Simone's story: yoga retreat and reconnection
Simone is a young adult carer, supporting her sister who has Spina Bifida and experiences mental health challenges. Alongside this, she also helps her parents care for her elderly grandparent who lives nearby. Balancing her caring responsibilities with studying means life can often feel busy, demanding and overwhelming.
As the pressures of caring and studying continued to build, Simone found herself feeling increasingly tired and drained. Recognising the need to take some time for herself, she applied for a Time to Live microgrant to access a short break that would support her wellbeing.
Following a successful application, Simone used her microgrant to book a place on a weekend yoga retreat and purchase a yoga mat. Knowing that a friend was also attending gave her additional confidence and support, allowing her to fully embrace the experience.
Set in a peaceful location, the retreat provided Simone with the opportunity to step away from her daily responsibilities and focus entirely on her own wellbeing. Through yoga practice, relaxation, nourishing food and time to walk and read, she was able to recharge both physically and emotionally.
"It was wonderful to have the opportunity to experience the yoga retreat. The setting was beautiful and I could immerse myself in the yoga practice and relaxation, enjoy lovely food, and have time to walk and read too. It was all very relaxing and just what I needed."
The retreat offered more than just a weekend away: it gave Simone valuable space to reflect, reconnect with herself and prioritise self-care. The yoga retreat provided Simone with a meaningful break from her caring responsibilities and studies, helping her return feeling refreshed, energised and better able to maintain balance in her busy life. Through the support of the Time to Live microgrant, she was able to invest in her own wellbeing and experience the benefits that taking time for herself can bring.
Find out more about Time to Live here.
Simone said
"It has been difficult to connect with myself in ways that explore gratitude and kindness, alongside feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Doing this and reconnecting with myself and others was an amazing experience."