Relax & Recharge with ‘A Day 4her’ Wellness Retreat

As moms, we can’t wash our hair without a pint-sized little person banging on the shower door (and forget about shaving our legs or letting that pricey deep conditioner penetrate for anything longer than 15 seconds). We can’t cook dinner without a toddler hanging off our yoga-pant leg, can’t indulge in a bakeshop cookie without having to share it, and can’t take two steps through the house without picking up a stray puzzle piece. And if your kiddos are older, the lack of privacy and much-needed “me” time are still an ongoing struggle (so I hear).

This is why it’s crucial to take time out to recharge, relax and revisit what our goals are not just as moms, but as human beings. Because we find ourselves often caring for others before we care for ourselves, and you know what? (Aside from the old adage, you can’t care for anyone else if you aren’t caring for yourself.) We were somebody long before we had children, and that person is still there — and she matters. And that means more than taking an hour to get a pedicure or spending an afternoon at the spa courtesy of your quintessential once-a-year Mother’s Day gift (as seriously nice as that is).

Enter “A Day 4her,” a one-day wellness retreat held in conjunction with Baptist Health and WJCT, featuring special guest and keynote speaker Bobbie Thomas, style editor for NBC’s Today show.

Bobbie, who has been open about her journey with IVF, knows how crucial it is to make time for yourself, as both a woman and a mother.

“You have to put yourself on your to-do list — it’s probably my best piece of advice,” she says. “When you step into motherhood, you have one more person that becomes an even bigger part of your world. I’ve found that I have spent too many days just spinning my wheels, checking off everything on my to-do list except myself, and ultimately, that effects everything else I’m trying to do.”

About ‘A Day 4her: A Wellness Retreat’

Held Saturday, August 18, 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency on the Riverfront, the 4her event gives women a chance to rejuvenate and recommit to their health and wellness goals, and includes a day full of memorable wellness experiences, delicious (and healthy!) eats, inspiring and informative breakout sessions, an exciting gift bag and fabulous door prizes.

The day kicks off with a meditation or exercise session of your choosing, followed by a delectable breakfast and a little time to peruse the wellness vendors (without your adorable tiny friend tugging at your pant leg). Your personalized wellness experience then continues with a series of breakout groups of interest to you — these sessions cover a variety of topics such as financial freedom, personal development, brand building and that aforementioned self-care. Attendees will also get the opportunity to have some of their own personal health and wellness-related questions answered by physicians and medical experts during the day’s “Date the Doc: Ask the Expert” segment.

Later, following the elegant sit-down lunch, Bobbie Thomas will share her story of starting a family and balancing motherhood with a successful media career. The retreat will wrap with an audience Q&A with Bobbie along with door prizes and details on next year’s event.

“We all love to believe that we’re superhuman, but the reality is that we’re not,” Bobbie adds. “You have to invest in self-care and value yourself because you’re setting an example for others.”

Experience ‘A Day 4her’ VIP Opening Night: Honoring Women of Strength, Style & Substance

This special kickoff event held Friday, August 17 at 6 p.m. in the awe-inspiring Makerspace of the Jacksonville Public Library will celebrate unique and powerful women who are embracing their personal style at all ages and stages of life. In partnership with She is Fierce!, President of Baptist Health Medical Center South, Nicole Thomas — the first female president in Baptist Health’s 62-year history — will share her uplifting story of strength, perseverance and professional success.

Opening Night attendees will also enjoy a meet & greet with Bobbie Thomas, as well as music, fine wine, wellness-inspired cocktails, scrumptious eats, gorgeous floral backdrops and a female-centric interactive art installation.

Register for ‘A Day 4her’ Now + Special Offer for JMB Readers

Tickets for “A Day 4her: A Wellness Retreat” on Saturday, August 18 are $45 and VIP Opening Night tickets on Friday, August 17 (includes admission to “A Day 4her” the following day) are $120 — click here to register now. Use code JMB for $5 off admission price.