Three Reasons Why It’s Time to Retreat and Reconnect.

Throughout history, women have come together to support each other in an array of intimate facets of life, ranging from fertility cycles to emotional and physical healing. However, as society grew, we grew apart. The idea of individualism took over and caused a detrimental wedge among us that negatively impacts our ability to thrive and nurture our well-being. And as a result of this disconnection, we are left feeling depleted, overwhelmed and longing for reconnection.

As I write this, I can’t help but reflect on the fact that I am in exactly this state. I cannot remember the last time I was alone with myself and my thoughts. And like most women I know, it is not often that we get – or take- the opportunities to reconnect with ourselves and others, which is why, as I write this, I am simultaneously Googling wellness retreats for women. And, there are so many to choose from.

The recent surge in the female-driven wellness and self-care movement has reignited our natural inclination to unite and engage in restorative, healing practices and seek solace from the monotony of our daily lives. So, if you’ve been on the fence about booking that retreat, here are three reasons why you shouldn’t wait any longer:

1. We NEED time to rejuvenate – Whether we are parents, professionals, partners, friends, siblings or a combination of all of these, we tend to get overwhelmed with our obligations to others, leaving no time to replenish the energy we give.

2. We NEED to connect with other women – Sisterhood doesn’t have to be biological. Sisterhood represents a connection we establish with our fellow females. A retreat is a great way to meet and bond with women who are on the same, if not very similar path as you.3

3. We DESERVE it – We can always find reasons to neglect our self-care. If you have ever said “It’s too expensive,” “I have to take care of (partner, kids, parents, etc.),” “I just don’t have time,” “I’m so busy,” you have put yourself aside for far too long, and a getaway just may be what you need.

As we continue on our journey of self-care, I find it inevitable that a resurrection of the female connection to each other and ourselves will continue to emerge. Women of today cannot afford to keep-on-keeping-on the way we’ve been: overworked, overstressed, overlooked, overprescribed, and overwhelmed. We have no choice but to regain control over our health and well-being and reestablish our connection to other like-minded women.

Article originally posted HERE

WANT TO GET OUT OF A RUT? TRUST YOUR GUT.

I had a bit of a revelation in the last month, and it was not one that I was happy to reveal. I have – and kind of still am – in a personal rut. It took me a while to realize that this is precisely what I have been experiencing because I am a pragmatist. I know that life isn’t always sunflowers and whipped cream. I know it can be difficult, and just the task of staying afloat in its ebb and flow can become daunting, therefore causing it to lose its flavor. However, the feelings that have recently taken over me are distinctively something more.

Though it’s not uncommon for us to inadvertently get caught up in the tedium of everyday life, it is essential to our well being that we recognize the signs of being in a rut and make some changes quickly before too much time escapes us. So, if any of these apply to you, sorry to say, you may be experiencing a rut as well.

• Accomplishing tasks, but with noticeably less excitement and vigor.

• Feeling lackluster when doing things that used to evoke happiness.

• Experiencing ennui in your day-to-day.

• Creatively stagnant and uninspired.

If they do, don’t fret. You’re not alone, and there is hope. Humankind is acutely aware of these feelings, and some things have been proven to pick you up and out of a rut. Here are a few:

1. Harness the power of the opposite. If you have been doing the same thing, in the same way, over a prolonged period of time, it is probably time to switch it up. All you have to do is do the opposite – it’s really that easy. Run instead of walk. If you eat late at night, eat earlier in the day. If you find yourself on your phone mindlessly scrolling at all hours of the night, then stop.

2. Lighten up. Not everything is within your control, and sometimes – as tricky as it may be – just has to be accepted. Once you have experienced the ease of alleviation, you’ll definitely reconsider taking the reins every time.

3. Say yes. This may be the only way to truly get out of your comfort zone. Being open to new experiences and not shutting them down, just may be what you need to shake it up.

4. Follow your gut. We often underestimate the power of our instinct. It the most innate ability we have as humans, yet we have been taught to question it, and more often, ignore it. But going against our instinct is probably a factor as to why you are in this rut in the first place, so its time to start listening.

Article originally posted HERE