Stuck in a rut of the same old routine day in and day out? Try these 25 simple ways to romanticize your life and find more magic in each and every day!
What Does It Really Mean to Romanticize Your Life?
Let’s clear something up: romanticizing your life isn’t about pretending everything is perfect or living in a constant state of whimsy (though that sounds kind of nice, right?).
It’s about intentionally choosing to see beauty in the present moment—even in the mundane, even in the mess.
It’s a mindset shift.
A lifestyle upgrade.
A soft rebellion against rushing through your days on autopilot.
When you romanticize your life, you treat your daily experiences—your morning coffee, your evening walk, the way sunlight hits your kitchen counter—as if they’re scenes in a movie. You show up for yourself like the main character, infusing ordinary routines with joy, meaning, and beauty.
It’s not superficial; it’s soulful. It’s less about doing more and more about noticing more.
Because when you start looking for the magic, you start finding it everywhere.
This post contains affiliate links which means I could earn a small commission, if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, read my full Disclosure HERE.
How to Romanticize Your Life
As someone who believes wholeheartedly in living each day intentionally, I’m here to share 25 simple, doable (and honestly delightful) ways to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Ready? Let’s make everyday life feel like your favorite aesthetic Pinterest board.
1. Start your morning slowly
The older I get, the more I appreciate a slow start.
Something about rushing around gives me major anxiety. So, even if it’s just 10 extra minutes, begin your day with intention. Spend some time journaling, savor your coffee, and resist the urge to scroll.
2. Create a “main character” playlist
Music changes everything.
Curate a playlist that makes you feel unstoppable, whimsical, or completely at peace—whatever you’re craving. Play it while you get ready in the morning, on your morning walk, or while driving with the windows down. Let it soundtrack your life like you’re in your own indie film.
3. Take yourself out on solo dates
Coffee shops, bookstores, parks—go places you love, just for you. Bring a book or journal, wear something that makes you feel amazing, and soak up the moment. You’ll be surprised how grounding and confidence-boosting it is to enjoy your own company.
4. Level up your lighting
Lighting matters more than we think.
Soft lighting instantly elevate any space. Don’t wait for a bubble bath or a dinner party—light a candle just because it’s Tuesday. Add fairy lights to your backyard. Warm, cozy lights instantly make everything feel more magical.
5. Wear the outfit
That dress you love? Those boots that click when you walk? That outfit you’ve been saving for a special occasion? Wear them. Stop waiting. Dress like the life you want, and let your reflection remind you that you’re worth showing up for.
6. Keep a “little joys” journal
Write down one small thing each day that made you smile.
It’s simple but wildly powerful. Research has even shown that recognizing glimmers can cause us to be more positive and “help us to regulate an often overstimulated nervous system.” Before you know it, your life will feel full of sparkly moments.
Need more inspo? Learn about the concept of savoring and some of my favorite simple joys in life.
7. Give your day a purposeful theme
It doesn’t have to be anything over the top—just a simple intention that adds a little spark to your routine.
Think Self-Care Sunday where you unwind with a face mask and your favorite book, or Motivational Monday to kick off the week with a podcast and a fresh to-do list. Wellness Wednesday could be for nourishing meals or a long walk, and Thankful Thursday is the perfect excuse to reflect on the good stuff (maybe even write a quick gratitude list!).
It’s a small shift, but it really helps each day feel more purposeful and special.
8. Romanticize your commute
Whether it’s a walk, drive, or train ride—add a little charm to your routine. Listen to music or an audiobook, sip a fancy drink, wear sunglasses like you’re in a movie. Make something that’s usually pretty boring a little extra, even if it’s just for ten minutes.
I’m a huge Audible girlie. If you haven’t tried it yet, sign up HERE. You can cancel at any time but you can find tons of free books, motivational podcasts, and just feel good listens.
9. Drink from beautiful glassware
That vintage teacup or fancy wine glass? Use it for water, juice, anything. Elevate the little moments and let your everyday feel luxurious. Beauty doesn’t need a reason.
10. Read poetry or a beautiful book
Take 5 minutes to read something soul-nourishing. It doesn’t have to be deep—just something that sparks a feeling. Let words be your little daily dose of magic.
I’m a big reader. If you’re curious what I’ve been reading lately, check out my personal reading log! I’m also kinda into personal growth…here are a few of my favorite self discovery books!
11. Make your meals an experience
Make your food fancy. Make your own avocado toast, iced coffee, or make your own charcuterie board. Eat on the balcony, picnic in the living room, light candles for lunch.
Food is magic, too.
Pro Tip: This little milk frother I bought on Amazon for less than $10 makes my day every single time. I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me. Seriously.
12. Start a photo-a-day habit
Photos aren’t just for social media.
Capture one moment each day that feels beautiful or meaningful—your morning coffee, your favorite tree, or your pet being silly. Over time, you’ll build a visual gratitude journal that tells the story of your life in quiet, tender details.
13. Practice slow living on purpose
Pick one thing a day to do with intention—eating, walking, washing dishes. Turn off distractions and really be there. Life feels richer when you slow down and notice it.
