Each week, Samantha Lewis shares her insights on various topics, from exploring new health trends to reimagining personal growth.
You’re left to freeze while everyone else is in Europe? This free at-home retreat is for you.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
It feels like every second person you know is currently in Europe.
Or Bali.
Or somewhere far away and warm, posting their fourth Aperol spritz of the week while you — yes, you — are doing your best just to get out of bed and remember where the car keys are.
I see you.
You’re in your dressing gown at 3pm because, hey, it classifies as loungewear.
You’ve boiled the kettle five times but haven’t managed to pour a single cup.
Your house feels cold, no matter how many layers you put on.
And forget “living your best life” — you’re just trying not to lose your mind before dinner.
It’s been winter.
It’s been school holidays.
It’s been expensive.
And while social media makes it look like everyone else is basking in the Mediterranean sun, some of us are just over here... coping.
Kind of.
But here’s the thing: you might not be able to book a luxury retreat right now.
That doesn’t mean you don’t deserve one — especially if you’re feeling flat, stretched or disconnected from yourself.
So I created something gentle.
Something free.
Something you can do in your own home, between school runs and soup on the stove.
It’s an ‘At-Home Winter Wellness Retreat’, and it’s a three-day guide to feeling a little more grounded, a little more human and a little less like running on survival mode.
It includes calming rituals, a warm drink recipe, a playlist and small ideas that fit inside a busy life.
Here’s a little taste of what’s inside — and how you can begin today.
Prepare your retreat space
This isn’t about having a Pinterest-worthy corner of your home.
It’s about intentionality.
Dim the lights.
Light a candle.
Tidy one surface that’s in your line of sight.
Let your space know: “I’m resting here.”
Tea ritual
This isn’t just “have a cuppa”.
It’s slowing down the entire process.
Boil the kettle.
Choose a favourite mug.
Stand while it steams.
Pick a cosy spot to sit and do absolutely nothing but hold and sip your drink.
Sip slowly — no multitasking.
Just you and the warmth.
Stand on the earth (grounding)
Even just for 60 seconds.
Take your shoes off.
Go out into the garden, the lawn, or the cold winter dirt and feel the earth under your feet.
It’s incredibly regulating for the nervous system.
Stay for a few deep breaths of crisp fresh air.
Bonus points for a quick little yoga flow.
Minimal movement
A two-minute movement flow can do wonders.
Stretch your arms overhead.
Hinge forward.
Let your hands touch the floor.
Or your shins.
Or just let your body move the way it wants to.
This isn’t exercise — it’s exhaling.
Use scent for support
No bath? No worries.
Add a few drops of essential oil to the shower floor before stepping in.
Eucalyptus.
Lavender.
Sandalwood.
Let the steam do the work.
No oils? A slice of lemon in hot water.
A cinnamon stick in the mug.
Scent can carry us home to ourselves.
Plan for spring
Sometimes the best way to feel alive in winter is to dream of what’s next.
Take 10 minutes to plan what you’d love to grow.
Look at which parts of your garden get the most sun.
Sketch a veggie patch or Google companion plants. (Basil and tomatoes? Best friends.)
Even the act of imagining growth is nourishing.
If gardening isn’t your thing, perhaps it’s a visit to your wardrobe? Pulling out a couple of your ‘between seasons’ pieces and get excited about wearing them in just a few weeks.
Reclaim the afternoon
Pop on a movie for the kids.
Put your phone in a drawer.
Tell the household: “I’m unavailable for the next hour.”
Then do what you need — bath, journal, nap, or just stare out the window.
This isn’t indulgence.
It’s maintenance.
Download your free ‘At-home Wellness Retreat’
If you’re craving warmth, calm, or a little bit of clarity this winter — I’ve made this retreat just for you.
Because you don’t need to be in Italy to return to yourself.
You just need a few minutes, a bit of quiet, and permission to pause.
Samantha