50 Methods to Romanticize Your Life
I’ll eternally personal my foremost character vitality with out disgrace. It isn’t narcissism, and it isn’t an unmerited obsession with my expertise. As a substitute, I’d describe it extra akin to curiosity, following and monitoring the ideas and opinions that float out and in of my thoughts from second to second. (And if I needed to choose a theme tune, any upbeat jam would do.) Through the pandemic, as IRL interactions between myself and others ebbed and flowed, I made the aware determination to spend extra intentional time with myself. From that have, I amassed a spread of rituals and routines that each one led to this: a go-to information for the way to romanticize your life.
So far as values go, we’ve been taught to direct our love outward. Altruism is prioritized above self-love, and we frequently assume that an individual spending time alone is lonely. (PSA: they’re two various things completely). And on the subject of self-love, regardless of the phrase’s vast and sweeping use, it stays an elusive, hard-to-pin-down idea.
Featured picture by Michelle Nash.
50 Methods to Romanticize Your Life
An older iteration of Instagram had us imagine that bubble baths and a marathon of spa therapies have been the reply to a more healthy relationship with your self. However as social media evolves, a brand new development is going down. Influencers are touting small, easy, and oftentimes free methods to include slightly romance into your day—and I’m completely, wholeheartedly on board.
Lengthy story slightly bit longer: Every day provides you numerous alternatives to romanticize your life. What I’ve discovered from befriending myself—and falling in love with the individual I’ve uncovered—is that it comes all the way down to a matter of perspective. I’ve shifted my mindset and actively create house to make my life slightly extra awe-inspiring, a bit extra stunning, and full of a lot extra love for myself.
It’s an odd concept, isn’t it—the likelihood that we are able to fall deeply and compassionately in love with who we’re?
Inspiring readers with concepts that assist us all elevate the on a regular basis has lengthy been our objective at Camille Kinds. From mindfully sipping your morning beverage to cooking by candlelight, as we speak we’re sharing our favourite simple, accessible, and game-changing suggestions for taking advantage of your life, from sunup to sunset.
1. Infuse your routines with mindfulness. Some folks can decide to a day by day meditation ritual. I’m not one in every of them. Regardless of the case, regardless of attempting to carve out treasured time to spend a couple of minutes with my ideas, I simply… can’t. Resolution? Bringing persistence and compassion to my already honed-in habits. After I’m understanding, I actively really feel the components of my physique which can be supporting my motion. After I’m writing an electronic mail, I specific gratitude for the chance to work with so many inspiring people. This small little shift has the facility to make even essentially the most mundane duties magical.
2. Costume up your morning beverage. Supercharge your morning drink with one thing that’ll take the flavour and well being advantages to the following stage. Get impressed with our favourite methods to level up our morning cuppa.
3. Explore therapy. While it might not be top of mind when it comes to romanticizing your life, therapy can be a powerful tool to unlock new discoveries about yourself and transform your mental health. And if working with a therapist isn’t accessible for you at this time, give writing therapy a shot. It’s free and can make a world of difference.
4. Take your time (and give yourself the grace to do so). Rushing is never fun. In fact, I can actively feel my cortisol levels rising when I’m in a hurry. If something has to get done or I need to be somewhere, I proactively carve out enough time so that I can slowly and mindfully enjoy the transition.
5. Plan a picnic. Further proof that the French are onto something. Plan a romantic picnic with your partner, friends, or all by yourself. Get our tips for perfecting the picnic aesthetic.
6. Create a curated life playlist. Music is a powerful way to shift your mood. I love belting my heart out in the car and I take my tunes with me when I want to add a little pep to my step. Spend a little time on Spotify creating the soundtrack of your life.
7. Date yourself. Newsflash: You don’t need an excuse to treat yourself to a drink or dinner. While we’ve been told to reserve evenings out for romantic connections only, putting on your favorite outfit and enjoying a little mood lighting is an activity that can be fully enjoyed with yourself and yourself alone.
8. Create a go-to podcast playlist. When I’m not sure what I want to listen to, I’m grateful for my go-to playlist of podcasts that expand my mind and immerse me in new perspectives. Mine includes Tara Brach, On Being with Krista Tippett, and The Greg McKeown Podcast.
9. Swap up your house. There’s a cause so many rom-com film montages spotlight the protagonist shifting round her furnishings. Whether or not it’s updating a bookshelf or completely overhauling your house, discovering new properties in your favourite items will invigorate your property with new vitality.
10. Plan your finest day ever. Each every now and then, I’ll reserve a weeknight for planning out my good Saturday. This would possibly appear to be getting up early, treating myself to espresso and a doughnut, and driving out to the (stunning!) Oregon coast for a stroll on the seaside. Spend slightly time along with your journal reflecting on what an ideal day appears to be like like for you—after which exit and do precisely that.
11. Throw a celebration simply because. The summer time is a season to rejoice! Invite your folks over for an off-the-cuff weekend hold. Embellish your property, put collectively a menu, and make some enjoyable drinks. Who says you need to romanticize your life alone?
