It’s difficult to put into words the benefits of attending a retreat. Away from temptations and distractions, going on a yoga retreat offers you the space to connect with your mind, body and spirit and share new perspectives with other yogis too.

Here are some of the reasons why a retreat can cause such wonders and evolution in your personal, physical, and mystical development.

1. Retreats let you go deep into the movements of yoga

Secluded into nature, your mind becomes freed up from the distractions of daily life where you can fully immerse yourself in your practice. This lets your practice evolve rapidly.

You may feel the poses more poignantly than ever before on a yoga retreat, as your mind and body are much more able to connect. Once this happens, it’s possible that your yoga could transform entirely thanks to a happy kind of alchemy. Some describe yoga retreats as quantum leaps for your practice.

At the very least you’ll see a huge improvement in your flexibility, wellbeing, and fitness.

2. Retreats allow you to relax and rejuvenate

Retreats can sometimes require you to push your body, but at the same time you’re just as encouraged to relax and take the time you need to heal. Retreats provide the atmosphere you need to get away from it all and get back to yourself. Rekindling this relationship is a great way to reset the connections you feel with your soul and the world around you. There’s little on this earth that is as energizing as this feeling.

3. Retreats are a great site for a digital detox

Don’t worry, most don’t enforce this strictly. But one way to fully immerse into it with your entire body and soul is to unplug for a few days. Tell your loved ones and work colleagues where you’ll be, and tell them there will be limited reception. This way, your mind is completely free to explore your poses, yogic philosophy, and to connect with the people and space around you.

4. They give you the chance to break bad habits

More people than you think will happily attend a yoga class but find it hard to commit to a truly healthy lifestyle. A lot of the most addictive things are also the most detrimental to our bodies. All the knowledge in the world doesn’t always help you make the right decision, especially if your environment makes it feel impossible to start anew. Stressful work environments, unhealthy food everywhere you turn, and no time to take care of yourself means you can stagnate instead of evolving.

If you have been under the influence of habits that cause you and your body harm, a retreat can be a great option. The all new setting and environment of your retreat should come without the triggers that set off your toxic relationships or habits.

A retreat creates new pleasure cycles in your brain that let you discard any old ways of life that no longer do you good. It’s a chance to make some new, more positive habits.

5. There’s free time find yourself

You won’t always be on the mat or meditating. The instructors who have created your getaway know that yoga retreats can be lot to take in. Most are designed to give you some spare time to decompress and make connections with your fellow yogis. Some people in today’s busy modern world can be unaccustomed to having time to themselves, and may not know what to do with it!

Bring a notebook or some art supplies to take advantage of your increased creativity and surroundings. Making art and expressing yourself can help you to process and integrate what you learn on your time away.

6. It’s a chance to start healthy eating habits

Most retreats will encourage clean, minimal meals free of sugar and animal products. This is so that your body can process what it needs to get rid of without any added stress. Such stresses may be foods that are either difficult to digest, or foods that have other adverse effects on the body. Portion sizes are usually quite small. This isn’t to help you lose weight, but to help your internal organs reconnect, and to clear your mind. Your stomach can become distended and move your organs out of place if you regularly overeat.

Decreasing portion sizes can help it shift back to its normal size, and help your organs and chakras reconnect and realign. You may feel a little deprived, but the benefits are worth pushing through (and not sneaking in a supply of snacks!)