Most of my female friends are gifted multitaskers. They are professionals, parents, active citizens, spouses, friends, daughters … they strive to do everything, and to do it all well. Caretaking, managing and juggling seem to come naturally.

One area of life often takes a back seat, though. That is their health. Women (and yes, I realize I’m over-generalizing here) tend to take care of everyone else first and themselves last. But when it comes to our health, we should probably move our own needs up a notch or two on the to-do list. After all, we can take care of others better if we are healthy, energetic, happy and rested.

In Athens, women can choose from book clubs, dinner groups, faith-based study groups, investment clubs, and so many more special-interest activities to be part of. While those are important and speak to our souls at different levels, I wonder if we could develop a similar relationship with both the women and the exercise in our yoga, Zoomba, hydrobics or dance classes?

There is an intriguing movement afoot in our country to integrate physical health with mental, spiritual and nutritional health.

Women’s retreats can focus on art and exercise, nutrition and sports, nature and adventure, or all of the above. Organizations such as Women’s Quest are beginning to reach out to women everywhere, including right here in Athens.

If you are interested in being part of a focused retreat for women, visit www.womensquest.com. Or talk with the ladies in one of your interest groups to see how you might work together to create your own mini-retreat designed to improve your physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Marjie
Foster

about author

Marjie Foster, editorial director for Global MOVE Media, has a career in publishing, editing, writing and brand management that spans more than 30 years. For 10 of those years, she was also managing partner in a company that recruited, trained and scheduled baseball, basketball and softball officials. Marjie was a collegiate tennis player and is a 15-year veteran of a champion recreation softball team. Her two sons played five sports (each) through high school as well as baseball and football in college. She has been involved with them in their interscholastic and recreational sports careers as a coach, spectator, parent, official, timekeeper and cookie baker for more than 20 years.