Why every woman needs a girls weekend away

Gather the girls, pack your bags and hit the road. It’s time you made the gal-pal getaway a high priority – for your health and your wellbeing.

Whether it’s matters of the heart, the goings on at work, or the latest trial you’re experiencing with the kids, no one truly understands the issues you’re juggling in life quite like your girlfriends.

Which is why stepping away from the every day for some R&R with the women who have your back (and you have theirs) could be the perfect therapy.

Your friends are funny at the best of times – it’s one of the reasons you love them. On a girls’ trip, removed from daily routine, they’re downright hilarious. The sweet spot is around the second vino (anecdotal observation), however, the whole trip will be filled with giggling banter and side-splitting laughs.

That’s a good thing, with numerous studies showing laughter is beneficial for our mental health.

It seems the more you laugh the closer you become; Finnish and British researchers found social laughter leads to the release of endorphins, which promote social bonds.

Discover seven of Australia’s best eco-conscious wineries and distilleries for your next weekend away.

And there’s a reason you ladies are friends. There’s an understanding that you all get one another.

Bratty kids, tales of thick-headed spouses, work dramas, sagging boobs – these chicks truly know, and there’s no judgment.

When you’re away with your besties there’s a freedom you don’t have when you travel with your partner and kids.

Stay out late, go to a bar, dance, drink, do whatever it is you like – safe in the knowledge that what happens on tour, stays on tour.

Those long, deep and meaningful chats you can enjoy free from life’s usual interruptions can do wonders for your wellbeing, and potentially help you to live longer.

A University of Michigan study found feeling emotionally close to a friend helps boost progesterone levels, and can help us feel happier, healthier and live longer than those who are socially isolated.

There is also the benefit of being more active on a girls’ getaway.

Exercise usually has to be scheduled around work, family meal preparation, other household duties and when your partner can be home to watch the kids.

When you’re away with the girls you can enjoy the freedom of exercising as much as you want, whenever you want. You may even get some takers for a training buddy.

But, then again, the beauty of escaping the daily grind is there is absolutely no pressure to do anything at all. You can relax by the pool with a great read if it strikes your fancy, or you can get the crew together and book a pamper session at a day spa if you’re feeling slightly more motivated.

No matter what, a few days off with the girls could be the best thing you do for yourself and your family.

You don’t have to head far, or even be away very long. A weekend break can boost focus and productivity, making you more energised when you return.

And having to fend for themselves for a couple of days will, no doubt, make the clan at home happy to see you when you walk in the door.

Written by Claire Burke

SHARE THIS

RELATED ARTICLES