Life in the twenty-first century is so fast-paced that it borders on frenzied. We're constantly rushing from one thing to the next with barely enough room to draw breath in between. It's therefore crucial to remember to take the time and effort to actively focus on enjoying life. A low-effort and effective way to do this is by romanticising life.
Romanticising life is a phenomenon that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Unsurprisingly so. After all, we've all watched - and wanted to be in! - the same hallmark romance films. You know the ones; where the protagonist awakens to sunlight and birdsong spilling into their room and goes downstairs to a breakfast of fluffy waffles and fresh fruit.
Unfortunately, this isn't realistic for everyone, given it requires a fair amount of money (and perfectly timed sunshine and birdsong) that not everyone can access. But don't let this dishearten you! There are still many ways of romanticising your life that doesn't require a ton of money and effort. Here are some recommendations on how to make your life that little bit brighter!
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Enjoy the Small Things as much as the Big Things
Try to take pleasure in all the good things that come your way, no matter how small. It's easy to forget the pleasure of everyday things like a cup of coffee in the morning or a beautiful sunset, just because of how used to them we are. Getting into the habit of noticing these small everyday things will make you more grateful and help you squeeze as much joy out of your life as possible.
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Have Things to Look Forward To
Sometimes, we all need that extra boost of motivation to get through the week. Having things in your schedule to look forward to offers that very boost! It can be as little as a milkshake on a Friday after school, or something bigger, like going to a theme park with friends. The most important thing is that it's something that gives you pleasure.
Use this as the opportunity to get signed up to that dance or pottery class you've always wanted to join. You'll both get to try out a new activity and have something to regularly look forward to every week. It's a win-win!
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Treat Yourself
While it may not be practical to treat yourself every day, it's still important to occasionally indulge in the odd treat. There doesn't have to be some big, special reason; you could simply be having a down day, or feel that you haven't done anything nice for yourself in a while.
Consider making a Pinterest wishlist, or even just a list in a notepad. When you think you're due for a treat, you can consult your list and pick something out that you've wanted for a while.
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Use your Nice Things
While this tip sounds easy in theory, in reality, it can be hard to do. We all have that one candle or body cream that we're saving for the perfect moment. But - let's face it - that perfect moment is never going to actually arrive. There will always be some reason to prolong waiting and you'll end up never actually using it.
So use it now! It doesn't matter if it's a random Tuesday in the middle of the school week. Just you using your nice items automatically turns an otherwise ordinary day, into a special one.
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Create Playlists
Themed playlists are another simple pleasure in life. They're both fun to make and enjoyable to listen to!
You could make a playlist for autumn mornings to school filled with spooky songs, or a playlist for when you go on runs jammed with action movie music. Listening to custom playlists will have you feeling like the main character from your favorite rom-com movie.
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Spend More Time Outdoors
I admit, this one makes me sound like a middle-aged mother barking at her child to get off their phone, but it has to be said: spending less time on technology will, more often than not, improve your outlook on life.
Numerous studies have shown that being outside significantly improves people's happiness and energy levels. So go for a walk in the woods or, even just your local high street, and soak in the benefits of being in the fresh air. Use this as a chance to listen to one of your newly made playlists!
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Be Mindful
This is one of the most popular pieces of advice on how to feel better in life, for a reason. Being mindful is a simple activity that can have a large positive effect on your life.
A core part of being mindful is remaining in the present. Pay attention to your surroundings and ensure your breathing is deep and slow. There are many tutorials on YouTube on how to be mindful, ranging from the short to the long.
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Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations are phrases meant to encourage positive thinking. A nice way to engage with positive affirmations is by writing them out on slips of paper and sticking them around the house where you know you'll see them daily.
There are no specific rules as to what your affirmations should say. The important thing is that they consist of phrases or words that increase your motivation and confidence in life. If you need ideas, Pinterest is filled with affirmations for you to take inspiration from.
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Hopefully, this article has provided you with some ideas on how to romanticise and improve your quality of life. It's your choice how to go about following the suggestion. You could wade in slowly and try just one, or jump in the deep end and attempt a few at once. The important thing is experimenting and finding out what works best to help make your life as romanticised - and yourself as content - as possible!
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