I’ve always been a fan of finding magic in those little, seemingly ordinary moments during a normal, busy day. There’s something about these quiet moments together that really makes life feel special. It’s not about me being a relentlessly optimistic person (because, trust me, I’m not the most reliable when it comes to positivity), but rather, it’s about taking a moment to truly appreciate and soak in the beauty of life’s simple pleasures.
Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot about a trend ‘romanticizing’ your daily life, especially on social media. And I have to say, it’s a trend I can get behind. Romanticizing your life simply means finding ordinary, everyday activities to be moments filled with a sense of beauty. Make yourself ready to find joy and inspiration in the mundane aspects of life, such as enjoying a cup of tea while reading, taking an early morning walk, or even doing the week’s laundry. For me, it’s about appreciating the small details that often go unnoticed.
Now, if you’re not quite sure where to start with this whole ‘romanticizing your daily life’ thing, I’m here to walk you through it. In this post, I’m going to share nine simple and practical ways to add a little magic to your everyday life.
1. Treat yourself to small luxuries
Small luxuries are things or activities that make us feel special in fun little ways. It is different for all of us. And it doesn’t even have to be fancy or really expensive; they are just simple, small indulgences that bring us happiness. Whether it’s enjoying a piece of chocolate after a tough day at work or taking a relaxing bath after a workout, these moments are important. Every day, whatever small things make you happy, like reading a classic book or sipping on red wine after a meal, always make time for them.
2. Bring out and use your nice stuff
It is your sign to take out that beautiful stuff you’ve been stashing away for the last few years and use it. Like, do it. Now! We all have those ‘nice’ items tucked away, saved for a special occasion. But why wait for the perfect moment? There is never a perfect moment to use it. Whether it’s your favorite exquisite perfume from Rome, a fancy dinnerware your aunt gifted to you, or a luxurious silk pajamas you bought for your birthday, using these items can level up your ordinary days. Don’t just save your nice things for rare occasions; let them be a part of your everyday life.
3. Create something
Set aside time to do some creative projects. It doesn’t have to be some big, elaborate thing. You can draw for 15 minutes on a sketchbook. For a tip, you can use Pinterest to find some references (e.g., animals, scenery, or inanimate stuff) and try to draw them in your own style. Also, you can try your hand at adult coloring books. Moreover, if you are more of a word person, you can start a journal or write a haiku. Whatever floats your boat. Even for a few minutes, giving yourself permission to get creative can add inspiration and excitement to your day.
4. Write love letters
It might sound old-school, but writing love letters feels positively romantic as well as therapeutic. This applies to everyone, whether it’s for your family, friends, significant others, or even just for yourself. Take some time and grab a good ol’ pen and paper. Sit down and jot down your thoughts and feelings for someone in your life (or yourself). You can tell a little about your day, what you’re feeling at the moment, or what your future plans are. Anything you would want to share. It doesn’t have to be like high-level poetry; just be sincere and genuine. In our age of digital hyperconnectivity, it might be easy to feel connected to somebody else but still feel disconnected. That’s the irony of it. I think writing heartfelt letters can make us feel truly connected to the people we love the most.
5. Have a candlelit dinner on a random weeknight
There’s something really magical and cozy about dimming the lights, lighting a few candles, and enjoying a delicious meal with family. You don’t need a special occasion to take out the candles and set the mood. Nope, all you need is a cozy night on a random weeknight and a little spark to your routine. So, forget about the usual UberEATS tonight and cook something special at home. A simple homemade pasta dish, a side Greek salad, and a bottle of wine will do the trick. Set the table with some fancy dishes, and you’re good to go. Creating a calming atmosphere that feels really special, even on a random weeknight, can be a great treat for yourself.
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6. Take a dance lesson
Who doesn’t love learning something new? It doesn’t matter whether you are a total newbie or have always been passionate about dancing, sign up for that lesson you’ve been eyeing for a long time. This advice applies to other lessons as well, if dancing isn’t your thing. Whether it’s cooking, watercolor painting, or even archery, taking the time to learn a new skill can add a little bit of excitement into your daily life. Step outside your comfort zone and give it a try. Alternatively, you might decide to go in a different route and find a new passion that makes your life much more enjoyable if you find it’s not really for you.
7. Hang out with yourself
Just like in the movie, where the protagonist journeys through life alone, sometimes it’s crucial to enjoy your own company. Often times, we crave our friends’ company because, let’s face it, sometimes we’re a tad uncomfortable being alone with ourselves. Make time to hang out with yourself from time to time. This is an opportunity to get to know yourself better, to understand what makes you tick, and to appreciate your own company. Plan a solo date around the town, treat yourself to a nice meal when the weather looks nice, catch a movie, or simply sit on the porch with a good book in hand. It’s time to embrace the joy of your own company.
8. Take photos on a Polaroid
This is one of my favorite ways to capture little moments in time—by using an old-school instant camera. I know we live in a digital world, and every photo we snap is already on an online cloud with no prospect of being developed into physical form. But there’s something satisfying about taking a picture and watching it develop right before your very eyes. Plus, there’s nothing quite like flipping through photo sleeves of Polaroids and reminiscing about all the wonderful moments you’ve captured. The next time you’re out and about in the park or on a museum date with friends, bring along your trusty Polaroid and capture some memories.
9. Go to cute cafes
Look for hidden cute cafes in your area that you don’t usually go to. Spend an afternoon there, either with friends or by yourself. Don’t rush—take your time to vibe with the atmosphere, and maybe take a few photos, here and there, to document your stay.
You can either bring a book to read or write a journal entry while you’re there. Also, if the weather is good, I recommend sitting al fresco. Because nothings say main character energy more than sipping your cappuccino in the courtyard of an obscure coffee shop.