworks that protect it. When others know what to expect, relationships become more honest and fulfilling, and your generosity becomes a true choice rather than an obligation.

3. Redefine What It Means to Be “Loving”

Being loving doesn’t require self-sacrifice. In fact, it’s often quite the opposite. When you show up authentically, without the need to overextend yourself, you create an environment where people feel comfortable doing the same. True love and care stem from a place of fullness within you, so prioritize filling your own cup first.

A good question to ask yourself before doing something for someone is: Am I doing this out of genuine care, or am I trying to avoid discomfort, disapproval, or rejection? If it’s the latter, that may be a sign that it’s time to choose yourself.

4. Develop a Stronger Sense of Self

People-pleasing often goes hand-in-hand with low self-worth or a lack of clarity about personal values. Cultivating a strong sense of self can help you distinguish between what’s truly important to you and what’s merely driven by external expectations. Spend time journaling, meditating, or exploring creative hobbies to reconnect with yourself and your needs.

When you know who you are and what you want, you can love others from a more centered, balanced place. This makes it easier to stay true to yourself without feeling pressured to conform.

5. Communicate from a Place of Authenticity

Intentional communication is key to transforming people-pleasing tendencies. It’s entirely possible to speak your truth while being warm and respectful. Practice using “I” statements, such as “I feel,” “I need,” or “I prefer,” to express your desires or boundaries. For example, instead of saying, “I’m sorry, I can’t help with that,” try, “I appreciate you asking, but I need to focus on my priorities right now.”

When you communicate openly, people around you will start respecting your boundaries and understanding your needs, all while feeling the sincerity in your approach.

6. Celebrate the Power of Femininity Without Self-Sacrifice

Femininity encompasses qualities like empathy, gentleness, and emotional intelligence—qualities that are powerful in their own right. Rather than tying your femininity to people-pleasing, consider how these attributes can strengthen your ability to assert boundaries and honor yourself. Think of femininity as a soft but resilient power, one that enables you to be present with others while standing in your truth.

Related reading: 25 things to do to help you reconnect with your femininity

7. Practice Saying “No” With Grace

Learning to say “no” is one of the most challenging yet empowering steps in overcoming people-pleasing. Start small, using phrases that feel comfortable but assertive. Try responses like, “I’d love to help, but I need to focus on my responsibilities right now” or “Thank you for thinking of me, but I won’t be able to participate.”

Over time, you’ll feel more comfortable asserting your “no” with kindness and clarity. Saying no isn’t an act of rejection; it’s an affirmation of your own values and boundaries.

8. Surround Yourself with Supportive People

Your growth journey can be made easier when surrounded by those who respect and support your choices. Seek out friendships and relationships where honesty and self-expression are encouraged. When you surround yourself with people who celebrate your authenticity, you’ll feel less pressured to compromise it for the sake of approval.

Embracing Your Authentic, Loving Self

Letting go of people-pleasing is a journey that takes patience, but every step leads you closer to a more intentional, fulfilled version of yourself. Remember, you can still be a loving, feminine woman while prioritizing your needs and boundaries. As you release the need to please everyone, you’ll find that the love and energy you share with others comes from a place of fullness, resilience, and authentic warmth—qualities that make you truly magnetic and free.

5 of the best books on breaking the habit of people pleasing

1. "The Disease to Please: Curing the People-Pleasing Syndrome" by Dr. Harriet B. Braiker

• Summary: This classic addresses the psychological roots of people-pleasing and offers actionable strategies to overcome it. Dr. Braiker guides readers through recognizing the internal beliefs that drive people-pleasing and provides exercises to practice assertiveness.

• Why It’s Helpful: The book uses real-life examples and practical exercises, making it both insightful and actionable for breaking free from people-pleasing habits.

2. "Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself" by Nedra Glover Tawwab

• Summary: Tawwab, a licensed therapist, offers a guide to setting healthy boundaries without feeling guilt. This book tackles the fears that often keep people-pleasers from saying “no” and emphasizes that boundaries are essential for meaningful, balanced relationships.

• Why It’s Helpful: With a focus on practical solutions, Tawwab’s advice is straightforward and compassionate, perfect for readers looking to embrace boundaries while remaining kind and empathetic.

3. "Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha" by Tara Brach

• Summary: While not solely about people-pleasing, "Radical Acceptance" dives into the root causes of self-doubt and insecurity, exploring how mindfulness and compassion can help us let go of the need for approval.

• Why It’s Helpful: Brach’s gentle approach to self-acceptance helps people-pleasers develop inner peace and confidence, laying a foundation for authentic interactions and emotional freedom.

4. "The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are" by Brené Brown

• Summary: Brown explores the ways in which our fear of imperfection fuels people-pleasing tendencies and keeps us from living wholeheartedly. Through research-backed insights, she empowers readers to embrace vulnerability and authenticity.

• Why It’s Helpful: This book encourages people-pleasers to let go of perfectionism and societal expectations, embracing a more grounded and self-compassionate way of living.

5. "Not Nice: Stop People-Pleasing, Staying Silent, & Feeling Guilty...And Start Speaking Up, Saying No, Asking Boldly, and Unapologetically Being Yourself" by Dr. Aziz Gazipura

• Summary: Dr. Gazipura’s book dives into why we fear being seen as “not nice” and how to stop letting that fear control our choices. With actionable exercises, it helps readers find their voice and develop assertiveness without sacrificing kindness.

• Why It’s Helpful: This book provides a clear roadmap to assertiveness while recognizing that kindness and authenticity can go hand-in-hand.