Think positivity, think mindfulness, and think connection with other women.
A dietician and a transformation specialist from Gippsland are hosting a women’s wellness retreat next month, hoping to empower women to embrace their body.
Far from a daunting or intensive experience, the retreat is aimed at being fun, relaxed and uplifting.
“For me, it’s about learning how to look after yourself and nourish your body through different ways rather than focusing on weight loss and trying to manipulate your body to be something that it’s not,” dietician Lizzie O’Callaghan said.
Participants can expect to get creative during a jewellery-making or skincare workshop, and get active in a mindful movement session.
Transformation specialist Zoe Hyde said mindful movement was about making exercise fun and “teaching people you don’t have to spend hours and hours on the treadmill”.
“I think it’s about uplifting other women and you’re all having fun, you’re there for the same reasons, so it’s a really good support network as well,” she said.
The pair met when they both spoke at a screening of the Embrace body image documentary, held in Morwell and Warragul earlier this year.
They learnt they had similar mindsets regarding body acceptance and are keen to continue that theme.
Ms O’Callaghan will teach participants about listening to their body and using internal cues for when, what and how much to eat.
She calls the approach ‘mindful eating’, which she hopes will allow women to tune out from fad diets and myths.
“It’s really about just tuning in to your body and learning how to respond to your body appropriately,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
Yoga is also on the agenda for the day to introduce people to different forms of movement.
If all goes to plan, women in Gippsland can expect similar events to be held in the future.
The Women’s Wellness Retreat will take place from 8.30am until 3pm on Saturday, 5 November at The Summit, 21 Cemetery Road, Trafalgar East.
Cost is $79 per person and includes meals as well as a handmade gift.
Places are limited so visit www.trybooking.com/236700 to book.
For more information, phone Zoe Hyde on 0431 428 424 or email
zoehyde@live.com.au or Lizzie O’Callaghan on 0437 943 409 or
lizzie@eatnourishglow.com.au
