Any tips on creating a stay at home retreat? I do not have the finances to go to a dedicated meditation retreat but do not see why I cannot recreate the environment at home. I am unemployed but financially dependent and already live a pretty austere lifestyle so just by cutting out some elements may be able to create a strong meditative environment. Not sure how many days would be a good idea for a beginner. I spend almost 90% of my day at my computer. Here is a typical day:

7:00 - Wake up
8:00 - Have breakfast with family
  |
  |--- Spend time at computer
  |
1:00 - Lunch with family
  |
  |--- Spend time at computer maybe sleeping for 1 hour inbetween
  |
6:30 - Exercise at gym
7:00 - Shower
7:30 - Formal meditation
8:00 - Dinner with family
  |
  |--- Spend time at computer
  |
11:00- Go to bed

Most of my time at the computer is spent browsing internet, reading, listening to popular music or watching movies. Besides my family I have no social contacts since I live in a city where I don't currently speak the language. My mobile phone rings about 2-3 times a month and most of those are wrong numbers.

I was thinking I could spend a few days where I stop internet, music and movies.
Also only use computer for 3 hours each day. 1 hour each in morning, afternoon and evening. Spend that time on computer reading spiritual documents only. When I am not on computer I can alternate between formal meditation(sitting) and walking meditation. Not sure if I should stop exercise(I only do jogging on treadmill). I can also only have vegetarian meals and reduce portion size.

Any suggestions?
First purify your conduct by keeping to the 8 precepts

5.00 AM: Waking up

5.00 to 5.15 AM: Personal Grooming Mindfully

5.15 to 5.30 AM: Take refuge in the Triple Gem and take the 8 precepts

5.30 to 6.00 AM: Sitting Meditation

6.00 to 6.30 AM: Walking Meditation

6.30 to 7.00 AM: Sitting Meditation

7.00 to 7.30 AM: Walking Meditation

7.30 to 8.00 AM: Sitting Meditation

8.00 to 8.30 AM: Have breakfast mindfully. Do not get involved in worldly chatter.

8.30 to 9.00 AM: Walking Meditation

9.00 AM to 1.00 PM: Sitting &amp; Walking meditation(30 minute sessions)

1.00 PM to 1.30 PM: Have lunch mindfully. Do not get involved in worldly chatter.

1.30 PM to 2.00 PM: Walking Meditation

2.00 PM to 3.00 PM: Sitting &amp; Walking Meditation(30 minute sessions)

3.00 PM to 4.00 PM: Lying meditation until you fall asleep

4.00 PM to 6.30 PM: Sitting &amp; Walking Meditation(30 minute sessions)

6.30 PM to 7.00 PM: Exercise Mindfully

7.00 PM to 7.30 PM: Shower Mindfully

7.30 PM to 8.00 PM: Sitting Meditation

8.00 PM to 8.30 PM: Have dinner mindfully. Do not get involved in worldly chatter.

8.30 PM to 9.00 PM: Walking meditation

9.00 PM to 9.30 PM: Sitting Meditation

9.30 PM to 9.45 PM: Walking Meditation

9.45 PM to 10.00 PM: Personal Grooming Mindfully

10.00 PM: Lying meditation until you fall asleep

Here is a guide book on how to do sitting and walking meditation: http://www.sirimangalo.org/text/how-to-meditate/