Welcome to the unfun retreat where less is more

​Luxury, indulgence, immediately satisfying every need and want - these are all must-haves when it comes to a holiday. Or so you might think.​

However, in an era of self-improvement surrounded by a world of excess, deprivation might be what you need. It can seem somewhat ironic - paying money to have or do less, but taking out noise, food, or comfort might leave room for something better (that’s the idea anyway).

While science can’t vouch for all the claimed benefits, there is some evidence that a moment of discomfort can result in, well, results, whether that be more confidence, detoxification or meaningful relaxation.

If you’re looking for a challenge in the new year, here are some retreats and camps geared toward taking something away:

Āio Wīra is a retreat centre in Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges that specialises in fasting retreats. The retreats range from three to 10 days of juice only, and start at $795.

Some participants opt to do a day or two of a water-only fast, says Diana Davies, a nurse, naturopath, and fasting retreat facilitator. Many people come because they want to stop and kickstart a new habit, she says.

“The most common thing people say is they want to rest. ‘Look, I’ve been bingeing. I’ve been drinking too much. I’ve been eating crap. I just need to stop and give my body a rest'."

The retreat is surrounded by bush and bird life. In lieu of lavish meals, participants can expect organic fruit and vegetable juice with a broth in the evening. There are also massage, yoga, and meditation options.

To lessen the intensity of the juice fast, Davies recommends participants prepare for the fast in the days before the retreat by reducing or cutting out meat, alcohol and caffeine, while reducing the portion size of meals.

“Coffee headaches are the biggest thing people complain about. They stop the coffee, and boom, here comes the headache.”

Davies reminds those who are struggling that it is a sign that their body is dealing with something and that they will feel better on the other side.

“Fasting has been going on for thousands of years...”

Davies has only had one person who attended a fasting retreat and said he adamantly hated it.

“It's not for everyone, but it's for a lot of people.”

What does science say: There is limited evidence that juice fasts aid in detoxing the body, which already has its own inbuilt detox systems, according to Healthline. It can result in weight loss, but also uncomfortable symptoms like brain fog and irritability.

However, multiday water-only fasts can lead to a process known as autophagy when our glucose stores run out, and we start burning body fat for energy, according to Dr David Moreau, from the University of Auckland’s Brain Dynamics Lab. In autophagy, our cells divide more slowly and go into a self-cleaning mode, “which is potentially important to prevent things like cancer or other diseases,” he says.

However, a juice fast often feeds the body too many calories for it to reach the autophagy phase. Pregnant women, those with a history of eating disorders and those with type 1 diabetes or a low Body Mass Index (BMI) should not consider fasting, Moreau adds.

The Sister Everlyn Retreat House in Christchurch hosts regular seven-day silent retreats. The organisation was established by an Anglican nun, and many who attend retreats do believe in God, but not all of them do, says Antje Duda, the house’s director.

“A lot of people come, they just need rest, and when you come onto our porch, the whole space breathes peace in a way.”

A seven-day retreat costs $880 with shared accommodation and meals provided. The house is located in an extensive garden and near a surf beach. There is a chapel on site for prayer and contemplation.

The second day can be challenging as participants adjust to a new rhythm of silence, and by the third day, they have typically found their groove, says Duda.

“You know, people look at each other, they understand without words. You don't have to talk. At the end, they know each other quite well, even though they haven't talked."

The retreats are guided, which means participants do a verbal check-in with the retreat's spiritual director each evening so they can process what they have experienced that day and throughout their week. Those check-ins are important to flag those who might be struggling, although the retreat is not equipped to deal with a mental health crisis, says Duda.

“Spiritual direction is not counselling, and it's basically a space to process faith in any way.”

What does science say: Psychology Professor Julia Rucklidge from the University of Canterbury says there is evidence that at least meditative retreats can be positive. She pointed to a 2017 examination of data from numerous studies, which found that meditation retreats had a positive impact on reducing depression, anxiety, and stress while improving the quality of life for participants.

“However, I can’t determine specifically whether these meditation retreats were fully silent, and it is really hard to control for all the other influences on wellbeing that happen – like the amazing food you would typically get in a retreat setting, the switching off from phones, the immersion in nature, etc.

“These other factors outside of the silence will also influence outcomes.”

One caveat that Rucklidge adds is that silent retreats might not be helpful to everyone, including vulnerable individuals who might experience a resurfacing of past trauma.

SOS Survival Training, based in west Auckland on a 1000 acre block of land, puts participants into realistic survival scenarios - lost in the bush overnight, an aviation incident or being stranded at sea. The courses are "a detox from the overstimulated world that we live in," says Stu Gilbert, a former instructor with the Royal New Zealand Air Force who is behind SOS Survival Training.

When comfort and technology are removed, participants find a "focus to rediscover resourcefulness and build their confidence," he says.

"Most people think survival is about physical skills, but often the real transformation occurs when people's backs are against the wall," he says.

While the courses aren’t all designed to test toughness, you’re not exactly comfortable. In the intermediate bushcraft training program, which costs $280, participants are expected to build their own shelter and keep a fire lit throughout the night, all with minimal equipment (no matches and definitely no firestarters). Those with some experience in bushcraft can go on a solo overnight trip.

​The courses are designed to impart survival skills while building confidence, according to the SOS Survival Training website.

What does science say: Not all adventure is good adventure, says Susan Houge Mackenzie, an associate professor of tourism at the University of Otago. However, when it is done well and the situations are not too challenging or scary, participants can experience personal growth, including developing resilience.

“There's a theory that I work with a lot, self-determination theory, and it says we have those three basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness.”

“And so I'd say if these experiences help fulfill those needs, then they can absolutely lead to all sorts of positive personal growth outcomes.”

Research also suggests that being outdoors “gives us a broader perspective of being part of something larger than ourselves...” says Mackenzie.

Green and blue spaces - that’s science speak for the bush and ocean - can have a calming effect while restoring our attention that is constantly fragmented by urban settings, she adds.