How To Take An Introvert Retreat
How To Take An Introvert Retreat
In an attempt at generous self care, I’ve started going on what I call “introvert retreats.” I did it for the first time early last year and it was so delightful I vowed to do it again in 2020. I even made it one of my goals for the year to go on two introvert retreats.
Well, then COVID hit and it made things a bit more complicated, but I finally went on another introvert retreat last month and it was even better than the first one!
Both times when I’ve shared about it on Instagram I’ve gotten tons of comments from people about wanting to do it too or asking for more details. So I wanted to dedicate an episode to it! So let’s talk about what it is, how to make it happen, and what to do on your own introvert retreat.
What is an introvert retreat?
I made the term and these rules up, but basically an introvert retreat is a time for someone who thrives on and enjoys alone time to actually go and be alone to recharge for at least 24 hours. Ideally, it involves going away somewhere besides home.
How to make an introvert retreat happen
I think the most important thing in coordinating all the details of making it actually happen is deciding that it’s okay for you to take this time for yourself.
Both times I’ve gone, I have felt a little ridiculous about it and thought things like, “Come on. You don’t really need to do this.” Or, “Isn’t this going a little overboard?”
But when I finally convinced myself that not only was it okay, but it was a really good and healthy thing for me to do, I was able to set aside any guilt and just treat myself to two nights away in a hotel.
Ideally, your spouse won’t have a problem with it -- I’m super lucky that Kenny totally gets it and supports my alone time 100%. But if your spouse isn’t happy about it, maybe you can make a trade you both feel good about. We do this all the time for other things!
Can he go on a guilt-free hunting trip for a weekend? Play video games all night without getting side-eye? Buy himself something fun he’s had his eye on that you aren’t crazy about?
Once the idea is settled, all you have to do is decide when and where.
Both times I have found a good deal for a nearby hotel but you could go to a family member’s cabin, find an AirBnb, house-sit for someone on vacation, or even tell all your family members to go somewhere for the night so you can have the house to yourself. Or if you have money to blow and want to REALLY treat yourself, buy a plane ticket somewhere exciting. ;)
Pro-tip: Book that hotel right away or else you’ll justify not going sometime between now and then!
Don’t have any time to spare? You might want to check out our Time Management Guide For Creative Moms so you can start managing your time like a pro and even find time to take an introvert retreat!
What to do on your introvert retreat
Now we’re getting to the good stuff! What do you want to actually DO on your introvert retreat?!
Start dreaming up all the things that would be fun to spend that time doing. It can be anything, but here are some ideas:
Read an entire book
Start a new project
Have a goal-setting and planning marathon
Catch up on work
Sleep in
Watch as many episodes of your favorite show as you want
Bring any supplies needed and do something creative you love
Work on a quilt, cross-stich or project you’ve been wanting to finish
Shop for new clothes
Order room service
Get a massage
Organize something
Dream up a new business plan and get it started
Wander through bookstores for as long as you want
Wander through the nearest Target
Try out a nearby bakery
Get started on a writing project you’ve been talking about doing
Write a few chapters of a book you’ve always wanted to write
Take really long baths
Work on a family photo book
What sounds fun to you? How could you be outrageously good to yourself?
You might just want to jot down a list of all the fun things and then pick one or two that stick out to you the most.
What would be generous self care for you?
I hope this inspires you to think about either taking an introvert retreat yourself or doing something else that feels more like generous self care to you.
It’s not about being selfish, but about showing yourself that YOU MATTER TOO. Your needs are also a priority and it’s not ridiculous or over the top to treat yourself to something like this. The benefits far outweigh the inconvenience of it.
And best of all, when you come back, everyone REALLY appreciates having you around again. ;)
I hope that you will do something generous for yourself very soon!
- Kristin
Want to listen in on our conversation?
Click below or on apple podcasts & choose episode 136 to listen to the full podcast episode.
You can also search The Progress Project on any podcast app including Spotify!
Podcast Ep. 136 How To Take An Introvert Retreat
Today we're talking about how to take an introvert retreat! Never heard of it? That's because we made it up! An introvert retreat is a time for someone who thrives on and enjoys alone time to actually go and be alone to recharge for at least 24 hours.
Listen in to learn:
Why an introvert retreat can be so beneficial
How to make taking time away a priority
What to actually DO on your introvert retreat
Links Mentioned
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