The older we get, the more we tend to think about keeping, or getting, our bodies in shape. Our mortality becomes more obvious every day as we feel aches and pains we’ve never felt before.

We begin to think about how healthy we’ll be as we age, hoping we’ll be well enough to take care of ourselves.

Middle age is often when many of us start to get these realizations. As young adults, we probably felt pretty invincible. But with those days behind us, it’s time to really focus on getting and staying well.

Wellness encompasses a number of aspects in our daily lives. Most obvious is our physical appearance. We want toned legs, abs, and arms. We notice the cellulite, love handles, and double chins. But wellness is more than just how we look. It’s how we feel. Are we out of breath when we climb a flight of stairs? Can we play tag with our children? Are we tired when we wake up in morning? Can we sleep well at night? These are all indicative of how well we actually are.

Wellness is also how we feel emotionally. Are we feeling out of control, overwhelmed, or anxious most of the time? How do we react to normal, everyday stressors? Do we find things to laugh about daily, do we enjoy little things, and can we feel comfortable in our own skin?

Another aspect of wellness is our relationship with others. Whether we live alone or with a family of ten, how do we relate to people in the world around us? Are we agitated by normal human interactions or do we accept others? Do we argue a lot or hide away from people?

And how do we feel about ourselves? Are we constantly reinventing or searching for ourselves, or have we determined who we are, understanding our inner beings? With all those facets to wellness, how can we work toward being our best selves?

One of the best ways to take a good look within is to take a step away from the world, while still being connected to it. A vacation is a great way, but taking it a bit further, a yoga or wellness retreat is an ideal way to make huge leaps in self growth.

What exactly is a yoga retreat? It’s a place to stop time and listen to your inner voice. And it’s more than just yoga. It’s a wellness retreat. But really, what is it?

A full-service wellness retreat will include:

● Healthy meals served three times a day, taking into account special health-related concerns, balanced diets, and caloric requirements. Some resorts will focus on certain health trends like detoxing or weight loss.

● Spas, complete with soothing saunas, massage therapy, skin treatments, and other therapeutic treatments. Some will be holistic with non-traditional experiences, while others will consist of more western medicine and therapy.

● Peaceful surroundings, whether it’s a desert oasis, a mountain vista, or a relaxing beach setting. There are countless beautiful resorts around the world.

● Yoga classes in one or more of several types of yoga styles.

● Excursions to try new activities like scuba diving, canoeing, fishing, bird watching, or hot air ballooning. The sky’s the limit!

● Well-trained instructors, doctors, and therapists, helping you work on wellness physically, mentally, and spiritually.

● Various fitness classes, from aerobics to team sports to swimming.

● Like-minded seekers of health, giving you the chance to connect with others and make new friends.

What you can expect depends on the retreat you’ve selected. Some retreats are highly structured, with planned activities every minute of every day, each geared toward a certain aspect of wellness and health. You may start the day off with an hour of yoga, a healthy breakfast, classes with healers, and continue the day knowing exactly where you’ll be every moment.

Other retreats will allow you more autonomy, giving you time to choose how you want to rejuvenate and reconnect with yourself. You’ll have time to explore the local town, relax in the pool, or order healthy meals delivered right to your room.

When you get the urge to explore the depths of your inner and outer health and wellness, take some time to research vacation packages at some of the world’s best wellness retreats.

Budgets vary, but you’re sure to find something that works, even if it’s only for a day or two. Our lives our finite, but our health can always be just a little bit better than it is. You owe to yourself to push for the healthiest you.

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Emily Hunter crafts content on behalf of Samahita Retreat, a health and wellness retreat located in KohSamui, Thailand. In her spare time, she cheers for Spirit of Atlanta, Carolina Crown and Phantom Regiment, creates her own sodas, and crushes tower defense games. Follow her on Twitter at @Emily2Zen