10 Things To Start Doing To Romanticize Life In Your 20-Somethings

I'm a 25-year-old teenager in my coming-of-age movie era. (This is for the Editorial Fellowship.)

Let's be forreal: sometimes life sucks and we're caught in an endless cycle that feels pointless and bleak. As someone in their mid-twenties, this is a state I find myself constantly in.

e @eshallll_

“are u ok?” no i literally can’t get myself to complete any work whatsoever

02:11 PM - 20 Feb 2021

It feels like all I do is wake up, go to work, doom scroll, and lull myself back to sleep.

Sure, there are little exciting moments in-between, but it's hard to feel excited about everyday life when the highlight of my day is when my tomato and mozzarella sandwich from Starbucks has an extra dollop of pesto in it.

But once the new year started, I decided to try and ~romanticize~ my life, even the seemingly boring parts. And, honestly, it's really helped keep me gracious and mindful.

So here are 10 things you can start doing to romanticize life that your future self will be thankful for.

𝐴𝑟𝑡'𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑠 ☽ @ceIticmoon

What do you mean romanticizing my life can't be my main personality trait 🤨

02:57 PM - 06 Mar 2023

Spoiler alert: you have to be okay with being cringey sometimes.

1. Start taking more pictures of yourself.

Miley Cyrus / Via Instagram: @mileycyrus

Whether it's a selfie or a good ole mirror pic, take a picture of yourself whenever you feel good or whenever you feel like it! It's great being able to see how much you've grown and changed when compared to your past self, and it's also a lovely way to show your self-love. You don't even have to post it anywhere if you don't want to (though this selfie of Miley drinking an In n Out milkshake was totally essential for her to post).

2. Start taking videos of yourself doing mundane things.

Bretman Rock / Via Instagram: @bretmanrock

If you've ever watched home videos of you as a child that your parents took, this shares the same sentiment. We literally have the technology to capture moments and slices of life in real time, and we should use it to its full advantage! Whether you're dunking yourself in an ice bath like Bretman Rock or running through the streets with your friends, being able to return to moments where you felt like your truest and best self is always a win.

3. Create a morning and nighttime routine.

Euphoria HBO / Via GIPHY

Make time for yourself when you wake up and before you go to sleep by creating a morning and nighttime routine! Whether it includes skincare, journaling, exercise, reading, or anything else, doing something for yourself at the start and end of the day makes room to show yourself gratitude and puts your needs as a priority.

4. Spend some time outside and talk to the moon (preferably not in the sad way Bruno Mars did).

Kimi No Na Wa (Your Name) / Via GiPHY

Not to appease the boomers, but sometimes disconnecting from everything and getting off that damn phone is exactly what you need. Spend some time in the sun, watch the sunset, give the stars some attention, and connect with ~the universe~.

5. Buy yourself flowers for no reason other than they smell good and look pretty.

𝒜𝓃𝓃 @_annnsophie

— buy yourself flowers because you deserve it

10:46 AM - 24 Mar 2022

Via twitter.com

What's better than coming home to a fresh, beautiful bouquet of flowers? Knowing that you bought yourself that fresh and beautiful bouquet of flowers.

6. Switch it up in the kitchen and cook something new and delicious.

Disney Pixar/Ratatouille / Via GIPHY

Find a recipe you've always wanted to make and create your own (amateur) fine-dining experience. Turn up the tunes, pour yourself some wine, and hope for the best.

7. Take yourself out on a date.

Parks And Recreation / Via GIPHY

It might take a little practice and courage for some, but going out by yourself is so fun and fulfilling! Get a massage, drink a mimosa or two, and bask in your presence. Bonus: take a selfie to commemorate your date with yourself.

8. Make more playlists so that you have something for every mood and situation.

Marvelous And The Black Hole / Via GIPHY FilmRise

Music makes everything better, and if you really want to feel like you're starring in a coming-of-age film, playlists are a must. Make a playlist for your coffee shop study seshes, your evening walks with the dog, your morning commute, and everything in-between.

9. Wear that outfit, spray that perfume, put on the colorful makeup, etc.

Ariana Grande / THANK U, NEXT / Via GIPHY

Listen, there's no need for you to wait for a special occasion to dress up and look ultra hot. If you want to do your weekly Target run wearing Chanel No. 5, butterfly-inspired eyeshadow, and a penny lane coat, this is your sign to go for it. Step into your main character role, babes.

10. Reward yourself with simple pleasures because life is hard and you deserve nice things.

Notorious Queens / Meghan James / Via GIPHY ALLBLK

Sometimes getting through one single day is hard enough, so please, get yourself that $7 iced coffee with oat milk. Get an appetizer. Take an extra five minutes in the shower. Sing out loud in the car. Call one of your friends. Don't deny yourself the simple things—that's the romance.

My fellow 20-somethings, we'll get through this!

Hawaii Five-O / ION Television / Via GIPHY