Welcome girlfriend!
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Whether you've never been on a girls' weekend or you've been on too many to count, we are here for you. We just want to be 100% clear,
You Need This
Quality time with best friends is not a luxury, it is a necessity. And it doesn’t matter if you are swamped at work, overwhelmed with kids or if life is just generally hectic, you need to make time for this.
Girls’ getaways are good for your soul. The research is clear, they nurture both your physical and mental health. Studies have shown that time spent communicating with close friends can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and raise oxytocin and serotonin (happiness hormones). You can get a small shot of that on a dinner out, but the flood of feel-good hormones and endorphins from a whole weekend together cannot be matched. The extra time allows you to connect at a much deeper level and makes all the difference.
We also know that people with deep and meaningful friendships are healthier and live longer. Studies have shown that strong friendships can have a greater positive effect on health than diet or exercise. The benefits cannot be denied, so stop making excuses, and let’s make this happen!
Gather Your Girls
A great girls’ weekend can be with one special bestie or a whole posse of friends. Regardless, the first thing you need to do is let them know you want to make this happen and get them to buy in. For some, you won’t have to ask twice. But for others, you may have some convincing to do. Start out by quoting us on all the health benefits above and if they still have concerns, remind them of these key points:
- Self Care – remind her that she can only care for others when she has first taken care of herself. When you come home, you will be energized and refreshed!
- Setting an Example – by taking care of herself, she is setting an example for her partner that they too have permission to get away with friends. Partners with strong friendships make happier, healthier partners.
- Slumber Parties aren’t Just for Kids – She can also demonstrate to her children that mom needs time with friends just like they do! Kids use sleepovers to deepen their friendships, mom can do the same! Couple time and family time are important, but friend time should be a priority too.
- Deepening Relationships – spending the whole weekend together gives you the space and time to get truly vulnerable and strengthen your relationship. And for those with kids, your partner will get the chance to deepen their relationship with the kids while you are away. It’s a win-win!
Get Planning
Planning a girls’ weekend can seem daunting, but we are here for you. We’ve written a detailed post, but here’s the short version.
- Pick a date, Lock it in – plan ahead but not too far ahead.
- Agree on a Budget – be honest about what you can afford and make plans for tracking expenses.
- Set an Intention – decide on what type of getaway you are craving
- Collaborate and Communicate – designate a planner or plan as a group, but always make sure to communicate!
- Packing List – make sure everyone is on the same page to avoid someone feeling left out.
- Let’s Play Fair – keep fairness in mind and avoid sticky situations.
- Relax and Enjoy – allow for flexibility and spontaneity.
Read the full post here: How to Plan the Perfect Girls’ Weekend.
Keep It Going
Once you have gone on that wonderful girls’ weekend and you are riding the high of your escape, don’t forget simple steps you can take to keep that feeling going. Here are a few ideas:
- Create a group chat – pick a fun name for your travel group chat and make sure to reach out to each other often. Quick updates and “I’m thinking of you” supportive messages go a long way toward keeping friends close.
- Remember milestones – make sure everyone has each other’s birthdays on their calendar. If it’s in the budget, exchanging birthday and holiday gifts are fun ways to say “I see you”. Nothing compares to getting a gift from someone who truly knows you!
- Gather locally or virtually – it may not be possible to get away every month, but make an effort to see each other at least that often. Meet up for lunch, dinner or virtual cocktails. Try to keep a pulse on what is happening in everyone’s life. If your bestie is local and you can swing it, a one-night staycation at a local hotel or someone’s house can be great for connecting.
- Plan another escape – sometimes the easiest thing to do is have a date on the calendar that everyone can work around (rather than trying to work around everyone’s calendar to find a date). Pick a date and make that your weekend. Make it a priority to show up – it will be worth it!
