20 Little Habits That Make Me Romanticize My Life (Even When I’m Stressed Out)

Romanticizing my life seems impossible — what does that term even mean? Romanticizing my life? How does one do that? But it doesn’t have to be complicated or impossible. It comes down to intentionally slowing down, finding beauty in the ordinary, and creating rituals that make your day feel a little softer and more meaningful. 

I’m a big fan of small, micro habits that build towards long-term goals and dreams. These habits make up my daily routine, which help me form a well-rounded, healthy life. 

So these are 20 habits I do on the daily to help romanticize my life and keep me grounded.  

1.) Make my morning drink like it’s a ritual.

When I get up, I immediately make a pot of coffee. I feel like one of those influencers in their “day in the life” vlogs when I move slowly towards the coffee maker in the kitchen. As the coffee is brewing, I take this quiet moment to make my bed, journal a little bit (right there at the kitchen counter), or stand there, silently, reflecting on the day ahead.

When I journal, this is usually only three lines in my five-year journal. I adore my five-year journal, however, I skip some days (weeks, more likely). While standing at my coffee maker, I usually log the three lines of the previous day. It works for me.

2. Play a cozy, themed playlist.

While getting ready, on my way to work, at work, on my lunch break, on my way home from work, while walking my dog, cooking dinner, and winding down for bed, I’m listening to a playlist or album. Basically, I have a playlist for every situation. It’s extra fun when I get to name the playlist, but for the most part, the playlists typically are whatever Spotify gives me under the “daylist” or daily mixes. 

3. Grab the pen and paper and write a to-do list.

I’m not sure why this would be romanticizing my life, but I swear, it works. I would like to say that I use pretty stationary or a fun and colorful digital planner, but a simple notebook or notepad seems to do the trick. Even writing a to-do list feels more inspired and gets all the junk swirling around my head onto paper, where I can actually do something about it. 

4. Step away for lunch or a walk.

Let me be the one to tell you, if you haven’t heard it already: Take your lunch break. Take a walk, walk around the block, plug in your earphones (or don’t), and listen to one of those playlists or podcasts (again, or nothing!). Take your lunch break, go outside, eat off a real plate at a picnic table outside, and just sit without your phone. These small things will help you feel grounded. 

5. Change into a “house outfit” after work.  

Immediately after coming home from work, I change into a “house outfit.” My typical house outfit includes shorts and a t-shirt, with sneakers, to walk my dog outside. Whatever works! You can dress it up or dress it down. Slip into something comfortable. Something soft and cozy that feels like a cue to exhale. 

6. Light a candle at night.  

There’s nothing better than lighting your favorite scented candle while you cook dinner or unwind at bedtime. Scents like vanilla, amber, lavender, or sandalwood can instantly shift your mood. Assign signature scents to different parts of your day (morning citrus, mid-day eucalyptus, nighttime vanilla). Bonus: Keep a small vial of essential oil in your bag.  

7. Read just one chapter of your book each night.

I’ve been tempted to doom-scroll at night lately, and it’s really been messing with my sleep schedule. Even 10 minutes of reading feels romantic and calming — especially with a cozy blanket and your favorite beverage. Train your brain to put away your phone for those 10 minutes to focus on the book at hand. If you’re not feeling the book you’re reading, put it away and pick up another! 

8. Put on ambient lighting.

Overhead lighting, out. Soft lights, in. Fairy lights, lamps, or a salt lamp can soften the vibe of your space and help you feel less tense. 

9. Romanticize your skincare routine or shower time.

Think of it as washing the day off. Add a luxurious oil or scrub, and throw on your favorite playlist. Take your time (not too much time, don’t waste the water) to reflect on the previous day. Dim the lights. Hang some cool art prints to brighten up the bathroom space. 

10. Reflect with a voice memo or journal.

This may sound a tad insane, but talk to yourself like the main character using a voice memo — what happened today, how did it feel, what are you dreaming about? If talking to yourself isn’t your thing, journal about it. Journaling at night helps you unwind from your stressful day, and gasp — might help you prevent yourself from picking up your phone to doom-scroll. 

