The Retreat Society self-care directory launched on Sunday 19 July 2020 and is an online catalogue of local Victorian businesses designed to help people take care of their mental and physical wellbeing.
Recent global events have highlighted an urgent need to prioritise our health, with a national survey from the first month of COVID-19 restrictions already finding mental health problems were at least twice as prevalent as in non-pandemic circumstances.*
Additionally, it’s clear our local businesses are facing huge economic challenges. Research in April revealed 40% of Australian small businesses experienced a 50% or more decline in revenue in the previous 1-2 months.**
Given that Melbourne is now in the midst of a Stage 4 lockdown, with limitations on distance from home and a curfew, these figures are even more concerning.
Retreat Society aims to ease some of the burden by supporting both our wellbeing and our small businesses at the same time.
“I’m passionate about the power of being kind to ourselves, and I believe so many delightful small businesses play an important role in helping us enjoy much-needed time out,” says Retreat Society founder Emma Morgan.
“Investing in self-care isn’t indulgent; it’s self-preservation – and if we can support local at the same time then the benefits are twofold.”
“I truly believe that the more you give to yourself, the more you can give to those around you too.”
Even before the global pandemic, research shows that millennials like Emma (those aged between 24-39 in 2020) suffer from much higher rates of burnout than other generations.^
“I created retreat society as a response to the hectic pace and pressures of my career, relationships, social life, health, hobbies and everything in between – I knew I was on the path to burnout.” Emma says.
“Retreat Society is here to encourage busy go-getters to take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind, to slow down and look after our health and wellbeing.”
So, if you want to retreat, relax and recharge – whether it be at a yoga studio, beauty salon, art gallery, creative workshop, nourishing cafe, cosy bookstore or weekend getaway – Retreat Society is the one-stop shop to point you in the right direction.
And for those in lockdown 2.0, it’s the inspiration needed to create your very own self-care bucket list to tackle when restrictions lift.
Image credits: Molly Couch
