Start Taking Bubble Baths

Bubble baths [3] are the ultimate symbol of self-care. In 2019, make an effort to take some time out of your week or month to relax with some bubbles in the tub — and maybe some bubbles in a glass — a rom-com streaming on your iPad, and a sheet mask on your face. The warm water and frothy bubbles are a great way to help you decompress and relieve some of your stress.

Like many other beauty-lovers I know, I'm partial to Lush bath products. Its Ariana Grande-inspired bath bomb [4] is my new favorite. I also love adding sparkly bubbles with the Sunnyside bubble bar [5], and the Happy Thoughts bath oil [6] leaves my skin feeling silky smooth.

Actually Use Body Lotion

Putting lotion on can become something of a ritual for you in the new year. Lathering yourself in a richly nourishing cream after you shower or before you sleep (or both) will not only make your skin supersoft, but will also give you some time to work exclusively on you.

I recommend the Tatcha Indigo Soothing Silk Body Butter [7]. It's a little pricey, but the thick formula ensures that a little bit goes a long way, and my skin has never felt smoother.

Invest in Killer Manicures

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love getting my nails done. I'm a firm believer in looking good to feel good, and because I talk with my hands a lot, I always want my nails to look on point. I think that your nails are a great way to make a lasting first impression, and a well-done manicure can give you an extra boost of confidence that you need.

Whether you go for complicated flashy nail art or just a simple, solid mani, make nail care a top priority for yourself in 2019. Download an episode of your favorite show on Netflix and block out an hour every few weeks or so for you to relax at a nail salon.

Get a Facial at Least Every Other Month

Even if you take great care of your skin at home, getting facials regularly is a good way to keep up with your skincare routine. They're sort of like a reset button for your skin. Facials [8] are really relaxing, and with the extra treatments that are offered (like microdermabrasion and extractions), they can actually help make your at-home skincare more effective.

If you're committing to getting facials every month, consider getting a membership at a skincare spa. Heyday offers a convenient monthly membership [9] that gives you a discounted facial every month, as well as discounts on the products sold in store and enhancements for your facials.

Turn Off Your Social Media Notifications

If you're looking for ways to reduce your screen time [10] in 2019, consider turning off your notifications. It reduces the temptation for you to pick up your phone, and makes you less conscious of whether your newest Instagram post is getting as many likes as you want it to.

I recently decided to go notification-less for all of my social media accounts, and I feel like my relationship with social media and my phone in general has gotten a lot healthier.

Get Massages More Regularly

I feel like every time I get a massage — which is maybe twice a year if I'm lucky — it reminds me of why I need to get massages more often. Like other forms of therapy, massage therapy [11] works better if you do it regularly. In 2019, try to get massages more often than you have in past years (even if it isn't even more frequent than every other month). Like facials, there are a ton of spas that offer massage memberships, so you can pay a discounted rate for the year and get an hour of relaxation every month.

Start Using Facial Massage Tools

Facial massage tools [12] are having a moment right now. Not only are they super Instagrammable and made from luxurious materials like jade and rose quartz, but they actually do work to help relax and depuff your face. Facial massagers come in all shapes and sizes, and some even have extra benefits besides massaging, from microneedling to sculpting. Indulging in a facial massaging sesh a few times a week can help you decompress and really focus on working your skincare even deeper into your skin.

My current favorite massager is Herbivore's Rose Quartz Facial Roller [13] — I never travel without it. I use it when my face is particularly puffy (like when I sleep on my stomach), and when my skin is extremely dry, I roll it over a sheet mask to work the serum deeper into my skin. It's a relaxing ritual that helps me just focus on myself.

Take a "Me Day" at Least Twice a Month

You're probably used to going nonstop and never taking breaks. (I know firsthand — I was answering emails on Christmas Eve!) If you have trouble setting aside time every day to do something for yourself, then try to make 2019 the year when you give yourself a day or two off every month. You can work all day and night the rest of the month, but allowing yourself to have a "me day" will give you a break to look forward to, and will work wonders for your productivity.

Turn Off Your Phone Every Once in a While

From social media notifications to phone calls and emails to news updates, your phone is probably always in your hand so you can be in the loop on everything going on in your life and beyond. Though it's definitely helpful for you and your network when you're plugged in, constantly making yourself available can take a toll on your wellbeing.

Consider turning off your phone every once in a while, even if it's just for a couple hours or so on a Friday night so you can watch a movie. While it might be weird at first to not get a buzz every few minutes, you might find that you're more relaxed when people aren't blowing up your phone.

Use Aromatherapy Around Your House

Who doesn't love yummy-smelling things all around their house? Aromatherapy [14] can do anything from improving your mood to helping you relax, which makes it the ultimate self-care tool. Plus, a ton of aromatherapy products, like candles and diffusers, make for great decor. In 2019, try to improve the ambience of your space by incorporating aromatherapy into your home.

I've been on a recent aromatherapy kick myself; I can't seem to stop buying candles and incense. My current faves are Oribe's Côte d'Azur Incense [15], which is rich and smokey, making it great for waking up in the morning, and Diptyque's Jasmin Candle [16], which is light and floral, perfect for calming me while I'm working.

Develop a Pedicure Routine

Getting a pedicure is one of those things that falls through the cracks when you get busy, and your feet often go unloved. This year, try your best to set up a regular pedicure routine (I aim for once a month). If you're on your feet a lot because of work or you're athletic and run a lot, your feet definitely need a little extra TLC. And let's be real, bending over to paint your own toenails is way too hard anyway — you might as well take the time to get pampered and leave with perfect toenails.

Allow Yourself to Say No to Going Out

As time goes by, you might find yourself becoming more and more of a homebody — I know I am. Going out regularly can take a serious toll on your body (late nights, little sleep, and alcohol are not a fun mix the day after), so this year, allow yourself to say no to going out. It's always nice to catch up with your friends, but it's also important to block out some weekends for you to chill out.

Spend Money on Yourself Every Once in a While

Life is expensive. You have bills to pay and money might be tight, but make 2019 the year that you spend a little money on yourself. You don't have to go on a shopping spree every other week — or you can, I won't judge — but budgeting a little extra spending money every month can help make you feel great about yourself.

My rule is to allow myself one mini-splurge under $100 a month. I'll get a new pair of shoes or that foundation that I've been dying to try out, or I'll pay for extra nail art when I get a manicure. These little gifts to myself have worked wonders for my self esteem, and they have also given me something to look forward to every month.

Eat That Unhealthy Thing

Sometimes, taking care of yourself means allowing yourself to do the thing that you're maybe not supposed to. If one of your resolutions for 2019 was to eat healthier, also make it a point to give yourself some leeway. Rigidly restricting your diet can potentially lead to an unhealthy relationship with food, so if you want to eat that ice cream, go ahead.

Keep a Journal

Processing things on a daily basis can be overwhelming, even if it's positive. A great way to get your thoughts out of your brain and somewhere tangible is in a journal [17]. Make 2019 the year that you get into journaling. It can be a helpful tool to release your frustrations and share your victories, and at the end of the year, you'll have a little memento to commemorate your an incredible 12 months. My personal favorite journal is the Moleskine 12-Month Daily Planner [18], because it allots a full page for each day of the year. You can use it for both scheduling and journaling.