Why You Should Start Romanticising A Mundane Life

Why You Should Start Romanticising
A Mundane Life

Published on: 29 Dec, 2024 By: Meera

In a fast-paced, rat race modern way of living, oftentimes a general cloud of uncertainty, lack of direction, and sense of urgency to excel hangs over our heads and sentences our everyday lives to mundanity.

There’s no spark or adventure and hardly a sense of self, but a lot of What am I doing with my life? Ever feel like life is just… meh? Like you’re stuck in a cycle of routine and everything feels pretty, well, ordinary?

And, have you watched movies or YouTube videos, or read books that seemed so enchanting and wonderful that you wished your life was like that?

I know I wanted to jump into story books as a kid and hang out with Tinker Bell and Sleeping Beauty, and I wished Hagrid would send me a Hogwarts acceptance letter. Oh, and that I woke up one day and the Tardis was waiting for me across the street outside my bedroom window.

But, a girl can only dream (sighs). Or, can she?

Life Doesn’t Have To Be Extraordinary To Be Beautiful

We’re often taught to think life has to be extraordinary to be worth living. But in reality, the small stuff is the big stuff! It’s great to chase big dreams like having a successful career, making a lot of money, achieving fitness goals, or traveling to the most beautiful places.

However, we often overlook the things that hide in the crevices and between the lines (and sometimes in plain sight!) Simple things like getting off of work at night, showering, slipping into warm PJs, eating a comforting meal, and then watching a movie, or cozying up in bed with a book, can be fulfilling, too.

We’re sold the idea that we have to make a living and dream big to be successful (and that can be true to some extent.) But, what about achieving success by slowing down and enjoying the pleasures that can only be found in simplicity?

I recall my vacation at my aunt’s in Saffron Walden, in August 2023. I woke up some mornings before everyone else was awake, made my bed, brushed my teeth, and washed my face. I’d feed the neighbour’s cat, Georgie (the sweet lad in the pic), who frequents her garden, and head over to the park across her place for morning walks. The air was cold but I felt fuzzy under my sweater, and the sun was sharp. I loved observing the countless dogs of all colours, coats, and sizes, and the runners, too. The trees showed the first signs of a dying summer – a slow but sure (and beautiful) death!

My short-lived routine gave me insight into the beauty that’s embedded in simplicity. I was a little closer to the feeling of being complete. Since then, I sought such minor fulfillment in my life post-vacation (even though it was still riddled with work and university).

Escaping The Boredom Trap

We’ve all been there—feeling stuck in a routine that’s more about checking boxes than enjoying the day. Romanticising the little things can give you a fresh perspective.

For example, washing the dishes, doing the laundry, or organising your bookshelf can feel daunting. But, what if you put on a little music, make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, and vibe along?

During my last university semester, I had a lot of boring papers to read, but it wasn’t until I romanticised my approach that I found comfort in reading them. I’d gather the papers, highlighters, coffee, and earphones and sit at the kitchen table in the early mornings. I loved listening to a soft and ambient Animal Crossing Spotify playlist. It helped me concentrate and created the perfect environment that grounded me in the papers. I found myself less in a pile of boring papers, and more in a relaxing reading session.

Mindfulness Is The Secret Ingredient

Now, introducing mindfulness is a core part of romanticising life. It’s about immersing yourself in the present by using all of your senses and noticing the little details around you that usually go unnoticed.

Like, smelling freshly brewed coffee filling the kitchen or cafe, being in a cold building and then stepping outside and feeling the warm sun wrapping around your skin, telling a stranger or coworker that you like their hair or earrings and watching their smile like up like a bulb, admiring a darn sexy shade of red on a car, someone’s sweater, or lips, or appreciating a cobalt blue sky before the night becomes tar.

Here’s a fun challenge: Try being extra mindful for a whole day and see what happens—how many little moments can you romanticise?

How To Actually Start Romanticising Your Life (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

Break down simple, actionable steps to start romanticising your own life. Keep it fun and light:

Slow down

Take a moment to savor what you’re doing instead of rushing through it. For example: Instead of rushing through your morning coffee while you check emails or scroll through your phone, take a few minutes to truly savor the experience. Sit comfortably, feel the warmth of the cup in your hands, inhale the aroma of the coffee, and notice the rich flavor as you take each sip.

Create little rituals

Turn something ordinary (like making dinner) into a mini celebration – you could light a candle, play some groovy music as you cook. Notice the sizzling sound of the ingredients as they hit the hot oil, and the aroma of the garlic marrying the onions. And, before you eat, take a moment to appreciate the food on your plate and express gratitude for the meal and its nourishment. Then, savour each bite.

Or, bake some cinnamon rolls, or a cake on a regular-shmegular Friday afternoon and enjoy it in the garden, or over a conversation with a loved one.

Surround yourself with beauty

Add small touches of joy to your environment, like fresh flowers, a cozy blanket, a teddy bear, or your favorite music. You can get really creative – move a couch or a comfy chair in a cozy spot in your kitchen, put a CD player in your bathroom, or put chimes or a birdhouse somewhere outside your window.

See the magic in the mundane

Whether it’s a rainy day or a quiet evening at home, find something that makes it special. It could be watching a cozy movie, reading comforting poems, enjoying a pastry with coffee, dimming the lights and listening to a podcast, wearing a big sweater that feels like a hug, or running yourself a warm bath. Take everyday activities and look for the magic in them – the way that make you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.

Shift your mindset

Instead of saying “I have to do this,” say, “I GET to do this!!! I get to run in the early mornings and be surrounded by beautiful nature; I get to cook my own food; I get to clean my place that I call home; I get to go to the gym and have the opportunity to get stronger and fitter, and I get to go to university/ school to become more knowledgeable.”

Why Romanticising Your Life Is Worth It

“It’s the little things that make life big.“

Life is full of small moments, and when you start romanticising them, it becomes so much more than just a string of tasks and to-dos. It helps you feel more connected, more joyful, and more present—so you can truly enjoy the ride, no matter how ordinary it seems.

Life is what you make of it. By romanticising your ordinary days, you can create a life that feels full of wonder, even in the smallest of moments. So, give it a try. Find the magic in today!

P.S. Share your favorite moments in the comments where you romanticised something mundane.