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Our definition of self-care? Prioritizing positive relationships, showing yourself compassion, surrounding yourself with supportive energy and taking action toward your health, happiness and ~biggest~ dreams (OK, and some spa seshes and yoga moments too!). 

That's *exactly* why we headed to Cal-a-Vie Health Spa's Mom & Teen Week (with our fabulous celeb guest Pressley Hosbach) for Girls' Life's 2022 Wellness Week.

Read on for our recap (fun! relaxation! freebies!) plus ~everything~ we learned and how to put this amaze advice into practice wherever you are. It's the authentic, good-vibes-only self-care summer you deserve. 

PS: Want to join us next year? Mark your calendar now for June 11 to 18, 2023!

Take a hike

We start every day at Cal-a-Vie with a just-after-sunrise hike. While it is also tempting to catch a few more ZZZs in our amazing Cal-a-Vie cocoon (or as GL editor Karen refers to it "the bed of my dreams"), turns out waking up with the sun has surprising self-care benefits. "There's no better energy boost than waking up early and getting my body moving," shares GL reader Cassidy P., 14. "It makes me feel like I can take on *anything* that comes up that day."

DO IT YOURSELF: One morning a week, get up early and dedicate an hour to doing something for yourself (preferably active and outdoors, if you can). Go for a walk, meditate, try livestream yoga, swim, whatever you love! Use the time to connect to your thoughts, remind yourself of how amazing you are and set a powerful intention for the day (like being more present in the moment, focusing on one of your future goals or fostering a new and exciting friendship). As you master your mornings, add one day a week to your wellness practice. 

Find ~exactly~ the vibe you need

How do you self-care? Maybe it's daily gratitude journaling. Maybe it's hanging with your BFFs. Maybe it's sports practice, meditation or crafting. We did it all (Pickleball! Bracelet-making! Movie night! Manifestation! Massages!) at Cal-a-Vie and here's the biggest lesson we learned: Self-care looks a little different for everyone (and might even look different for the same person day-to-day)—and that's perfectly OK.

DO IT YOURSELF: Carve out a single "mindful moment" in the day (30 minutes is a good goal) for whatever's making you feel the most centered. "For me, it could be a long run with my pump-up playlist on Monday, a bath with a lavender candle on Tuesday and a long FaceTime with my best friend on Wednesday," explains GL reader Madison L., 17. "The idea is that I'm committing some time every day to something that recharges and resets me." 

Create lasting friendships

You've heard it a million times: Sharing is caring…and it's the same with self-care. "It's so important to find people who love and accept who you truly are and encourage you to be your best, happiest self," says GL reader Hannah R., 15.

And, tbh, that's we loved *most* about Cal-a-Vie's Mom & Teen Week—the unbreakable friendships we formed throughout the days. Because, after all, gorgeous views, active moments and relaxing routines are even more special when you have your BFFs by your side.

From our Get-To-Know-You Bingo night (ft. adorbs Squishmallows as our must-have prizes) to a luau pool party to golden hour photoshoots, our Wellness Week squad showed how an open mind and a positive vibe can instantly lead to the best-ever memories—and bonds that'll last long past a single vacay week. And we're *so* here for that.

DO IT YOURSELF: Text the group chat and invite your go-to gals over for a self-care sleepover. Top of the list? Anything that makes you feel like your comfiest, happiest, truest self—think throwback movies, nostalgic games and v. deep conversations (use this list for inspo!). 

✨ Plus, even more magic ✨

More highlights from our week: Self-defense class (taught by Tracie Arlington of Play it Safe Defense), yoga ft. Pressley's ~peak~ personalized playlist (take the actual Cal-a-Vie class from home HERE), allll the mother-daughter bonding you could ask for, dreamy days packed with mani-pedis and massages and can't-miss moments to check in on your well-being inside and out.

Oh, and how can we forget our ~*absolutely amazing*~ swag bags from the best beauty, skincare, haircare and wellness brands—our list includes products from amika, DesignMe, M2Ü, Mini Bloom, Goldfaden MD, Bits & Bows, BareOrganics, Joico, Davines, TaosAer, Naturally Serious, Makari, Petite 'n Pretty, Namesake Skincare, Caress, Noxema, BHS, Luv Ur Skin, SeSpring, YOUTH, TruSkin, Sk*p, Chaser, Jafra, John Frieda, Confident Girls and Mykirei.

(P.S. Enter to win our glow-up bundles now through July 31 right here!)

So, what are you waiting for? Come join us next year for Cal-a-Vie Health Spa's Mom & Teen Week: June 11 to 18, 2023.

Can't be there IRL? DW, just join us on Instagram @calaviespa and @girlslifemag for Q&As, giveaways and more!

by GL | 7/2/2022