What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind) for a Nervous System-Friendly Retreat
Hint: it’s not all yoga pants and essential oils.
If you’ve ever packed for a wellness retreat and ended up with half a suitcase of stuff you didn’t use — or worse, the low-key guilt that you should be journaling more, stretching more, meditating harder — this post is for you.
When I design retreats, especially in Kalymnos, they’re built with one goal in mind: nervous system regulation. That means slowing down, coming back into your body, and giving yourself permission to be instead of constantly do.
So, let’s talk about what actually helps support that kind of experience — and what quietly sabotages it.
✅ What to Pack
1. Clothes You Can Move and Lounge In
Think soft layers, breathable fabrics, and pieces that transition from morning yoga to seaside taverna. If you wouldn’t nap in it or hike in it — maybe leave it home.
Bring:
2–3 comfy yoga sets or activewear
A cozy sweater or wrap for evenings
Something flowy and fun for community dinners
A swimsuit (or two)
Lightweight hiking shoes or trail sandals
2. Journal + Pen (No Pressure Edition)
Yes, bring the journal. But don’t bring the pressure to fill every page. You might write one word, or ten pages. Both are fine. The point is to have space, not produce a self-help manifesto.
3. Breath-Friendly Props
If you’re doing breathwork or nervous system practices, a scarf or eye pillow, and maybe a tennis ball for somatic release, can make your experience more supportive. Bonus if you pack a small towel for outdoor sessions.
4. Your Favorite Grounding Tools
Bring what actually soothes you. That could be:
A herbal tea you love
A familiar scent (lavender, eucalyptus, maybe not patchouli, no offense)
A small object from home that makes you feel safe or centered
5. A Willingness to Take Up Space
Not literal space (though hey, stretch out during savasana). But the space to feel your feelings, take your time, connect deeply, or step back when needed. That’s part of the packing list — and it weighs nothing.
🚫 What to Leave Behind
1. The Hustle Mindset
You’re not here to maximize productivity. There’s no prize for “best retreat participant.” You don’t need to do every hike, share every journal entry, or master every pose. Presence > performance.
2. Your Inbox
Do what you need to do ahead of time so you can actually disconnect. Put up the auto-responder. Trust the world won’t collapse. Let yourself go off-grid — or at least, into airplane mode.
3. The “Fix Me” Energy
You’re not broken. You don’t need to be patched up, optimized, or rebranded. This retreat is not a self-improvement project — it’s a re-connection. Come as you are. Let that be enough.
4. Too Many Expectations
Pack curiosity. Pack softness. Pack an openness to be surprised. But leave behind the idea that this retreat has to be perfect or life-changing or Insta-worthy to be meaningful.
Final Thought:
Packing for a nervous system-friendly retreat is less about what you bring, and more about what you allow. Space. Stillness. Permission. Those don’t come from a packing list — they come from you choosing to show up with less pressure and more presence.
Want to come with me to Kalymnos in 2026?
Retreat spots are already moving, and I’d love to have you join us. Sign up for my newsletter to get on the early interest list and be the first to know when spots open.
