Reflect, Recharge, and Reset: The Ultimate At-Home Retreat Guide for Women in Tech
Learn how to create an at-home retreat to reflect, recharge, and prepare for the year ahead. Perfect for women in tech and leaders ready to thrive!
Introduction
In the tech industry, busyness is often worn as a badge of honor. We pride ourselves on productivity and often talk about how many hours we’ve worked as if it’s a sign of success. But all too often, this constant hustle leaves us feeling burnt out—especially at this time of year. Between performance reviews, annual planning, and prepping for the holidays, it can feel like there’s barely time to catch your breath, let alone reflect on the year that’s passed.
That’s why it’s so important to carve out intentional time for yourself—not just to rest but to reflect on what you’ve accomplished, celebrate your wins, and plan for what’s next. This is the first blog in a 3-part series to help you wrap up the year with clarity and energy. In this post, I’ll share how you can create your own at-home retreat day to reflect, recharge, and set the stage for an amazing year ahead. The next two posts will dive into professional planning and personal goal-setting, but it all starts here—with taking some much-needed time for yourself.
Why Rest and Reflection Matter
In a world where there’s always more to do, it’s easy to feel like rest is a luxury we can’t afford. But the truth is, rest is a necessity—especially for leaders. Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint, and if we’re constantly running on empty, we’re not showing up as the best versions of ourselves. Rest allows us to recharge, lead with clarity, and be more present for our teams, families, and ourselves.
Taking time to reflect is equally important. It’s not just about setting new goals; it’s about recognizing how far you’ve come. Too often, we get so caught up in what’s next that we forget to celebrate our wins or learn from the challenges we’ve faced. Taking time to pause and ask, “What worked well? What am I proud of? And what lessons can I carry forward?” allows us to grow and set a strong foundation for what’s to come.
Overcoming Barriers to Prioritizing Rest
One of the biggest barriers to prioritizing rest and reflection is the feeling that there’s simply too much to do. It’s easy to get caught in the trap of thinking, “I can’t stop now; there’s so much on my plate.” But here’s the truth: there will always be more to do. The to-do list will never be empty, and that’s okay. What matters is recognizing that if we keep pushing without taking a break, we’ll eventually burn out—and that doesn’t serve anyone.
We need to remind ourselves that rest isn’t indulgent; it’s strategic. Rest isn’t indulgent; it’s strategic. A rested leader is a more productive, creative, and effective one. To overcome resistance, treat rest like any other priority: block it on your calendar as non-negotiable. Start small, even with just a few hours of downtime. Remember, rest isn’t about doing nothing; it’s about creating space to recharge and refocus so you can move forward with purpose.
Crafting Your At-Home (or Local) Retreat Day
Sometimes it’s hard to get away, but you don’t have to leave your home—or even your local area—to step out of your routine and focus on yourself. If you only have half a day, start there! If you have the time to stretch it into a multi-day experience, it can become even more transformative. Whether you stay home, explore your local area, or do a mix of both, the goal is to create intentional time for reflection, relaxation, and joy.
Start with Intention
Set the tone for your retreat by doing something symbolic to mark the start of your day. Light a candle, meditate, or move to a space in your home you don’t usually use. Create a cozy space at home with a new journal, some reflective music, and a soft blanket. If you’d prefer a change of scenery, head to a local coffee shop or a quiet park. These small shifts help signal that this is time for something different—dedicated solely to you.
Reflect on the Past Year
Use the first part of your retreat to reflect on the past year. Grab a journal and ask yourself:
- What wins am I most proud of?
- What goals from this last year did I accomplish?
- For the goals I didn’t accomplish, what held me back? Consider both limiting beliefs or energetics that kept you from progressing as well as practical considerations.
Don’t beat yourself up about what didn’t happen. Celebrate your accomplishments, learn from challenges, and embrace your growth.
Recharge with Restorative Activities
Take a break after reflecting and spend time on activities that nourish your body and soul. You could go for a walk in nature, enjoy an at-home spa day, or treat yourself to something indulgent like a massage. This time is about stepping out of productivity mode and simply enjoying the moment.
Plan for the Future
Once you’ve taken time to relax and recharge, shift your focus to envisioning the year ahead. Think about:
- What excites you personally and professionally.
- What goals you’d like to set for yourself.
- What vacations or trips you’d like to take (yes, let’s plan rest in!)
- What challenges or obstacles you might face and how to prepare for them.
Be sure to write your vision down and post it somewhere you will see on a regular basis. If you’re more visual, consider scheduling extra time to create a vision board that inspires you daily. Remember to also take time to break down your vision into goals and milestones along the way (we’ll cover this more in the next blog post).
End with Joy and Celebration
Conclude your retreat with something that brings you joy. Cook a favorite meal, play your favorite music, or treat yourself to an experience that feels celebratory. This is your time to honor yourself and end the day feeling recharged and ready for the year ahead.
Extend Your Retreat: Multi-Day Ideas
If you have more than one day to dedicate to your retreat, consider expanding it into a multi-day experience that includes hobbies or new adventures. Think about the activities you’ve always wanted to try but never had time for. Take inspiration from resources like Eventbrite, Meetup, or community calendars. Here are some ideas:
- Take a pottery or art class.
- Attend a wine-and-paint night for a mix of creativity and relaxation.
- Visit a local attraction to enjoy seasonal events like their holiday lights. (For Bay Area folks, Filoli or Vasona Park are great options.)
- Go for a hike and explore a new park.
- Try a sound bath or yoga session for deep relaxation.
- Pick up a book you’ve been wanting to dive into and give yourself uninterrupted time to enjoy it.
A Gentle Reminder
It’s okay if you feel a little antsy or restless at first—especially if you’re used to being “productive” all the time. The beauty of this retreat is in letting go, allowing your brain to rest and reset. By the end, you’ll not only feel more grounded but also more connected to your vision for the year ahead. By letting ourselves get “bored”, our creativity can flow!
Conclusion: The Power of Intentional Time
Taking time to rest and reflect is a critical part of thriving as a leader. By stepping out of your daily grind, you can reconnect with your accomplishments and set a powerful vision for the year ahead.
Now it’s your turn! Have you ever created a retreat day for yourself? Or are you inspired to try one after reading this? I’d love to hear your plans. Email me at team at (@) jossiehaines.com to share what you’re planning. Whether it’s a few hours of journaling and relaxation or a multi-day experience filled with creativity and joy, craft a retreat that is uniquely yours.
Remember, this is just the beginning of your end-of-year reset. In the next blog in this 3-part series, we’ll dive into planning for the new year from a professional perspective. We’ll explore how to set impactful leadership goals, align your career vision with your personal values, and take actionable steps to make 2025 your best year yet.
In Part 3, we’ll look at 4 actionable steps to seamlessly integrate personal development goals and growth plans into our busy lives. By building a solid foundation that supports both our career aspirations and personal well-being, we can lead more authentically and effectively.
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