We’ve all been there—overstretched, overwhelmed, and over all the drama and struggles life throws at us. As busy women, society has made us feel like we can and should do it all. But where’s the reprieve?
“Self-care Sunday” isn’t enough. Men have their golf, bowling, and time with friends—but women rarely take time away on a regular basis. We often feel guilty stepping away from the kids, family, pets, and household chores… but no more.
It’s time to normalize solo retreats—not girls’ trips, but you, by yourself.
It’s harder than you think to be alone, but I promise you—it’s worth it.
I’m currently on a solo trip for my mental health. You can pay for a structured retreat that includes meals, yoga, and meditation—or you can design your own. Find a quiet place on a farm, near the ocean, or even close to home. On Airbnb or VRBO, search “nearby”—you’d be surprised how many peaceful getaways are just minutes away.
I’m staying at a farm about 20 minutes from home in a cozy cottage overlooking a vegetable garden, a hen house with 15 chickens, an Olympic-sized pool, and a huge hot tub. The fridge was stocked with fresh eggs—straight from the hens. And let me tell you, fresh eggs over store-bought? Game changer.
The hosts have been wonderful, but the best part is what I’ve done for myself. I practiced yoga in a meadow using a YouTube video. I grounded myself by walking barefoot through the grass. I explored the garden, observing how each plant was growing. I sat by the pool and worked on my book and blog, feeling refreshed and unburdened.
If writing isn’t your thing, bring that book you’ve been meaning to read. Or take a journal—write about how you’ve shown up for yourself this year, what you need to feel whole, healthy, and at peace. Set realistic goals: get in shape, protect your boundaries, envision what you want the next year of your life to look like. Or simply sit in silence.
Speaking of silence—before leaving, I told my family where I’d be and put my phone on Do Not Disturb. Emergency contacts can still reach me, but everyone knows I needed this time to recharge and reconnect with myself.
If you explain it like this, they’ll understand:
“In order to be my best—for me and for you—I need to take this mental health solo retreat.”
Who could argue with that?
I’ll admit, I’ve caught myself wanting to call a friend, FaceTime my mom, or scroll social media. Each time, I stopped myself. If I can’t be comfortable in my own company for two days, that’s something I need to work on.
This experience has reconnected me to me—the little girl me, the teenage me, the twenty-something me, and the 47-year-old me. Wow—47.
You might get resistance from others about taking a solo retreat, but remember: no one will love you the way you love yourself. Sometimes, you have to do what honors you, even if others don’t understand—and that’s okay. It’s not your job to explain it.
During this retreat, I haven’t been emotionally responsible for anyone but myself. And when I go home tomorrow, I know I’ll be better equipped to handle everything on my plate.
You can stay in a hotel, cabin, yurt, or cottage. Choose whatever fits your soul. I wanted absolute peace and quiet, so I created a self-guided retreat to reset and recharge.
So if you’re up for it—book your solo women’s retreat now!
