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How to Retreat: A Guide to Stepping Away from the Everyday to Find Space for Your Self
Find peace and reconnect with yourself by creating seasonal, solo retreats in everyday life for an hour, a day, or longer
Yoga overlooking pristine blue waters, hours of meditation, full-body detoxes—these are the commercialized images often associated with the word "retreat." The centuries-old practice of retreating, however, is rooted in a person’s inner life and belongs to everyone. In How to Retreat, you will discover that retreating is a lifelong process, something to build into your everyday life at home, that will allow you to find rest, solitude, inspiration, and strength through all of life's seasons.
Caroline Sylge, co-director of The Global Retreat Company, draws on thirty years of retreat experience to rediscover this practice as an accessible, personal experience that is available year-round. How to Retreat walks you through the months of the year to show you how to build retreats that last an hour, a day, or longer. Each month explores a theme connected to natural cycles of growth, rest, and transformation, and offers three options inspired by the techniques used in formal retreats but tweaked and tailored to fit into your everyday life. You are invited to follow the seasons chronologically, or dip in and out according to your needs.
Through personal experiences, expert insights, and journaling prompts, this book empowers you to discover a healing space of solitude and inspiration. Whether it’s resting deeply, cultivating creativity, discovering beauty, or building community, How to Retreat offers a practical yet flexible roadmap for restoration and rejuvenation
Yoga overlooking pristine blue waters, hours of meditation, full-body detoxes—these are the commercialized images often associated with the word "retreat." The centuries-old practice of retreating, however, is rooted in a person’s inner life and belongs to everyone. In How to Retreat, you will discover that retreating is a lifelong process, something to build into your everyday life at home, that will allow you to find rest, solitude, inspiration, and strength through all of life's seasons.
Caroline Sylge, co-director of The Global Retreat Company, draws on thirty years of retreat experience to rediscover this practice as an accessible, personal experience that is available year-round. How to Retreat walks you through the months of the year to show you how to build retreats that last an hour, a day, or longer. Each month explores a theme connected to natural cycles of growth, rest, and transformation, and offers three options inspired by the techniques used in formal retreats but tweaked and tailored to fit into your everyday life. You are invited to follow the seasons chronologically, or dip in and out according to your needs.
Through personal experiences, expert insights, and journaling prompts, this book empowers you to discover a healing space of solitude and inspiration. Whether it’s resting deeply, cultivating creativity, discovering beauty, or building community, How to Retreat offers a practical yet flexible roadmap for restoration and rejuvenation
288 pages, Hardcover
Published March 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 6, 2026
This book really made me see that I don’t have to feel so guilty about taking time out for myself. Whether it’s being creative with art, reading a book, we’re spending time in nature, I can consider it a retreat and it’s a form of self-care. I love how this book motivated me to retreat whether it’s for an hour, a day, or even longer.
March 24, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a lovely read.
How to Retreat is gentle, thoughtful, and quietly grounding. It’s clearly structured in a way that helps you reflect, explore, and plan, but never feels overwhelming or prescriptive.
I found myself dipping in and out of it, returning to different sections depending on what I needed. It feels like a book you can come back to over time, rather than something to finish and put down.
There’s a softness to the writing that I really appreciated ; it feels compassionate, spacious, and genuinely supportive. Practical, but in a way that invites rather than instructs.
It also left me feeling inspired creatively. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to sit with your own thoughts a little longer, or even create something of your own.
A really enjoyable, thought-provoking read that I can see myself returning to.
This was such a lovely read.
How to Retreat is gentle, thoughtful, and quietly grounding. It’s clearly structured in a way that helps you reflect, explore, and plan, but never feels overwhelming or prescriptive.
I found myself dipping in and out of it, returning to different sections depending on what I needed. It feels like a book you can come back to over time, rather than something to finish and put down.
There’s a softness to the writing that I really appreciated ; it feels compassionate, spacious, and genuinely supportive. Practical, but in a way that invites rather than instructs.
It also left me feeling inspired creatively. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to sit with your own thoughts a little longer, or even create something of your own.
A really enjoyable, thought-provoking read that I can see myself returning to.
June 18, 2026
March 2026 Nonfiction
I found this book at Bobzbay Books in Bloomington, IL. It wasn't on my list before, but it definitely caught my eye enough to purchase it. Initially, I thought it would be heavily based on self-care routines, self-love escapes, etc. Honestly, I'm not sure how I would classify this book. Listening to the audiobook, it seemed as if the author lived a very carefree, flowing way of life. I wouldn't say I hated it. It was very calming and insightful to read. However, many of the subjects didn't seem realistic in my everyday life. I would recommend it, though! Again, a very insightful and calming book. There is something for everyone to take away.
I found this book at Bobzbay Books in Bloomington, IL. It wasn't on my list before, but it definitely caught my eye enough to purchase it. Initially, I thought it would be heavily based on self-care routines, self-love escapes, etc. Honestly, I'm not sure how I would classify this book. Listening to the audiobook, it seemed as if the author lived a very carefree, flowing way of life. I wouldn't say I hated it. It was very calming and insightful to read. However, many of the subjects didn't seem realistic in my everyday life. I would recommend it, though! Again, a very insightful and calming book. There is something for everyone to take away.
July 10, 2026
A huge thank you to Rodale, Penguin Random House, and Goodreads for this giveaway win. All opinions are my own. I went into How to Retreat expecting a cozy collection of self care rituals, homemade body scrubs, and spa day inspiration. Instead, I found a thoughtful guide that focuses more on reconnecting with yourself and figuring out what brings you joy. The book includes practical exercises that encourage you to declutter your space, move your body, and reflect on the life you want to create. It was not the relaxing spa escape I had pictured, but I ended up appreciating the deeper approach. If you are looking for a book that helps you build a stronger relationship with yourself instead of simply pampering yourself, this is well worth picking up.
April 4, 2026
A book on finding time to find space for yourself .
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews