As a woman, you're likely juggling more than ever, racing to tick all the 'must do' and 'need to do' boxes every day. No, you're not just imagining the workload: women often have little time for exercise or other self-care activities.
In fact, 33% of Australian women aren't getting enough exercise, recent research shows, while men do find time in their day–and this is regardless of how much men or women work, say a report from Australian National University.
"This is one of the first studies to show how, hour for hour, women's time for their health is being squeezed to manage their jobs and the family, whereas men's time for jobs and health is more protected," author and ANU Professor Lyndall Strazdins said.
So, while we all try to be superwomen in our day-to-day lives, sometimes, something's gotta give. Unfortunately, often the thing that gives is our health and wellbeing, which is why it's so important to make time to take care of yourself.
It’s time to make more space in your life for your health. To recharge and rejuvenate. Not just on a day-today basis with healthy eating and exercising but also with regular blocks of time to recharge. One way to do that is to book in a whole weekend to focus on your health. This special weekend is all about you, and we're here to help. Make it happen with these tips to create your own health retreat or wellness weekend.
1. Find space and time
If we don't schedule time for ourselves, it's all too easy for other obligations to pile up. Choose a weekend for your wellness weekend and guard it fiercely. This time is just for you.
Let your friends and family know you'll be off the grid for a bit, focusing on recharging and rejuvenating. You could set aside a ‘no-go’ area in your house that everyone needs to stay away from so you can practise some yoga or Pilates without the regular distractions.
Or you might choose to plan your weekend out and about with activities like a getting a massage, taking a yoga class, or simply walking along a beach.
2. Bring in the squad
Self-care can be more fun (and more sustainable) when done in a group. Leave the kids (or the dog!) with a sitter and invite some girlfriends over some chill time. Remember teenage sleepover parties where you’d do face masks and have a gossip? Why not reinstate that fun practice?
Alternatively, you could invest in a proper girls’ weekend away. Book a house together and plan activities like a group yoga session, a bushwalk, or find some online classes you’d like to try out together. YouTube has thousands of free workouts to get you started. As a group you can support and inspire each other, hold each other accountable, and have some much-needed fun.
3. Nourish with healthy food
Cooking can be a relaxing activity in itself and trying new healthy recipes can be fun. If you’re in a group for your wellness weekend, plan a healthy menu together so you have a variety of new dishes to try.
With everyone bringing something new to the table, there’s no pressure for one to cater for all – plus it’s a great way to exchange your new fave recipes. For some inspiration check out healthyfood.com for recipes that taste great and get the tick of approval from qualified nutritionists.
If you’re doing your own wellness weekend, try to eat without any distractions. Put away the phone and turn off the TV. Pay attention to what you’re eating and the benefit it’s providing your body. Mindful eating might feel a bit unusual but your meal may taste better when you concentrate on what you’re doing. Plus, you’ll be more aware of what your body actually needs.
Do a food prep session before your weekend if you can, so you’ll have healthy smoothies, snacks and meals ready to go when you need them.
If you want to level up the weekend, limit coffee, alcohol and sugar, too.
4. Indulge in relaxation
No wellness weekend would be complete without some deep relaxation. Take a deep breath and slow down. Schedule in time for things like guided meditations, journaling, sitting in the sunshine or simply soaking in a warm bath.
Really switch off, literally, with a digital detox. Put your phone to “do not disturb” so only your key contacts can call. Avoid watching TV or checking your emails so you can just relax without distractions.
Keep the atmosphere soothing with calming music or essential oils. If meditating with your eyes closed isn’t your thing, try taking a mindful walk or a quiet repetitive activity like colouring in, which when done mindfully, has been linked to improved mood and reduction in stress.
5. Let us do the hard work
If the thought of planning your own wellness weekend feels overwhelming, or if you're looking for another great wellness option, why not join the Prevention Wellness Weekend at Fernwood Fitness Parramatta on 16 and 17 September?
Can't make it to Sydney? Don't worry, you can register online to stream the event and participate from wherever you are.
This event is a free wellness smorgasbord, offering fun low-impact fitness classes, soothing yoga and Pilates classes, and expert talks from leading health figures, like Dr Emmanuella Noble on reducing stress, nutritionist Kathleen Alleaume on mindful eating habits, and Prevention Editor-in-Chief and host of the Thriving in Menopause podcast, Andrea Duvall.
Plus, for those attending in person, there’ll be lucky-door prizes for each session and a wind-up party dance class on the Sunday afternoon with drinks and nibbles.
Click here to register your interest. Get in quick because places are limited.
Remember, a wellness weekend is about more than just relaxation; it's about putting your health and wellbeing first. It's all too common for women to place the needs of others before our own. Let's change that, and use the Wellness Weekend as opportunity to prioritise YOU. You won't regret it.
Newsletter
