We often wait for life to get better – dream job, a bigger home, a holiday escape – before we allow ourselves to enjoy it. But research suggests that happiness doesn’t just come from big moments. It’s cultivated in the small, everyday rituals we repeat.
Romanticising your routine
It isn’t about delusion or denying difficulties. It’s about making the ordinary feel extraordinary by paying closer attention and engaging the senses. In other words, it’s the practice of finding joy in the present moment – and science supports its benefits.
Why It Works: The Psychology of Small Joys
According to Dr. Laurie Santos, professor of psychology at Yale and host of The Happiness Lab podcast, happiness is less about circumstances and more about intentional activities: “Savouring small moments, practicing gratitude, and being present are some of the most effective ways to boost wellbeing.”
Similarly, positive psychology researcher Dr. Barbara Fredrickson found that brief experiences of positive emotion – like awe, curiosity, or contentment – build psychological resilience over time.
Her Broaden-and-Build Theory shows that positive emotions expand our thinking and improve long-term wellbeing.
The takeaway? You don’t need to change your life – just your lens.
1. Create a Morning Ritual that Grounds You
Research from the University of California shows that how you start your day can influence your emotional state for hours. Begin with a moment of stillness: stretch, journal, or sit by a window with your coffee and no phone. The key is intention, not length.
2. Engage Your Senses to Anchor the Moment
Neuroscience tells us that engaging the senses helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the body and mind. Try:
- Lighting a scented candle while you work
- Playing gentle instrumental music during tasks
- Drinking your tea slowly, noticing its warmth and flavour.
These are simple acts of mindfulness that tell the brain: This moment matters.
3. Turn Mundane Tasks into Mini Rituals
Psychologist Dr. Ellen Langer, known for her work on mindfulness, argues that “when we notice new things, we become more engaged and less stressed.” Try folding laundry slowly, washing dishes with attention to the water’s warmth, or tidying your space with music.
These practises cultivate present-moment awareness and shift the narrative from chore to choice.
4. Curate Beauty in Small Places
Environmental psychology studies show that our surroundings significantly impact mood. You don’t need a full home makeover – just a few details:
- A favorite mug
- A vase of fresh or dried flowers
- A tidy, cozy corner with soft lighting.
According to Dr. Susan Clayton, environmental psychologist at the College of Wooster, small aesthetic improvements to our space can “provide a sense of stability and control,” especially in uncertain times.
5. Narrate Your Life with Self-Compassion
The way we talk to ourselves shapes our internal world. Self-compassion expert Dr. Kristin Neff emphasises that speaking to ourselves with kindness reduces anxiety and increases emotional resilience.
Try narrating your day like the main character in a gentle novel. “She made her morning tea and watched the light shift across the room. It was a small, sacred pause.”
Lessons from Ruby Granger
A great example of someone who romanticises their routine is Ruby Granger, a content creator known for her focus on productivity, mindfulness, and intentional living.
In her video titled “How I Romanticise My Life,” she shares personal insights and practical tips on embracing the beauty in everyday moments.
Ruby advocates for finding joy in simple routines, such as enjoying a cup of tea, reading a book, or taking a leisurely walk, emphasising that these small acts can transform ordinary days into meaningful experiences.
Final Thought
Romanticising your routine is more than a trend – it’s a powerful form of everyday mental health care. It’s about making peace with the pace of your life, elevating the simple, and reconnecting with the present.
You don’t need a perfect life. You just need a practice of noticing what’s already good.
