Five reasons why taking a ladies’ trip is actually good for you

Taking a ladies’ trip isn’t just a good time, it’s actually good for you. The research suggests that the rejuvenative and restorative effect you get from a few days away with the ladies in your life has real health benefits – not that we needed any convincing.

Amidst the routine of our everyday responsibilities, as we prioritise our careers and our loved ones, it is also important to spend time working on our own inner being amidst the chaos.

We need to find a place where we can slow down, take a deep breath, realign with our sense of self, focus on our souls and restore our well-being.

Quality time away from our nearest and dearest friends can have immense benefits for both our physical and mental health and is something we should all make space for in our lives.

Here are five reasons why it’s finally time to listen to your inner voice and take that ladies’ trip your soul’s been calling out for.

1. Live a longer life

We all want to live long and fulfilling lives – but the journey to a life well lived is about more than just looking after our physical health.

Spending time with friends who inspire us, warm our hearts and fill our lives with love is every bit as important for our well-being as getting a good night’s sleep, eating well, and moving our bodies.

Dozens of studies have shown that people who have strong social ties are happier, have fewer health problems and live longer, and that good friendships contribute to good health. These social ties reduce the risk of heart disease and increase the amount of oxytocin – sometimes known as the ‘love drug’ or ‘feel-good hormone’ – in our bloodstream.

As we make our way through life and navigate everything it has in store for us, maintaining an active social network continues to have positive health effects. One Swedish study found that for people aged 75 and over, the risk of dementia is higher for those who aren’t in regular contact with friends and relatives.

Friendships need nurturing to flourish and thrive, and are easy to neglect when life gets in the way. Female friendships should be treasured by carving out dedicated time for one another – and nothing strengthens those social bonds like taking a trip together.

2. Reduce stress

Deep down, on some instinctive level, we all know that taking time away to ourselves reduces our stress levels – and this is one instance where science backs up our women’s intuition.

Multiple studies have shown that taking time out is an effective way to reduce stress. By extension, this means it reduces the negative health effects of stress, which can include headaches, high blood pressure, skin conditions, depression, anxiety, heart problems and more.

This is true of any time away, of course, but not all holidays are created equal. For many women, a holiday with the kids (or, let’s face it, a partner who needs you to organise them) can be just as stressful as a day at the office and leave you feeling more drained than you were when it began.

On a ladies’ trip, you can relax, recharge and restore your sense of balance away from work, social media, and all the other stress-inducing factors and responsibilities in your life.

3. Boost your brainpower

The saying goes, ‘When you need something done, ask a busy person.’ But have you ever noticed that you have your best ideas when you’re at your most relaxed?

You can sit at your laptop stressing for hours, but then the lightbulb moment will come as soon as you step out for a walk or when you’re in the shower the next day.

There’s a reason for this. Studies of the human brain have shown that the more relaxed we are, the more dopamine our brains release and the more creative we can be.

When you feel relaxed, you give your brain the space it needs to explore your own thoughts, process recent events and think clearer – and it’s in those moments that the ideas really start to fly.

4. We love it when a plan comes together

Long before you set foot outside your front door, the excitement of planning a trip can be euphoric, providing us with something to look forward to and work towards.

As the clock counts down to your trip, the less stressed you become and the less you allow the usual pressures and triggers of your daily routine to affect you.

Similar to the effects of daydreaming, just thinking about an upcoming trip can give you happiness hit – which is why it’s always best to start planning your next trip as soon as you come back from some time away.

The positive effects of planning a trip are amplified when it’s a ladies’ trip because this gives you an excuse to connect and stay in touch with people you might risk drifting away from otherwise. This strengthens those all-important social bonds, even before you get to your destination.

5. Increase mindfulness

As we go about our daily routines, it can be easy to switch to autopilot without even realising it.

But by giving ourselves the opportunity to step away and experience new things, we allow ourselves to open up and be more present in the moment. That’s why taking time away has many of the same effects as meditating – it’s about breaking out of our routines and forcing ourselves to be more mindful.

Many of us can become creatures of habit, but by briefly placing ourselves in a new environment and distancing ourselves from our usual patterns, we become more aware of our surroundings and develop a deeper engagement and appreciation for living in the right now.

Disconnecting from everyday life is essential to unlocking the potential benefits of your ladies’ trip – and there’s nowhere better for you and the women you care about to retreat from the noise and distraction of daily life than Elysia Wellness Retreat.

As you luxuriate in the wide-open spaces of the Hunter Valley, you and your closest ladies will be primed for relaxation with our all-inclusive health and wellness program, where you’ll be given the tools you all need for wellness results that last way beyond your stay.

A day at Elysia on a ladies’ trip could look a lot like this…

8 am – Breakfast
Eat sensibly portioned, healthy and nutritious whole foods at well-spaced mealtimes. Mindful eating is encouraged to help you slow down, so you can appreciate what you have (both food and company) and tune into your body signals.

10 am – Exercise
Choose from a full program of low, medium or high-intensity movement activities, daily stretch and mobility classes. There are exercise options available for everyone, with a tennis court, gym, swimming pool and more

11 am – Visit the spa
The Day Spa is a haven of relaxation, beauty and healing. Enjoy a classic facial or Swedish massage, or choose from over 50 other beauty treatments and massage therapy experiences.

1 pm – Lunch

3 pm – Swim & refreshments
Take a dip in the outdoor pool, unwind and enjoy refreshments whilst enjoying each other’s company.

4 pm – Walk & meditation
Take a group walk to stretch your legs and explore the environment around the retreat. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the local wildlife and flora. You can also walk back up ‘Meditation Hill’, the perfect place to let all the wellness from the day seep in.

5 pm – Relax
Have some alone time. Read your book on your balcony, indulge in a bath or do some journaling before heading to dinner.

6 pm – Dinner

You can see more insights into a typical day at Elysia on our Instagram account – take a look here.

Taking a ladies’ trip is more than just a fun getaway (although it’s that, too). It has numerous benefits for your physical and mental health, as well as your relationships with your friends.

It’s time to prioritise your health and well-being, and start planning your next ladies’ trip.