Why We Chose to Slow Down This Spring

On Sunday, Mum (Karen), my sister (Amey), and I spent a half day at a mini wellness and yoga retreat with Relax with Jax, centred around the theme The Essence of Spring—welcoming new beginnings, renewal, and fresh energy. The retreat was held in a beautiful, tucked‑away setting in Winford, surrounded by open countryside. As we arrived, we were greeted by crisp fresh air, birdsong, and wide green grounds that immediately encouraged us to slow down and breathe a little deeper.

We began the day in a bright and inviting yoga and meditation room, flooded with natural light from large windows that looked out onto the gardens. The space felt warm and peaceful, with soft colours, gentle scents, and a quiet stillness that helped us leave the outside world behind. We started with grounding breathwork and a guided meditation, allowing our minds to settle before moving into a gentle but energising Vinyasa yoga flow. The practice felt perfectly in tune with the season—steady, fluid movements that helped shake off lingering winter heaviness and invite in a sense of lightness and growth.

After the morning session, we gathered for lunch prepared by Jax’s husband, Sam. The food was simple, wholesome, and comforting: a hearty bean stew topped with creamy feta, served alongside crusty bread, cheese, crackers, and chutney. The warmth of the meal, the rich flavours, and the relaxed conversation made it feel nourishing in every sense—not just physically, but emotionally too.

Following lunch, we spent time enjoying the spa facilities. Moving between the heat of the sauna, the invigorating shock of the cold plunge, and the soothing bubbles of the hot tub was both revitalising and deeply relaxing. Steam rose into the air, muscles softened, and time seemed to slow as we allowed ourselves to fully rest and enjoy the experience.

We then returned to the yoga and meditation room for the final part of the day. This session began with Yin yoga—a slower, more introspective practice where poses are held for longer, allowing for deep stretches and stillness. We finished with Yoga Nidra, a guided relaxation that brought the retreat to a gentle close. Wrapped in quiet calm, we left feeling grounded, rested, and incredibly peaceful.

Experiences like this retreat are so important, especially in the busyness of everyday life. Taking intentional time to pause, move gently, eat well, and reconnect—with ourselves and with each other—creates space for both mental and physical restoration. The theme of spring felt particularly meaningful, reminding us that we’re always allowed to begin again, to reset our energy, and to nurture ourselves with care. Sharing this day with Mum and Amey made it even more special, and we left feeling refreshed, connected, and grateful for the time spent together.