From Stress to Calm - A Mini Day Retreat Exploring Breathwork and Yin Yoga.

The workshop will be led by Susanna Edwards, the Founder of the School of Creative Wellness. Susanna is a highly qualified yoga teacher and certified breathwork coach with extensive experience in creating inclusive and supportive environments. Her teaching philosophy centers on moving from a place of stress and disconnection to one of calm, grounded presence, ensuring all participants feel safe, supported, and nurtured throughout the day.

Workshop Aims and Philosophy

This event is deliberately accessible to total beginners or those who wish to revisit the fundamentals of yoga and breathwork. It is suitable for all ages 15 and upwards.

The core aim of the workshop is to provide participants with insights and practical tools to instantly connect with their body and breath, empowering them to learn how to reliably move from stressed to calm using simple, effective techniques.

Key Focus: This is not a dynamic yoga day retreat. The entire focus is placed on self-compassion, self-care, and achieving a deeper connection to self. Participants will feel intensely supported and nurtured in a non-judgmental atmosphere, ensuring a truly restorative experience.

The Yoga Style (Yin Yoga): The physical practice will be simple and based around Yin Yoga. This deeply relaxing style involves long-hold, floor-based stretches. Participants use their breath and the gentle pull of gravity to safely access and release deep-seated tension in the connective tissues, promoting physical and mental stillness.

Key Benefits of Yoga and Breathwork

Integrating these two practices offers significant, immediate, and long-term benefits:

• Stress Reduction: Lowers cortisol levels and activates the body’s parasympathetic nervous system ("rest and digest").
• Improved Sleep Quality: Promotes mental quietness, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
• Enhanced Focus & Clarity: Techniques provide a mental pause, clearing the fog of an overactive mind.
• Increased Body Awareness: Deep listening helps participants identify and release physical tension often held unconsciously.
• Improved Mood Regulation: Simple breath techniques offer immediate tools to shift emotional states.
• Increased Flexibility: Yin Yoga targets joints and fascia, improving range of motion and joint health.

Structure of the Day (11:00 am – 15:00)

11:00 am

Welcome & Intention Setting

Introduction to the day, group welcome, and setting a gentle, self-compassionate intention.

11:15 am

Breathwork Fundamentals (Theory & Practice)

Simple, foundational breathwork practices focusing on moving out of fight-or-flight and into calm. Learn the science behind the breath-body connection.

12:15 pm

Nourishing Break & Community

A relaxed and social break. Guests will enjoy a healthy vegetarian Lunch . This time fosters the sense of community and wellness in the hotel's beautiful setting.

12:45 pm

Gentle Yin Yoga Practice

The main floor-based practice. Long, supported holds to gently access tension and promote release, guided by the breath. Focus is on feeling, not forcing.

02:15 pm

Deep Relaxation (Savasana) & Sound ( sound bath)

Extended guided relaxation to integrate the benefits of the practice.

02:45 pm

Closing & Takeaway Tools

Discussion, Q&A, and ensuring every participant leaves with a simple, practical 5-minute technique to use at home.

03:00 pm

Departure

Equipment

Each attendee is asked to bring a yoga mat, cushion and a blanket (if this is a problem please contact Susanna aW5mbyB8IHNjaG9vbG9mY3JlYXRpdmV3ZWxsbmVzcyAhIGxpdmU=). Other props will be provided and extra blankets but comfort is key and you can never have enough props!)

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Winchester, Workshops in Winchester.