You may have heard of the phrase, "romanticise your life."
Living romantically means seeing the world with a sense of wonder, as if through rose-tinted glasses, noticing the beauty and goodness around you.
When done in moderation, romanticising life can be simple and impactful. By practising gratitude and shifting your perspective, you can appreciate even the small, ordinary moments.
Practising gratitude and enjoyment in everyday moments can seem difficult, but over time, you can develop healthy habits that will seem to make a difference in your everyday.
Here are 100 Ways to Romanticise Your Life:
Take yourself on a date
Walk in nature 🌳
Dance like no one is watching 💃
Plan a picnic 🧺
Buy yourself a gift
Dress for yourself
Light a candle (relaxing scented ones are great)
Start journaling (bullet journals, etc)
Write a letter 💌
Have a luxurious bubble bath 🛀
Ditch your phone, and social media apps, and unplug your devices 📱
Read an insightful book 📖
Rearrange or redesign your space
Slow down your routine
Be present in the moment
Flower arrange 🌷
Try mindfulness in your everyday life 🧘
Explore therapy
Create a morning or evening routine
Get a new haircut 💇
Get a facial or use a face mask 💆🏻
Be grateful for the small and big things
Give gifts even though it's not an eventful day
Try solo travelling 🌍
Set boundaries with yourself and others
Adopt a healthier diet
Write a book or novel 📖
Try an artistic hobby (art, drawing, pottery, or crafts)
Listen to heart-fulfilling music
Create a vision or manifestation board
Spend time with your pets or animals 🐈
Indulge in scents (candles, perfumes, incense) 🕯️
Visit a location you haven't been before
Learn a new language
Try grounding techniques
Compliment someone
Go to the cinema 🎥
Wear matching pyjamas
Change your bedding (satin or silk bedsheets bring a luxurious feel)
Practice positive affirmations 🫰
Try a visualisation meditation 🧘
Keep your environment tidy and clear of clutter
Try stargazing ✨
Keep a dream journal 📖
Connect with your spiritual side or ancestors 🔮
Visit a new restaurant or cafe 🍛
Decorate your space with happy items (plants, pictures, candles, etc)
Stretch to improve your flexibility every day 🤸♀️
Adopt three signature hairstyles
Explore new makeup routines and use skin-friendly products
Keep a book of your favorite recipes
Adopt easy habits (make your bed, open the curtains, etc)
Make a photo album 📸
Create lists and notes for important things
Plan thoughtful activities with friends and family
Wake up earlier, go to bed earlier
Create music playlists for different moods 🎶
Create a bucket list of all your dreams
Adopt a healthy sleep routine (7-9 hours)
Take photos (try a Polaroid camera for an aesthetic feel) 📸
Have a traditional tea party 🫖
Join a social club (chess, dance, gym, spiritual, etc)
Try sewing or embroidery
Play an instrument
Write a song 🎶
Have a manicure or pedicure 💅
Sing a song or try karaoke
Try spiritual healing 🔮
Create a Pinterest board
Go thrift shopping
Clean out your closet
Change up your fashion style
Declutter your phone 📱
Bake cakes, sweets or pastries 🍰
Do yoga (at home or go to a class)
Try herbal teas (chamomile, fruit teas, etc) 🍵
Prepare your meals for the week ahead
Learn your deficiencies and take vitamins
Use lotions and skin creams 🧴
Use quality hair care products and serums
Improve your dental hygiene (tongue scraper is a must!) 🦷
Use highlighters and fun pens when taking notes
Watch a Studio Ghibli movie (these always set the vibe)
Go on holiday or vacation 🥳
Go on a road trip
Don't chase, attract
Wear rings, earrings, and other jewellery 💍
Wear hair accessories 🎀
Read inspirational quotes 📖
Watch inspirational documentaries
Become an expert in a topic you enjoy
Educate yourself
Know your worth and practice saying no
Know what drains and gives you energy
Have a sleepover
Hold a fancy dress party 🧛
Be honest with yourself and others
Practice shadow-work 🔮
Accept what is not in your control and focus on what is
Practice forgiveness
This is a selective list you can pick and choose from; you may be doing some of these things already.
Romanticising your life does not mean you have to do everything listed here, but from experience, some of these ideas have helped me feel better. 👇
For example, last year I went through a phase of wearing hair accessories, especially large scrunchies and hair bows. Adding them to my look felt transformative, subtly shifting my style and identity. It allowed me to explore a version of my style that felt fresh and enjoyable, moving away from my usual, everyday outfits.
I also had a growing interest in embroidery, even though it’s not a common hobby among my friends or peers. I was drawn to it purely because I found it beautiful. So, I ordered a beginner’s embroidery kit—a charming squirrel design—from Etsy. I spent hours happily stitching, immersed in the process, with my favourite Netflix show playing in the background.
Exploring the little joys that make you happy is a powerful experience in understanding ourselves and what sparks us joy. If you desire to try something new, don't hesitate as it could be your next calling! 💗