Celebrating with Self-Care

Celebrating birthdays with friends looks a lot different as an adult than it did in grade school - and it’s awesome! No one stresses if the celebration doesn’t happen on the actual birthday; instead, the focus is on it making it easy and enjoyable.

I celebrated the birthday of one of my best friends a little over 2 months late. A while ago, I asked her to pick a day that worked for her, and today was that day. I planned her special day over a month ago and let her know last night what we would be doing. We kicked the day off with a healthy breakfast at my home and then headed to Chozu Bath & Tea Gardens in Ashland, OR.

We enjoyed an hour in a private soak tub followed by Kobido Facial Massages. The soak was okay but the Kobido Facial Massage was utterly relaxing! I’ve never experienced a facial massage using hot and cold stones before today. The room was simple, and the massage therapist was magical - I almost fell asleep. I snorted delicately at least twice, which was very ladylike. Both my friend and I were so relaxed and impressed with the facial massages that we’re ready to go back!

What is a birthday celebration without a quick stop at Dairy Queen for an ice cream cone? I mean, we did have a pretty tough morning jam-packed with relaxation.

On the drive back to town, we talked about the importance of incorporating self-care into our lives more frequently. Self-care can look differently for everyone. Maybe it’s reading a book, getting a massage, taking a walk without music or a phone, setting healthy boundaries, stretching, journaling, or going on a day trip with a friend. It’s important to make time to re-center oneself in such a busy world. I feel it helps us prepare to tackle the curveballs life throws our direction because they are always coming.

Chozu Bath & Tea Gardens:

832 A Street

Ashland, OR 97520

541-552-0202

https://www.chozugardens.com/