Between juggling careers, relationships, family, and the invisible emotional labor that so often falls on women, it’s no wonder so many of us feel depleted. Wellness retreats offer something rare and sacred: a pause. A place to rest, reconnect, and reclaim your energy. And yet, despite their promise, many women hesitate to say yes.
We’ve talked with a lot of women over the years—A LOT. And there’s a clear pattern: exhaustion, burnout, feeling underappreciated, misunderstood, overscheduled, and lacking space to express themselves outside of social obligations. We heard the need. We felt the need. We created an outlet. But we’ve also heard the barriers. The reasons women resist slowing down, creating space, and committing to personal time for growth. Let’s explore those reasons and offer a loving challenge to each one.
“I Don’t Have Time for retreats—I’m Always Taking Care of Everyone Else”
Whether it’s kids, aging parents, demanding jobs, or community obligations, women often feel guilty stepping away. We take care of everyone else, and outside of a haircut or manicure, we neglect our own needs.
But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. If we keep ignoring the blinking red light that says “empty,” we will eventually run out of gas. And here’s a harder truth—we’re modeling this behavior for our daughters. Gulp. That one’s tough to swallow.
When we prioritize our own wellness, we teach our children and our communities that mental health matters….that we matter. And we get to bring that renewed energy back to the world we care for. Even a weekend away can create ripple effects of clarity and calm that benefit everyone around you. Retreats are one way to refill—emotionally, mentally, and physically.
“Retreats Feels Self-Indulgent to Spend That Much on Myself”
Many women are conditioned to put others’ needs first, especially when it comes to money. But investing in your well-being isn’t indulgent—it’s essential. The cost of not prioritizing yourself? Burnout. Resentment. Chronic stress. Think of a retreat as a gift to your future self: more grounded, more joyful, more you. We work very hard to price our retreats fairly, and we offer payment plans and options to make it as easy as possible. But you have to believe you are worth it!
“I’m Not a Yoga Goddess or a Meditation Expert”
Some women worry they won’t “fit in”—that retreats are only for the ultra-spiritual or super-fit. I get it. I used to carry the tape in my head that said, “I don’t have a yoga body.” That belief kept me from experiencing a form of movement that has deeply impacted my mental well-being and helped me manage an autoimmune condition. What I’ve learned is this: peace is available to all of us. Retreats are for real women—messy, beautiful, evolving. And in our retreats, everything is an offering. You’re never forced to participate in anything. We design our programs for beginners and offer a mix of movement, creativity, nature, and rest. You don’t need to be flexible or enlightened—just open to possibility.
“I’m Nervous About Being Vulnerable Around Strangers”
Sharing personal growth with unfamiliar women can feel intimidating. It can also be liberating. Sometimes the thought, “These aren’t my people. I may never see them again. I am free to be myself,” opens the door to a kind of freedom we rarely allow ourselves.
We’ve been honored to witness how retreats foster deep, authentic sisterhood. You’ll be amazed how quickly walls come down. You choose your level of engagement—there’s no pressure to “bare your soul” unless you want to.
Many women leave retreats with lifelong friendships and a renewed sense of belonging. Just this past year, my partner and I traveled to Australia, and I was able to visit a woman I met the year before at a creative retreat. It was such a warm feeling to be across the world and still feel deeply connected to someone I shared sacred, creative space with.
“What If It Doesn’t Work?”
Skepticism is normal. We can’t guarantee results. We don’t know all the ins and outs of your experience. But even if you don’t have a dramatic breakthrough, the rest, reflection, and reconnection are powerful. Sometimes the biggest shifts come quietly through laughter, journaling, or a walk in the woods. You won’t know until you give yourself permission to try.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve This
Retreats aren’t about escaping life—they’re about returning to it with more clarity, strength, and joy. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, disconnected, or just craving something more… this is your invitation. You don’t need to earn rest. You don’t need to justify joy. You just need to say yes—to yourself.
Check out our latest retreats at Custom Wellness and Therapeutic Retreats