Our day-to-day lives can feel so mundane and over time create a feeling of staleness. We typically look forward to the “bigger” moments in our lives, such as holidays or big events, and put a lot in celebrating big milestones. But our lives aren’t made up of big moments; instead it’s often formed of the small, routine activities we do on autopilot. This is where romanticising your life can help.
what is romanticising your life?
I was a little sceptical when I first heard about this new trend of romanticising your life. Like most social media trends, I wrote it off as little more than the latest fad that’s here today, gone tomorrow. But, like slow living, I’ve found it’s one of the few trends that have actually offered something worthwhile.
I’ve seen romanticising your life explained in various ways. For me, it means noticing the smaller things in my life that bring me happiness in some way and actively including them in my day-to-day life more. Whether that’s carving time in my day to enjoy a chapter or so of a good book (there’s often so little time for much more) or buying flowers for my home just because, I’ve found over time that it’s helped me to appreciate the small things that life is really made of.
how you can romanticise your life
Here are a list of ways you too can romanticise your life:
1. Enjoy A Slow Morning Routine
There’s much to be said about enjoying slow living, and where possible enjoying a slow morning can help start your day right.
2. Mindfulness
Take the time to indulge in something as basic as your skincare routine.
3. Notice The Little Things
Instead of mindlessly going about your routine, notice the little things in your day. Take the time to actually enjoy your coffee instead of using it simply for fuel, notice the beautiful colours of the setting sun, etc.
4. Express Gratitude (even for the small things)
Notice things to be grateful for, even things that we usually take for granted like fresh water or things going right in our day.
5. Wear Your “Best” Clothes
Wear whatever makes you happy that day, whether it’s your comfy indoor clothes or that beautiful dress you’re saving for a special occasion (I’m sooo guilty of this!). What’s the point of waiting? That special occasion may never come. Just wear the damn thing!
6. Buy Yourself Flowers
Because, why not?
7. Do What Brings You Joy
However small, however unremarkable, do something you enjoy every day. It’s good for you, doctor’s orders.
8. Be Your Own Best Friend
Some people find it difficult to be on their own, but there’s much to be said for enjoying your own company. It kind of feeds into doing what makes you happy, but when alone you only have yourself to please.
9. Dress Your Home Up
For instance, there’s a mirror in the hallway bought from Ikea that was so plain and boring and had no frame whatsoever. My mum had the brilliant idea of dressing it up with beautiful fake flowers and creating a flower rose frame; now, every time I open the front door, it’s the first thing I see and is just so pretty.
10. Surround Yourself With Scent
Scent is one of our most powerful senses, so indulge in your favourites. Light your favourite candle, use essential oils, wear your favourite perfume… the choice is yours.
11. Appreciate The Things You Like About Yourself
We’re quick to berate ourselves for the things we don’t like, more often than not our physical features. Compliment yourself and point out one feature you like about yourself every day.
12. Write Down Your Favourite Moments Of The Day
Sometimes writing down all the moments you loved about your day, however small, is enough to boost your mood.
13. Disconnect From Tech
Life can feel non-stop sometimes with easy access to our phones. During breaks, it’s easy to automatically check social media apps and enter an endless cycle of scrolling. Take the time to switch off from your devices, especially social media.
Although, that being said…
14. Use Social Media For Yourself
Post pictures and videos that are a curation of your favourite moments, not just what you hope will go viral and attain the most likes. Make your social media accounts truly for yourself.
15. Create A Mood-Boosting Playlist
There’s nothing quite like your favourite tunes to put you in a good mood.
16. Scrap Multi-Tasking
Multi-tasking is unfortunately a “skill” that’s required in our busy lives. As a student, it’s something I’m guilty of. But when possible, I like to go with the flow and focus on doing one task at a time.
17. Make A List Of Simple Pleasures
Writing a list of the small, simple things that give you joy can help you to incorporate them in your everyday life.
18. Exercise
Exercise doesn’t have to be arduous. A gentle yoga stretch in the morning before you start your day or a walk in a park during an afternoon break all count. Exercise is known to make us feel happier and more relaxed, boosting our self-confidence with the endorphins it releases.
19. Find A New Hobby
If things feel stale in your life, trying something new and finding a new hobby can help shake things up a bit and give you something new to explore.
20. Immerse Yourself In A Good Book
Nothing provides as great an escape as a good book (in my opinion!)
21. Take A Day Trip To Somewhere New
Add a dash of adventure to your everyday life, don your tourist hat and explore an area nearby to where you live.
22. Rearrange Your Space
It’s easy for our homes and work spaces to become stale with time. So instead of buying new things, shake things up a bit by rearranging the things you have in your home or the space where you work.
23. Upgrade Your Utensils
Use your best dinnerware when you eat your meals and drink from your favourite cups. What’s the point of saving them for best?
24. Slow Down
Life can sometimes feel like little more than a mad dash from place to place and a race to tick off all the things on our to-do lists. When possible, take whatever opportunities to slow down.
25. Create A Night Routine
Switch off devices around an hour before bed, read a book, take the time to indulge in skincare routines, wear pyjamas you love, listen to some chill songs and create the right ambience as you wind down.
There are so many small things you can do or include to help romanticise your life, adding a nicer mix to your habitual routine and a little more magic to your every day.