12. Discover inspiration by artwork. I like love love setting apart a weekend afternoon for a visit to a museum. Immersing myself in an artwork motion or the work of a single artist is the right escape. Nothing beats surrounding your self with magnificence.
13. Thank your self aloud. Put aside a day the place you actively take note of the way you converse to your self. Dedicate your self-talk to saying “thanks” (sure, to your self!). Examples: “Thanks for understanding and giving your physique the stretch it wanted.” “Thanks for nourishing me with colourful, vibrant meals.” “Thanks for going to mattress early and waking up refreshed.” The chances are countless.
14. Make a listing of straightforward pleasures. I maintain a go-to record of simply accessible methods to elevate my temper on my fridge. Whether or not that’s going for a stroll, studying a chapter of my guide, stretching my physique, or petting my cat—typically, we simply want a reminder to take in the current second and luxuriate in our on a regular basis life.
15. Go analog along with your communication. With regards to staying in contact with family and friends, in a pinch, texting and DM’s get the job performed. However as somebody who values her relationships above all else, I like taking my time to mindfully work together with family members. Arm your self with stunning stationary and put your ideas and gratitude on the web page. I additionally love calling somebody out of the blue for what usually finally ends up being an hours-long catch-up. You by no means understand how a lot it would imply to somebody.
16. Savor a glass of wine. Zero-ABV or in any other case! In the event you’ve gotten within the behavior of mindlessly pouring your self a glass on the finish of a workday, take the time to mild a candle, activate some music, and luxuriate in a sip out of your favourite bottle. Bear in mind: pleasure is supposed to be savored slowly.
17. Cook dinner by candlelight. That is one in every of my favourite methods to take my weeknight cooking routine from a chore to one thing I stay up for on the finish of the workday. Flip down the lights, flip up the music, and sprinkle your house with tea lights. Tuesday evening, remodeled.
18. Dance it out. As a result of it feels good—it doesn’t matter what it appears to be like like.
19. Encompass your self with scent. I like participating all of my senses with magnificence, however one of the crucial neglected is the facility of scent. Discover your go-to perfume and don’t maintain again. I’ve shared all of my favorite candles that I rotate between for this exact purpose.
20. Unplug. Instead of looking outward for the answers, disconnect and spend your time looking within.
21. Dress up for no reason. If you work from home, then you’re familiar with the temptation to spend all day in your sweats. And while that’s certainly welcome on some days, there’s much to be said for the boost of energy and inspiration that comes with putting on your favorite outfit. Take your time getting ready and enjoying the boost of confidence it’ll bring.
22. Try single-tasking. Multi-tasking isn’t meant to be put on a pedestal. Instead, take your tasks one by one, enjoying the clarity that comes with focusing your attention on one thing at a time.
23. Take a drive. Is there anything more relaxing than leaving the city, playing your favorite album, and taking it all in? Of course, this might not be available to all of us, but if you have the opportunity to leave town for a bit and drive without an agenda, this is a great way to connect with your surroundings.
24. Take a detox bath. I may have knocked the idea of bubble baths being a one-and-done solution, but leaning into the soothing magic of a warm, nourishing bath is pure bliss. Get our tips for taking a relaxing detox bath.
25. Do your makeup. While I’m more of a minimalist gal in this realm, I can’t argue that putting in a little more effort totally transforms my mood. Keep it simple if you’d like or swipe on a red lip just because. Remember: this is for you, not anyone else.
26. Pick up a new hobby. Hobbies remind us that we’re more than our work. In fact, we’re humans with our own deep, complex, and personal interior lives. Hobbies keep us curious and growing, and they let us continue to expand and know ourselves better at any age.
27. Appreciate yourself. Try seeing yourself in a new light. Instead of wishing you could run faster, marvel at the fact that met your daily step goal. If you’re having a bad body image day, focus on all the hard work your body does for you. The next time you’re tempted to tear yourself down because of a perceived mistake, try seeing the growth and progress you’re making every step of the way.
28. Sleep on your satin sheets. It’s the easiest way to transform your sleep routine. This simple shift gives your entire bedroom a luxe, hotel vibe, and—bonus!—it’s great for your skin and hair. Browse our favorite satin pillowcases.
29. Send someone a positive note. Via text, Slack, or snail mail—send someone a message that you’re thinking of them. Tell them how you appreciate the way they do X. A simple compliment can transform someone’s day.
30. Start in quiet. Before you reach for your phone, talk to your partner, or dive into work, start your morning with silence. Breathe in, ground into your body, and feel the sheets on your legs. There’s no better way to begin romanticizing your day.
31. Ditch your phone—and pick up your book instead. I read about 40-50 books a year. But despite being an English major, I’m perhaps one of the slowest readers in the game. My secret? Whether it’s waiting in line for coffee, sitting in my doctor’s office before an appointment, or taking a five-minute break between tasks, I’ll forgo the temptation to scroll and instead read a page or two at a time. It’s the best way to energize every moment with a little written inspiration.
