I belong to the Kikuyu tribe of Kenya. A popular wise saying is, “guuthii kuingi, kumenya kuingi.” It translates, “to go much is to know much.” I get to get away for a girls’ annual getaway for a few days. I look forward to it every year. I love beautiful places, especially if natural water is involved. From a very young age, my father invested in getaways, even when he didn’t have much money. In his old age he told fabulous tales of his travels around the world. He frequently sang, “whatever you have to do, do today. Tomorrow may not come.”

Life in the 21st century can feel like a relentless treadmill, demanding constant attention, productivity, and connectivity. The pervasive stress of work, daily responsibilities, and an always-on digital world can lead to fatigue, irritability, low productivity, and a general sense of being uninspired. In this demanding environment, the act of “getting away regularly to refresh your soul” transcends mere luxury; it becomes a fundamental necessity for maintaining holistic well-being. Research shows that women who vacation at least twice a year have a significantly lower risk of developing coronary heart disease or heart attack compared to those who traveled once every six years. Regular retreats, whether they are grand adventures or simple staycations, offer a profound opportunity to disconnect, recharge, and rediscover oneself and others, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and productive life. For these reasons, retreats are an integral part of self-leadership.

Health benefits of retreats abound. Beyond stress relief, regular getaways significantly boost mental and physical health. Vacations give you a better outlook on life, increase motivation, and improve mood. Even the simple act of planning a vacation can boost happiness for up to eight weeks before the trip. After a vacation, improvements in physical complaints, quality of sleep, and mood have been observed, with these gains sometimes lasting for weeks.

Part of your personal transformation entails restful play. Make it part of your legacy. Here are some pointers:
1. Take the initiative. Don’t wait for it to just happen.
2. Invest in a friendship that shares this value.
3. If you can’t find someone to go with you, go alone. Call it your spiritual retreat and get away with God. You will be amazed what a good time might await you. Furthermore, it boosts your self-confident and your sense of curiosity. Additionally, who knows who you might meet?
4. Plan well in advance. Time fills up fast. Pick a set time, such as the third weekend in January so everyone knows in advance and can block their calendars.
5. This does not need to be an expensive or arduous undertaking. Your soul is greatly rejuvenated when you have a retreat. My girlfriends and I take turns visiting each other’s homes.
6. Choose a place away from home if you can. A change in environment does wonders for the psyche.
7. Allocate a theme – gardening, country, music, etc. – and build around that.
8. Travelling around the world is becoming increasingly complicated. There may never be an easier or safer time to travel than now. What are you waiting for?

The consistent integration of “getting away” into our lives is not an indulgence but a vital practice for soul refreshment. It is a powerful antidote to the stresses of modern living, offering profound benefits for our mental, physical, and emotional health, enriching our relationships, and enhancing our professional lives. Prioritize these regular retreats and invest in your overall well-being. This allows you to return to your daily lives with renewed purpose, greater resilience, and a deeper appreciation for the journey. In your later years, you likely will not regret it. Do yourself a favor and get away! Go much and know much!

CTA:

1. Share a favorite memory of getting away?
2. Where is your favorite place to getaway to?
3. Where would you like to go next?
4. What can you start doing to get that getaway underway?