As life passes by, we tend to function on autopilot, trying to get through the daily grind one day at a time. But what if we could create a little magic for ourselves and make each day feel just a little bit more special instead? What if we could unlock the little pockets of wonder that are tucked into our daily routines?

It doesn’t take much to add some sparkle to our lives. We can choose to notice the beauty around us or do little things that make life feel a little more special. Simple things like lighting a candle during dinner? Romantic. Taking a few minutes to watch the sunset? Beautiful. Dancing in the shower? So fun. It’s all about small things that create a big impact.

“To romanticize our lives is to view the world from the lens of love,” says Claudia de Llano, MFT, a California-licensed marriage and family therapist and author of “The Seven Destinies of Love.”

“Romanticizing our lives shifts our perspective and gives us the opportunity to appreciate the beauty in what we tend to overlook as ordinary in our routine,” says Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, a clinical psychologist.

Ways To Romanticize Your Morning or Nighttime Routine

1. Open your curtains in the morning, let the light in, and breathe in the fresh air.
2. Make your bed like you’re prepping it for a guest, so your room feels nice and tidy.
3. Drink your coffee or tea by the window and enjoy the view.
4. Dress up a little for no reason.
5. Spritz on a little bit of your favorite perfume.
6. Play soft music while getting ready for the day.
7. Put your phone on silent and meditate for a few minutes.
8. Have a little sing-along in the shower.
9. Take a luxurious bath with bubbles, salts, or petals.
10. Wrap yourself in a soft, fluffy robe or blanket after a bath.
11. Dim the lights and listen to calming music before bedtime.
12. Wear fuzzy socks to bed to keep your feet warm and toasty.

Simple Ways To Romanticize Time in Nature

1. Enjoy the feel of sunlight on your face.
2. Pack a picnic for yourself in the park.
3. Take your book, journal, or lunch outside.
4. Go for a walk and notice five beautiful things around you.
5. Notice the sky and appreciate a clear day, a breathtaking sunset, or a cool cloud.
6. Take a blanket to your rooftop and gaze at the stars.
7. Celebrate the seasons—go berry-picking in spring, light candles in the fall, and drink hot cocoa in winter.
8. Watch the sunrise or sunset without your phone.

Ways To Make Your Meals More Pleasurable

1. Grow your own herbs.
2. Put on a romantic playlist and have a glass of wine while you cook.
3. Bake something from scratch.
4. Plate your meals beautifully to make them visually appealing.
5. Use cloth napkins or nice silverware just for fun.
6. Add lemon slices or fruit to your water for a little spa energy.
7. Treat yourself to something fancy, like an expensive chocolate, a special sparkling water, or a gourmet cheese.
8. Light a candle or dim the lights during dinner, even if you’re eating alone.
9. Enjoy a cup of herbal tea.

Ideas for Indulging in Self-Care and Simple Pleasures

1. Get yourself fresh flowers.
2. Talk to your plants.
3. Hang fairy lights or twinkle lights in your space.
4. Create a cozy reading nook.
5. Write a positive affirmation on a sticky note and stick it to your mirror.
6. Enjoy cold or rainy days with tea, a book, and a cozy sweater.
7. List three things you’re thankful for in your gratitude journal.
8. Keep a “daily delights” list of things that made you smile.

Ways To Romanticize Work and Chores

1. Let your mind wander and allow yourself to daydream on your commute.
2. Decorate your workspace with inspiring quotes or art.
3. End your workday by writing down one thing you’re proud of.
4. Use a beautiful notebook or planner.
5. Wear a cute apron while you do the dishes.
6. Use cleaning products that smell amazing.
7. Listen to a podcast while folding laundry.
8. Put on a movie soundtrack and pretend you’re in a montage while vacuuming.

Simple Ways To Connect With Others

1. Frame photos of loved ones that make you smile.
2. Write cute handwritten notes or letters to your friends—or yourself.
3. Text a friend a compliment out of nowhere, just because.
4. Smile at strangers.
5. Pay for someone’s coffee.

Why Romanticizing Your Life Can Be Beneficial

Romanticizing life is about finding beauty in moments we usually rush through or overlook. It’s a powerful shift in mindset that infuses beauty and wonder into the ordinary.

These are some of the benefits of romanticizing your life:

• Cultivates gratitude: By appreciating small joys, you train your mind to focus on what’s good in your life. This consistent practice of gratitude can shift your perspective, helping you recognize the blessings you already have instead of always wishing for more. Research shows us that an attitude of gratitude promotes positivity, happiness, and overall well-being.
• Promotes mindfulness: Romanticizing life encourages you to slow down and enjoy the present moment. Instead of rushing through tasks, you engage with them more fully, noticing details, sensations, and emotions. This kind of focused attention, called mindfulness, is scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety, making you feel better overall.
• Encourages self-care: Romanticizing your life is an act of self-love. Whether it’s buying yourself fresh flowers or cooking yourself a nice meal, these small acts communicate to yourself that you deserve care and attention. That’s you telling yourself, “Hey, I’m worth it.”
• Creates a sense of control: In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, romanticizing your life offers a sense of personal agency. You might not be able to control every circumstance, but you can control how you choose to experience it. By actively choosing to see the good around you and intentionally adding nice touches to your life, you empower yourself to make your life more enjoyable, rather than simply letting it happen to you.
• Fosters creativity and imagination: This mindset encourages you to look at your surroundings with fresh eyes, like an artist. You might start noticing patterns, colors, or sounds you previously overlooked. This naturally sparks creativity and allows you to imagine your life as your personal story, making your daily routine feel more fun and less like a chore.
• Increases happiness: At the end of the day, romanticizing your life is about finding joy in the little things. It helps you realize that you don’t need a huge achievement or a major life event to feel fulfilled. Sometimes, happiness is right there in the quiet, everyday moments—you just have to notice it.

The Importance of Finding Balance

Romanticizing life can make it feel more special and beautiful. 

However, it’s important not to over-romanticize our lives, which, similar to toxic positivity, leads to unrealistic expectations, suppression of all negative (and authentic) emotions, and ultimately is a form of escapism from reality, says Dr. Romanoff. “Real life is full of pain, sorrow, and hardships. We shouldn’t try to avoid these important, more challenging parts of our experience.”

Instead, aim to find the right balance by appreciating what you have amidst the ups and downs of life.