How do you plan a nature retreat for your team or clients?

Define the purpose of the retreat and establish a budget covering expenses such as accommodations, transportation, meals, and activities. Select a suitable location with outdoor amenities, considering factors like accessibility, weather, and available facilities. Plan a variety of activities including hiking, workshops, and team-building exercises, and create a balanced itinerary with structured and free time. Book accommodations and transportation, ensuring facilities meet the group's needs, and prepare necessary supplies like outdoor gear and first-aid kits. Communicate detailed information about the retreat schedule and logistics to participants, setting clear expectations for participation and behavior.

Natural environments have an evidence-based ability to empower people’s psychological wellbeing and physical relaxation. They promote mindfulness and restoration of mental functioning by inducing imagery and other primal affective experiences. These are useful ways to reduce stress, helping the healing mind to restore optimal executive functioning. Waterfalls, for example have been shown by Japanese researchers to reduce our stress level by having beneficial physiological effects on the prefrontal cortex and sympathetic nervous system. (Reference: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022. Dec 29;20(1):565.)

If you are looking for an antidote to the office environment and a space to bring remote teams together, choosing a place in nature has many benefits. A natural environment is good for your team’s well-being, provides space for people to think outside the box and inspires creativity and connection. There is many a time I have been struggling with a work challenge & have found the answers deep in the woods. A walk lets you connect with the natural space around and takes you away outside your head and lets you just be in the moment. Then all of a sudden a solution comes to me when I haven't been looking for it. Some how nature helps you find an answer and some of my best ideas have come a about from a walk in the woods.

Here's how: ???? 1. Set Clear Objectives: Define the goals of the retreat, such as team building or relaxation. ???? 2. Choose a Location: Select a peaceful and accessible natural setting. ????? 3. Plan Activities: Organize a mix of recreational and team-building activities. ??♂??? 4. Create an Itinerary: Schedule activities with ample downtime for relaxation. ?????? 5. Arrange Logistics: Handle transportation, accommodation, and meals. ??????? 6. Prepare Materials: Bring necessary supplies and equipment for activities. ????? 7. Communicate Details: Inform participants about the schedule, packing list, and any special instructions. ???? Use these steps to ensure a successful and rejuvenating nature retreat. ????♀??? #StressManagement

I often find that taking the time to do a survey or a listening session can be helpful to get an idea of the true pain points, challenges, and needs that your team or clients are facing. Using retreats to address and support a specific challenge makes the retreat feel more intentional, relevant, and purposeful. It can be easy to fall into the trap of having a retreat for the sake of relaxing, instead you can have your clients or team leave the retreat feeling relaxed AND having their problem solves or have tools/resources to better support them as they navigate the challenges they are facing.

I recently organized a retreat for a team of executives who were struggling with burnout and stress. We chose the theme of "Resilience in Nature" and set the purpose of teaching stress management techniques in a natural setting. This guided our choice of activities, which included mindfulness hikes, outdoor yoga sessions, and campfire discussions on building mental resilience. By focusing on a specific theme and purpose, we were able to create a cohesive and meaningful experience that addressed the group's needs. To reinforce the theme, we even gifted each participant a small potted plant at the end of the retreat as a symbol of their growth and resilience.

First thing that comes to mind with a nature retreat is the risk of "forced fun." A client told me about a CEO who loved volleyball and required the entire company to participate in an annual tournament, which many employees hated. It's important to consider that activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, and yoga can assume a lot about a person's physical capabilities and body privilege. To ensure an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone, make sure all activities are accessible and adaptable. Some participants might feel vulnerable or uncomfortable with a packed schedule of physical activities. Creating a balance that accommodates different levels of ability and comfort can make the retreat more welcoming for all.

When I organized a retreat for a group of my clients, I made sure to communicate clearly and frequently in the weeks leading up to the trip. I sent out detailed information about the schedule, accommodations, and what to pack, and I also gathered input on dietary restrictions and fitness levels to tailor the activities accordingly. During the retreat, I made a point to check in with each participant regularly, making sure they were comfortable and engaged. When one participant was struggling with a challenging hike, I adapted the route and paired them with a supportive buddy. After the retreat, I sent out a survey to gather feedback and used the insights to improve future retreats.

La exposición a entornos naturales reduce los niveles de cortisol, la hormona del estrés, y activa el sistema nervioso parasimpático, promoviendo la relajación. Además, mejora la función cognitiva al permitir que el cerebro descanse de la sobrecarga de estímulos urbanos, aumentando la capacidad de atención, memoria y creatividad. Actividades físicas al aire libre estimulan la liberación de endorfinas, serotonina y dopamina, las cuales mejoran el estado de ánimo y la sensación de bienestar. Estos cambios neurobiológicos subrayan la importancia de integrar la naturaleza en nuestras vidas para promover un bienestar integral.

One of my biggest insights about the benefits of time in nature happened when I was walking around a park with a lot of trees. I was thinking deeply about challenging issues and trying to solve them. All of the sudden I noticed the bird song all around me and I realized I hadn't heard it for the time I was walking because I was problem solving. I realized that the attention that led me to hearing the birds was a diffuse or open focus. I immediately felt less stressed and the bird song gave me a positive mood shift immediately. I wasn't really present to what was in the environment until I heard the bird song. It was not mindfulness in that I was not observing my thoughts I was freed from them to be present in the moment.

Planning a nature retreat involves setting clear objectives, choosing a serene location, and organizing engaging activities. ??????? Prepare a detailed itinerary, manage logistics, and communicate effectively with participants. These steps will help you create a memorable and rejuvenating experience. ??? For more tips, explore "The Nature Fix" by Florence Williams and "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer. ?? #TakeAction #TeamEngagement #NatureBenefits #StressManagement