11. Label each moment as a movie scene you’re in.  

When you’re really overwhelmed, start thinking of your life in movie scenes. Name the movie scene you’re currently in: “This is the part of the film where she’s burnt out, but about to have a breakthrough.” You are the narrator of your own life.

12. Take a 5-minute beauty break. 

Snap your head up from your phone to experience the wondrous, beautiful world around you. Pick out something around you, even if it’s something small! A sunset, a flower, a cozy street corner — and snap a photo of it for no one but yourself. 

13. Speak encouragement over yourself.

Tell yourself, “This version of me is still worthy of softness.” Even when stressed, you’re still allowed to feel joy.

14. Handwrite one thing daily. 

Grab that pen and paper from your to-do list (a notebook really is the best tool) and write one thing. That five year journal? Use that. That random notebook you bought on a whim a few years ago? That will do. Handwrite a quote, a thank-you note, a line of poetry, even a grocery list. It’s fun and will have you feeling like Meg Ryan in one of those 90s rom-coms. 

15. Keep a “beautiful things” notebook. 

Oh, another notebook! No, keep the one you have—no need to buy another one. Jot down moments, overheard lines, dreams, and observations in this one. Keep this a small notebook to fit in your purse for when you’re on the go, like sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic and you need to write something down. This can also be in your notes app on your phone, convenient and ready for you to pull up when inspiration strikes. 

16. Title your day. 

Similar to labeling individual moments as scenes, title each day like an episode of a TV show. Maybe a random Tuesday can be “A quiet afternoon in June.” Okay, Meg Ryan!

17. Choose your outfit like you’re dressing for a scene. 

Like one of those makeover montages in those early 2000s rom-coms. Maybe this will make you feel like Cher from Clueless. We all wanted that closet, right? Don’t choose outfits based on perfection, but for how it feels. 

18. Use cloth napkins or drink out of a wine glass. 

Even for sparkling water (or Diet Coke). I love filling my wine glasses with my favorite beverage — non-alcoholic included! It makes me feel like the main character. It makes me feel fancy. Do it, you won’t regret it. It’s a small, simple habit that takes your mealtimes to the next level. 

19. Carry something in your purse that makes you feel good. 

“What’s in your bag?” All the practical things, I explained. Wallet, phone, keys, etc. Throw something in there that makes you feel good. A favorite lip balm, a good pen, a paperback or e-reader, dried flowers, etc. Your notebook! 

20. Rehearse a “main character monologue” moment once a day. 

For me, this typically is in the morning while getting ready for work. I turn on my “rom-com” playlist, which includes songs from early 2000s rom-com films. Talk — or dance — to yourself like you’re in a movie or writing a memoir. This is when you pause, either out loud or in your head, and talk to yourself like you’re in the lead in a movie. It’s not dramatic, but rather honest, reflective, and full of you. Talk to yourself about your day or about your dreams for the day or long-term. This turns a seemingly-overwhelming moment into something cinematic, meaningful, and real. 

Some examples: 

• “She’s doing her best. Maybe no one sees how hard she’s trying — but she’s still showing up. Still making something out of the chaos. And one day, this version of her — the one who’s tired and unsure — will look back and realize she never gave up. Not even once.” 

• “She’s walking slowly, the world rushing around her. But she’s not in a rush today. For once, she’s letting the wind guide her pace. She notices the golden hue on the trees, the way the sun hits the pavement. She is here. And that is enough.” 

• “It wasn’t glamorous. But it was hers. Her coffee mug. Her music. Her little world built on routines and rituals. And even on the most ordinary of Tuesdays, she found a way to make it feel like a story worth telling.” 

• “She didn’t know it would feel this good. That a quiet night, a simple dinner, a song she forgot she loved, could bring this kind of peace. But here it is. Happiness. Soft, earned, and entirely here.”