A friend messaged me a beautiful quote, ‘Us creatives should never give up. We’re the only group who truly appreciate the beauty in the ugliness of the world.’ In other words, we admire well-crafted art and sentences without ChatGPT, while others are quick to ignore a long book and a fresh cup of coffee. Romanticising life is an art form that can increase our contentment.

In Psychology Today, it was suggested that we’re overconsuming dopamine – a chemical linked to reward and pleasure. We can gain instant gratification through Instagram likes, TikTok scrolling and online shopping with little effort. But too much dopamine desensitises our brain and makes it more difficult to regain the same feelings of reward.

We can get so caught up in daily life that we forget the simple joys. Romanticising life is a detox to modern technology and the rush of one high to another. It’s about slowing down, pressing pause, and paying attention to celebrating our mini milestones.

How can we romanticise our life?

It’s rarely as simple as buying a good book and practising gratitude. Slowing down and appreciating the little things requires us to empty the baggage we’re clinging to.

My first two recommendations are to start journalling your thoughts as a daily practice and/or write a draft letter to someone affecting your peace – such as an ex.

After emptying your thoughts, you’ll want to consider what new ones to create. Consider asking yourself these questions:

• How would you summarise your daily energy? What words best describe it?
• What habits do you have that are not helpful?
• What people in your life feel negative? How do they contribute to your energy?
• What stresses you out?
• What is your favourite way to spend a day?
• What moments make you feel most alive?
• What makes you smile?
• When do you feel completely at peace?
• What daily activities could you enjoy more if you took the time to slow down and appreciate them?

Asking these powerful questions will help you explore what areas to focus on to bring more joy to your day-to-day life. It will also encourage you to be mindful and in the present moment, which is crucial to romanticising life.

Adding romance to your every day could be finding more time to socialise with friends in the week, taking on a new, exciting project, reading a book, taking an indulgent bath, buying flowers, watching TV without being on your phone or going to a class.

Schedule time for these joyful moments and look at your routine. How can you romanticise your daily tasks?

You could indulge in L’Occitane skincare or shower gel in the morning or buy a new ceramic coffee cup rather than gulping your coffee with the same mug you’ve used for years.

Maybe you turn your phone off and walk around the block in the morning to encourage you to reflect and enjoy solitude.

Whatever you decide, romanticising life is an art form because it requires us to practice the habit daily. Each time we ask ourselves, ‘How can we add romance to this day?’, we must ground ourselves to the present and step outside our usual routine.

When practising, keep your phone silent and preferably away so you’re not distracted.

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