Mental Health Break at Fit Farm

Need a Mental Health Break? Maybe It’s Time to Retreat!

Rock Springs Retreat Center / July 29, 2022 / Anna Rutherford / 0
When we think of a fitness or weight loss retreat, the things that immediately come to mind are, “I’ll get in shape, I’ll eat better, and I’ll feel better physically”. But oftentimes, we overlook the mental health benefits of attending these retreats. Being physically healthy is incredibly important for our well-being but equally important is being mentally fit. It’s easy to get caught up in our everyday lives, especially with the ability to work from home nowadays. When we keep going at full force nonstop without taking mental breaks, the stress begins to pile up quickly, usually going unnoticed until we’ve been caught off guard. That’s when we’ve reached a point of exhaustion that has gradually grown beyond affecting us mentally but has now manifested itself physically, with side effects like fatigue, trouble sleeping, digestive problems, and so forth. It’s natural to be foaming at the mouth at just the thought of a vacation to get away from all these stressors. But before you go book a flight to Hawaii for a momentary escape, you may want to consider the long-term mental health benefits of attending a retreat.

Deciding If a Retreat is Right for You

Saying Goodbye and Leaving the Extra Weight Behind
As you begin your search for the right retreat, first you need to ask yourself what exactly it is you’re looking to get out of it. Are you looking for a mental reset, to get physically fit, to eat healthily, or all of the above? There are tons of retreats out there and no two are exactly alike. Review what each program offers to ensure you find the right one that has the tools you need to achieve your goals. Please note that if you’re currently suffering from a mental health condition, a medical professional should be your first step in achieving proper care before you attend any retreat.

One thing to be aware of is that although some retreats may classify themselves as a “mental health retreat”, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be working with someone who is a certified professional. If you’re looking for professional therapy sessions at a retreat, you’ll want to contact them to verify that there’ll be appropriately certified staff present during your stay. A good rule of thumb is to contact the retreat if you have any questions or concerns. They’ll be able to help you determine if they have what you’re looking for and whether or not they’ll be a good fit.

What Type of Retreat Should I look for?

Hiking with Fit Farm at Cumming Falls Middle TN
Just because you’re looking for a mental break doesn’t necessarily mean you have to attend a program labeled as a “mental health retreat”. As fitness and wellness retreats grow in popularity, so do the variations in the programming they provide. Some retreats are solely dedicated to changing your physical activity and calorie intake or building upon your already established workout routine. Others focus completely on slower movements with mindfulness through meditation, yoga, and spa treatments. Then, there are those that combine these aspects to achieve the balance of physical and mental health in both their programming and your overall results.

Believe it or not, fitness and food play a big role in your overall mental well-being. Being active not only improves your cardiovascular health but also improves your concentration and alertness and elevates your mood through released endorphins. According to Dr. Cora, fueling your body with nutritious meals reduces mood fluctuations and can help with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Pair these together and you have a powerful tool to take back your mental health!

How Can a Fitness or Weight Loss Retreat Help Improve My Mental Health?

Hay Bales are Fun
If you’re wondering how attending a fitness or weight loss retreat could possibly improve your mental state of mind, you aren’t the first to think that. At Fit Farm at Rock Springs, we help our guests learn how to fuel their body and mind properly to achieve both physical and mental health well-being through our fitness and weight loss retreats. Many guests on their initial visit are ready to make a change with their physical health as their top priority, but after completing the program, they realize that their mental health was also a major player in achieving a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Not only will your body transform by shedding pounds and building strength and endurance, but your mind will also go through a healthy transformation through the combination of fitness, healthy eating, and wellness classes. When you experience your body and mind responding to the program, you truly realize how much you needed a total reset.

Our program was designed specifically to improve our guests’ wellness by providing all of the necessary tools needed to allow them to achieve their goals. When you arrive on property your accommodations, meal plan, and classes are all taken care of so you can focus solely on yourself, allowing your mind to relax so you can sleep better, digest food better, think more clearly, and improve your mood, thus elevating your overall well-being. The staff cares about you and wants you to succeed both while you’re on the farm and back at home. When it comes time for you to continue your journey beyond Fit Farm at Rock Springs, you can rest easy knowing that our team will help you prepare so you can continue to thrive no matter where you may be.

Being surrounded by the beautiful rolling hills of Tennessee and like-minded guests is a wonderfully freeing feeling. Though Fit Farm at Rock Springs is not labeled as a mental health retreat with certified therapists onsite, you can be sure to expect a positive impact in all areas of your life including physical, emotional, and mental well-being. You are not alone in your journey. Check out our blog on how Fit Farm Alumni, Steve DeCaspers, overcame the challenges of balancing his professional career and his personal life after his first stay at Fit Farm.

If you’re ready for your reset, our team is here to help you achieve the balance you want to prosper and live your best life. Contact a member of the Fit Farm at Rock Springs team to learn more about the mental health benefits our retreats have to offer.
Take back your mental health today!