How to put some magic into the mundane, and make the ordinary extraordinary
From fads and fake news to misinformation, there are lots of so-called ‘wellness trends’ doing the rounds on social media that are best given a wide berth. However, some do call for closer inspection. Case in point: romanticising your life. The idea, which has been viewed 525 million times on TikTok, has nothing to do with the romance that comes with dating or partnerships, but the relationship with yourself and your day-to-day life.
Romanticising your life is all about finding happiness, joy, and beauty in the mundane, and celebrating the small moments each day. The idea itself is nothing new, but has been rebranded for a different generation.
The concept can help us to enjoy what we have today, instead of wishing our lives away. “We’re often so focused on working for the next big thing, that we’re too stressed or worried to enjoy the present. When we get stuck in that way of thinking, by the time that big thing finally comes around, we might be just as worried about the next ‘big thing’ to enjoy it,” integrative counsellor Jodie McCormack explains.
“When we romanticise the everyday things – our morning coffees, tidying our homes, the commute – we can start to enjoy the things we do daily, which means we begin to like the life we live, instead of living a life where we’re waiting for a holiday or a day off,” Jodie says.
If you’re looking to bring some romance into your life, and truly appreciate the small things, here are five ideas to enamour you.
Cook up something special
Finding the time and inspiration to cook three meals a day can sometimes feel like just another thing on your to-do list. However, from the perspective of romanticising your life, cooking can be seen as a self-care exercise. Preparing food can be a relaxing, mindful task, and the end result is a nourishing gift to yourself. “Spending time making a meal you enjoy cooking, and look forward to eating, can really help to take the chore out of mealtimes,” Jodie says.
Create a cosy environment
Tidy house, tidy mind might be an overused trope, but its sentiment has value; our physical environments do really affect how we feel about ourselves. “Create an environment you want to be in,” Jodie advises. While everyone has their own definition of what makes a home inviting, figuring our what works for you is key. This is often best approached through daily rituals. Perhaps that’s the way you arrange the bed and open the windows in the morning, or close the curtains and light a scented candle before you settle in for a night on the sofa. A space that reflects your personality, and makes you feel truly safe and at home, can make a monumental difference to your daily life.
Do things you love
“Spend more time doing the things that make you happy. Even if you think you’re not very good at them, you don’t need to be good at it, it just needs to make you feel good,” Jodie says. Sometimes we can become too attached to the outcome of our actions, or think they must always serve a practical purpose, but often we are happiest when we let go of this and simply enjoy the moment. Try painting a picture, decorating a cake, or making up a dance – just because you can. Not everything has to be a side hustle, or impress others, it can be simply for the joy of doing something.
Treat yourself
You don’t need to wait for someone else to buy you flowers, a plant, or a new book. “It’s an act of self-love. Flowers brighten up your home and make you smile whenever you see them,” Jodie says. It’s not about having to splurge on the fanciest bouquet, or a special-edition hardback. An affordable bunch of supermarket flowers can be just as lovely, especially when you take the time to arrange them nicely in a vase. And you might find your next favourite read in a charity shop. You don’t have to spend a fortune every day, but take opportunities to show yourself you are deserving of the love you give to others.
Have a slow start
A mindful morning can set your day off to a positive start. Typically we rush through tasks just to get on with our day, never pausing for a moment to appreciate it. But even taking 10 to 15 minutes to take it in can be powerful. “Sit in a comfortable spot, and take the time to enjoy the morning, rather than rushing it. If the weather’s nice, try sitting outside and listening to the world around you. Or listen to music or a podcast,” Jodie says. It’s about seeing the wonder in the ordinary moments, instead of always letting them pass us by, or only valuing the grand events. There’s certainly magic, and romance, to be found in the mundane.
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