I spent almost $7,000 on a 1-week retreat in the woods. It was worth every penny.

Courtesy of Judy Koutsky

• I was not sleeping well, overweight, overeating, and generally not physically or mentally well.
• I told my family I needed time away. I chose a wellness retreat for a week in the mountains.
• The retreat cost $6,900 and was worth every penny. I'm still seeing the benefits months later.

A $6,900 wellness retreat for a week in the mountains of British Columbia sounded indulgent, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something had to give.