10 Ways to Romanticize Your Life and Boost Your Mental Health
You spilled your coffee, locked yourself out of your car, and tripped over a crack in the sidewalk all before you even got to work.
On days like this, it can feel impossible and impractical to romanticize your life.
But finding ways to see the good, even on the worst days, can be more helpful than you think.
Here at KMA Therapy, we’re here to explain mental health trends and teach you how they can apply to your daily life.
After reading this article, you’ll know what romanticizing your life actually means and have ten new ways to romanticize yours.
What Does “Romanticizing Your Life” Mean?
Romanticizing your life means choosing to be conscious of moments of happiness, joy, and comfort throughout your life.
This might look like spending a few extra moments enjoying your morning coffee before rushing out the door, or listening to a great playlist during your commute home.
It can even be considered as a form of mindfulness, since you’re giving extra attention to experiencing and appreciating the present moment.
The term was largely popularized on TikTok, with hundreds of videos showing how people were finding moments of happiness in their daily routines.
Is it Bad to Romanticize Your Life?
There are mixed opinions on the “romanticize your life” trend. While some people view it as a light-hearted way to find beauty in the mundane parts of life, other people worry it can be harmful to only focus on the positives.
But like most things, it all comes down to how you do it.
If you’re placing unrealistic expectations on yourself to have a perfect day, then you’ll inevitably end up disappointed.
Instead of expecting perfection, focus on gratitude.
Even on your most hectic and stressful days, there are likely small moments of happiness that you can recognize and be grateful for.
How Do You Romanticize Your Life?
If you want to start romanticizing your life, it’s as easy as choosing to pay attention to small moments of joy throughout your day.
While you don’t have to change anything about your routine, these ten activities can help add a touch of romanticism to your day.
Try these 10 ways to romanticize your life:
- Sleep in
- Dress up
- Get outside
- Mindfulness meditation
- Read something inspiring
- Make a mood-booster playlist
- Watch a comfort show or movie
- Move in a way that feels good to you
- Spend time with some cute creatures
- Grab a coffee and browse at a bookstore
1. Sleep in
It can feel impossible to get enough sleep. You have a busy schedule, and when it comes to the weekend, you want to make sure you’re not wasting any of your free time.
But getting enough sleep has so many benefits that it’s worth romanticizing.
Getting more sleep helps:
- Improve your mood
- Regulate your blood sugar
- Support your immune system
- Boost mental and cognitive functions
Get to bed early, fluff up your pillows, and wear your comfiest pajamas. If you don’t have any commitments the next morning, don’t set an alarm - let your body wake up naturally once you’ve gotten the rest you need.
2. Dress up
What clothes make you feel the best?
Even if you’re not going anywhere particularly special, dress up for the occasion.
Wearing something that makes you feel confident and happy is a great way to make your day feel better.
3. Get outside
As the days start to get colder, it can be tempting to stay inside where it’s nice and warm.
But whether you take a walk around the block or visit a local park, getting outside is super beneficial to your mind and body.
Heading outdoors helps you:
- Lift your mood
- Breathe fresh air
- Boost your immunity
- Decrease stress and anxiety
4. Mindfulness meditation
You know that character in every tv show who is almost obnoxiously relaxed and happy? Embody their annoyingly-zen ways and try out a mindful meditation.
Try something like the 5-4-3-2-1 Method, where you stop and observe:
- 5 things that you can see
- 4 things you can touch
- 3 things you can hear
- 2 things you smell
- 1 thing you taste
Are you looking at a beautiful view or smelling a delicious meal cooking?
After you’ve taken a moment to connect to the present moment, think about which of these things you’re the most grateful for.
5. Read something inspiring
What kind of books do you love to read?
Whether you’re inspired by the plucky leads in cheesy romance novels or the motivational stories in self-help books, pick up a book that you know will put you in a good mood.
Lean into the romance of it all by curling up under a cozy blanket, making a great cup of tea, and playing soft music as you read.
6. Make a mood-boosting playlist
What artists never fail to make you sing along?
Create a fun playlist you can sing and dance along to.
Moving your body while listening to some great tunes will boost your mood and make you feel like the star of your own show.
7. Watch a comfort show or movie
Is there a show you come back to over and over again?
Whether it’s a classic you haven’t seen in years or something you watch so often you can recite it word for word, watching your comfort shows is more beneficial than you think.
Watching your comfort shows can:
- Give you a sense of comfort and control
- Connect you to the past
- Fulfill emotional needs
8. Move in a way that feels good to you
Maybe going on a long run is the exact opposite of what you’d consider part of a great day.
Finding movement that feels good to you, whether it’s a dance party in your room or a fun online workout class, is not only great for your body but also your mind.
9. Spend time with some cute creatures
Need an idea on what to do next? Take your dog on a walk around the block while listening to the playlist you made in step six.
Cuddling with your cat or playing with your bunny is a great way to boost your mood.
Spending time with pets can help:
- Boost serotonin and dopamine
- Ease anxiety and depression
- Lower your stress
10. Grab a coffee and browse at a bookstore
Harness your main character energy, get your favourite festive drink, and head over to your local bookstore.
Whether you’re in need of some new reading material or you just want to take in the calming atmosphere, it never hurts to do something fun and relaxing.
Next Steps to Boost Your Mood
After reading this article, you know 10 fun ways to romanticize your life.
If you ever need some extra support, the KMA Therapy team is here to help.
Register online to learn more about how therapy can become part of your best life.
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