Try to make your life as simple as possible leading up to the retreat.

Try to spend some time just relaxing, or meditating if you know how, in the time leading up to the retreat.

Be aware that many things will influence your meditation practice, including how well you are sleeping, your diet and your state of mind.

Try to make beneficial changes to these aspects of your life in the days preceeding the retreat.

Meditation usually involves a lot of sitting. Steps can be taken beforehand to reduce the amount of discomfort you will experience.