Things To Know Before Yoga Retreat In India
In today’s highly advanced world where modern lifestyle and innovations are all we talk about, the importance of healthy living has degraded a lot. From our eating habits to sleep patterns, everything has become chaotic and changed drastically, which consequently, has affected our mind, body, and soul in an unpleasant way. And this is where yoga retreats come into the picture. Today, yoga has become a global phenomenon and has been accepted with open arms.
Though it originated in India thousands of years ago, it has spread across different nations and continents purely on account of its healing power. It is because of yoga retreats people have been motivated to the core to lead a healthy lifestyle. The number of yoga enthusiasts is rising like never before. It is growing exponentially and thousands of people inspired by yogic lifestyle and philosophy are visiting India every year to disconnect from the outer world to connect to the inner self.
Are you also looking forward to venturing off on a yoga journey at a yoga retreat in India? Well, here are certain things you must know about yoga and yoga retreats.
What is Yoga?
Generally, yoga has been defined as a set of physical and mental exercises to keep oneself healthy and fit and to create a balance between mind and body. As per Hindu philosophy, it aims at uniting the inner self with the consciousness of the universe.
Yoga has a history of about 3000 years as it was mentioned for the first time in the cultural Hindu text of Rigveda. Today, yoga is practised across different countries by different communities. It is a perfect way to soothe your mind and bring relaxation to the body. Yoga asanas involve physical exercises and breathwork and have been proven effective in creating balance in life and curing several diseases.
Benefits of Yoga
You can enrol in a transformation program in a yoga retreat in India to enjoy the following benefits:
- Yoga helps in providing strength, balance, and flexibility to the mind and body
- It improves mental health by relieving stress, tension, and depression
- Reduces anxiety and improves the quality of life
- Boosts self-confidence and improves sleep patterns and dietary habits
- Yoga asanas help in creating a balance in the body and cures several disorders and illness
- Burns excessive fat and keeps your physique well-maintained
- Sharpens concentration, boosts immunity, and improves heart conditions
- Opens up your mind and provides clarity
- Gives emotional stability, awakens your spiritually, and provides intense energy in life
Things to Keep In Mind Before a Yoga Retreat In India
Prepare Yourself Mentally as well as Physically
Of course, the first and foremost thing is to prepare yourself physically as well as mentally. Make sure your mind and body are ready to do all kinds of exercises. Make sure you are fit enough to pull it off.
Yoga is a Spiritual Process
Yes! Yoga is a spiritual process along with physical progress. It is the activity wherein you train your mind as well as body to keep them fit and fine. And along with that, you understand the philosophy of life and try to unite with the universe.
Yoga isn’t Difficult to Learn
Anyone and everyone can learn yoga provided they do not have any physical or mental issues. Even if you have physical problems, you can try the meditation method and other breathwork training. Hence, it can be said that yoga isn’t difficult at all to learn.
Dress Conveniently
While staying at any ashram for yoga school, make sure to dress conservatively. Other than yoga clothing, make sure your body isn’t exposed and is covered in decent clothes. Also, wear comfortable clothes to make your body feel relaxed.
Be Prepared to Go Vegetarian
If you are a hardcore non-veg eater, then you have got to restrict yourself as at most of the yoga retreats in India, you would be given pure vegetarian food. Hence, make sure you are prepared to eat veg food for a while.
Plan According to Weather
If you are planning to visit Rishikesh, then you can go on a yoga retreat during the months between September and April. If you want to go to beach places like Trivandrum in Kerala and Goa, then the best time to visit them is from November until the end of March.
Choose Yoga Centre Wisely
Yes! Do not simply choose your yoga centre, whether you are looking for it in Rishikesh or Kerala. Go on the internet and read about yoga schools, their reviews, and every other thing that would be helpful to you.
What to Pack For a Yoga Retreat In India?
- Yoga clothing
- Yoga mat
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Towel
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- First-aid Kit
- Footwear
- Travel documents and papers
- Identity cards
- Journal (to make important notes)
- Yoga books (to learn in detail about yoga)
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses
- Mobile Phone and charger
- Other personal items
Best Destinations for Yoga Retreats In India
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is called the yoga capital of the world and hence, a yoga retreat in Rishikesh is a must for all the enthusiasts out there. Nestled by the foothills of the Himalayas and spread on the banks of the holy river Ganga, Rishikesh is a peaceful town blessed with lush greenery, natural wonders, and divine temples.
Kerala
Kerala is the birthplace of the age-old science of Ayurveda and is also one of the most loved yoga destinations. Enrol in the best yoga retreat in Kerala and get ready to transform your mind and body. Kerala is all about heavenly nature and beautiful culture.
Also Read: Best Workout Routine For Your Fitness
Goa
Though famous as the party destination of India, Goa is equally popular for its yoga retreats. Perform yoga asanas by the beach and get guided by world-renowned yoga gurus and spiritual teachers.
Mysore
You can plan to visit Mysore as it is where you would find the best of Ashtanga Yoga schools. Mysore is also a culturally and historically rich city with a history of thousands of years.