32. Take a hike. Whether it’s a full-on mountain or simply a stroll in the park, soak up the good vibes a little time in nature brings.
33. Journal about your favorite everyday moments. This is one of my favorite journaling prompts. Notice the not-so-small things that uplifted your day. It could be the unexpected smile from a neighbor on your morning walk, the way your cat snuggled up with you in bed, or the compliment on a project you received at work. Sometimes, the small things aren’t so small—it just takes us noticing them.
34. Design your dream morning routine. Whether that’s going all out for breakfast, kicking things off with movement, or writing down your intentions for the day, follow this one simple rule: do what feels best.
35. Make your meals vibrant. There’s something about a bright-green avocado, colorful grain bowl, or bold smoothie that makes the meal taste all the butter. Challenge yourself to incorporate as many different (natural) colors in your dishes as possible. Not-so-natural works, too—cotton candy ice cream is my weakness.
36. Have fun with flowers. My local market is an overlooked treasure trove of colorful stems. Every few weeks, I’ll spend a little time perusing the in-season options, pick out something I personally find pretty, and bring my bundles back home for a little creative fun. The process itself is enjoyable, and I can enjoy my blooms for days to come.
37. Go to the movies. One of the most surprising things I discovered when I lived in Paris is that the French are obsessed with the movies. They make a weekend ritual of going to the matinee and discussing the film over a glass of wine afterwards. And while I love going to the cinema with a friend, if I’m dying to see a new obscure foreign film (which is oftentimes the case), I’ll happily sit through the whole thing solo. There’s nothing like reemerging into the sunlight with a fresh perspective and a new narrative to consider.
38. Host an apéro. An elevated happy hour, if you will (but just as easy). Learn everything about practicing the French art of the apéro.
39. Do a face mask. Because it feels good! Plus, it’s a great way to ground yourself in mindfulness and kick back while you watch a show or read. Shop our favorite hydrating face masks.
40. Own your ambition. Despite having a long-standing writing practice, it took me years before I finally felt comfortable calling myself a writer. But here’s the thing, (and I’m about to get technical on you): the definition of a writer? Someone who writes. The definition of a painter? Someone who paints. Whether it’s a hobby or a career, start practicing and getting comfortable with owning what you do. And always, always, always give yourself the credit you deserve.
41. Burn the candles. Yes—even the nice ones! I find it fascinating how many of us are hesitant to use the things that’ll bring us joy. When I write, read, and spend a little time indoors (even during the daytime), I’ll let a lit candle contribute to the ambiance. This same principle applies to everything else you reserve for special occasions. Break out the nice dishes. Fall in love with the way you look in your favorite dress. Repeat.
42. Wear actual pajamas. While this isn’t true for everyone, I’ve certainly been guilty about going to bed in a pair of leggings, sweatpants, or athletic shorts. I know, kinda cringe. But I’ve since seen the light and learned to take my bedtime routine seriously. Nowadays, I love changing into soft silk sets or linen pajamas. Nightgowns are even higher.
43. Write letters. I maintain a stack of my favourite, stunning stationery in my bed room and regularly pull out playing cards to ship to family and friends every time I’m considering of them. Not solely is the act of letter writing a slow-living delight, however the pleasure your recipient will really feel when getting their mail is unmatched.
44. Embrace the essence of cottagecore. The aesthetic and way of life would possibly simply be the last word option to romanticize your life.
45. Use your favourite mug. I believe we’re all responsible of hoarding way more espresso mugs than we want. Choose your favourite and ensure it’s clear practically each day of the week. It’s a easy option to brighten up your morning.
46. Encompass your self with vegetation. It’s science-backed and personally confirmed: retaining vegetation in your house is an inspiring option to keep linked to nature, enhance your temper, and purify the air in your house. Vegetation are a delight to maintain, making you are feeling answerable for one thing outdoors of your self. Browse our suggestions for the perfect newbie vegetation and the perfect vegetation for pet homeowners.
47. Follow constructive affirmations. I do know you’ve heard this one earlier than and I can say with certainty that you just’ve in all probability rolled your eyes on the recommendation previously. And although it would sound tacky, the follow has grow to be one in every of my favourite types of self-care. These are our favourite constructive affirmations for girls.
48. Store your closet. You don’t want a completely new wardrobe to search out inspiration in your on a regular basis outfits. Whilst you’re finishing your closet clean-out (see tip above), pick a couple of items you haven’t worn shortly and search for new methods to include them into your day by day uniform.
49. Encompass your self with issues that make you smile. It may be an image of your cats, a trinket you picked up out of your final journey, and even an inspiring quote you pin up at your desk. Doing so helps you get within the behavior of trying up once in a while and expressing gratitude for all the great in your life.
50. Cozy up your property. Practising hygge is the last word option to romanticize your life. Drape a blanket over your favourite chair as an invite to cozy up. Preserve the candles lit all through the day. Play music that makes you cheerful. It’s not only a development—it’s a mood-boosting way of life.
This put up was initially revealed on February 28, 2022, and has since been up to date.