Mindfulness, self care, and intentional living are hard. Progress over perfection always.
14. Buy yourself flowers
Buying yourself flowers is one of the easiest ways to romanticize your life. I mean you can’t tell me that having fresh flowers at home doesn’t instantly make you feel better.
Trader Joe’s, the farmer’s market, even the local flower farm. You don’t need a reason. Flowers brighten life, and bringing them home just for you is a soft act of self-love.
15. Make a vision board
Whether physical or digital (hello, Pinterest!), gather images and words that reflect your dreamy, romanticized life. Let it be playful and intuitive. Keep it where you can see it and let it guide you gently forward.
Pro Tip: I use my vision board as my computer screen saver. I am reminded every single time I open my laptop of the life I am crafting for myself.
16. Walk with no destination
Let curiosity guide you.
Wander a new street, follow the sound of music, take the long way home. Unexpected beauty often shows up when you’re not in a rush to get anywhere.
17. Have a signature scent
Find a perfume, oil, or even lotion that feels like you. Something that makes you close your eyes and smile. It’s like bottled confidence—wear it for no one but yourself.
Pro Tip: My current obsession is this lemon peel, lavender, tarragon diffuser. I feel like I’m living in an expensive hotel every time I walk into a room. I literally cannot get enough.
18. Listen to nature sounds while you work or unwind
Rain, ocean waves, birdsong—natural sounds soothe the nervous system and add a soft, cinematic layer to your day. It’s like background music for your soul.
Pro Tip: You can easily find these on YouTube to play for free.
19. Create rituals for mundane tasks
Make tea before journaling. Turn music on before a shower. Set a timer and stretch. These little rituals turn ordinary routines into grounding, intentional moments.
20. Set your screensaver or Iphone wallpaper to something dreamy
Mountains, sunsets, pastel quotes, or a calming ocean scene—whatever lifts your spirits. Your digital space should feel like a soft exhale, too.
21. Keep beautiful quotes around you
Write them on sticky notes, save them as phone wallpapers, or tuck them into your journal. Little reminders that life is meant to be felt, not rushed.
Y’all know my obsession with quotes. Words have power! Here are some of my favorite collections:
- Inspiring Quotes and Captions
- Good Vibes Quotes, Captions, and Sayings
- Intentional Living Quotes
- Best Brene Brown Quotes
- Self Care Quotes and Captions
- Manifestation Quotes
- Growth Mindset Quotes and Captions
- Peace Quotes and Captions
- Success Quotes and Captions
22. Do things just because they’re beautiful
Arrange fruit in a bowl. Use linen napkins. Watercolor paint. There doesn’t need to be a reason beyond joy. Beauty is a valid pursuit.
Confession Time: I used to think this was kind of stupid. I thought the whole aesthetic movement was for teenagers. But then I realized the little extras that made me smile each day. Simple things like the flower I plant every spring in the planter on my deck, a beautiful book stack, or a funky coffee table tray.
23. Curate an aesthetic corner
Decorate a small space with your favorite colors, textures, and trinkets—a candle here, a postcard there. It becomes your own mini sanctuary, a visual reminder of what makes your soul happy.
24. Take the adventure
That thing you’ve always wanted to do, now is the time.
Book the trip, hike to that waterfall, take a spontaneous road trip. Adventure doesn’t have to be expensive either- go check out the brand new wall mural, explore a new corner of the local park, or take the free walking tour. Step out of your comfort zone and see the world with fresh eyes.
25. Be present—this is the secret
More than anything, magic lives in awareness. Look up. Feel the breeze. Smile at a stranger. Life is happening right now—and it’s beautiful.
Romanticizing My Life
A Little Personal Backstory…
Before I began romanticizing my life, I was deep in the trenches of motherhood—first as a full-time stay-at-home mom, and now as a work-from-home mom running my blog and creative projects from the kitchen table. Life was busy, often chaotic, and if I’m honest, I sometimes felt like I was just surviving the days.
Then I started leaning into the idea of slowing down and finding joy in the little things. Lighting a candle before emails. Listening to a motivational podcast while folding laundry. Taking my afternoon coffee outside instead of drinking it while multitasking.
Those tiny shifts made a huge difference in how I felt. Life began to feel more like mine again—not just something I was managing for everyone else.
Romanticizing my life has truly been a game changer—and now, I want to encourage you do the same.
Living Intentionally
Romanticizing your life isn’t about ignoring hard things or living in denial—it’s about choosing to see the beauty that already exists.
The soft light through your window. The way your coffee smells. The rhythm of your own breath. With a little intention, even the most ordinary day can become something worth remembering.
So go ahead—light that candle, play that song, and start falling in love with your life.
About The Author
Julie is the founder and author of the lifestyle and travel blog, More than Main Street. Always exploring, she and her family have traveled to 38 US states, over 20 countries, and feels fortunate to call North Carolina home. Julie’s all about gratitude, mindset, self love, seeking out new experiences, and living life to the fullest. Read more about Julie HERE.
