Let’s face it: a big chunk of our lives can feel pretty mundane. Whether it’s the 9-to-5 grind, long days at university, or caring for the kids, there’s a certain routine to it all. Most of us know the feeling—waking up around the same time every day, following the same morning rituals, taking the same commute to work or school. Even though every day is technically different, they often feel eerily similar. And let’s be honest—there’s that nagging fear of falling into an endless cycle of doing the same things over and over again, leaving us questioning whether we’re truly living or just going through the motions.

We’ve all been there, right? The “same old” feels particularly heavy when life is full of to-dos—two essays, three presentations, and endless deadlines creeping up on you. When I was studying, I often felt torn: I wanted the week to be over so badly, but at the same time, I was overwhelmed by the thought of never having enough time to do everything. It was this strange paradox: wanting to escape the chaos while feeling like time was slipping through my fingers.

So how do we find joy in the mundane? How can we romanticize life, even when it’s busy and full of things we’d rather not do? It’s easier than it sounds—because the truth is, our busy lives are full of magic if we know how to look for it (this sounds cheesy but it’s true!)

1. Shift your perspective on routine

The beauty of routine is that it brings stability. Sure, it can sometimes feel like groundhog day, but embracing your daily rituals can be surprisingly empowering. Instead of viewing your routine as boring or monotonous, try to see it as something that grounds you. Take your morning cup of coffee, for example. It’s not just a caffeine fix—it’s a moment of stillness before the chaos of the day begins. Your walk to work or school? A time to clear your head and prepare mentally for what lies ahead. When you start viewing your daily tasks differently, even the most mundane moments can become calming and comforting. For instance, I swapped cycling to university for walking. That extra half hour in peace, without the stress of traffic, had become my quiet time to myself before diving into the day’s chaos.

2. Find the small moments of joy

Romanticizing life is all about finding beauty in the tiny, often-overlooked details. Maybe it’s the fresh scent of rain on the pavement, the warm sunlight streaming through your window, or the sound of laughter from your coworkers or friends. These fleeting moments, though small, are the threads that weave the fabric of our everyday lives. Take a moment to notice them. Savor the little joys that often go unnoticed. If you want to remember them, try jotting them down in a gratitude journal. You’d be amazed how reflecting on these small moments can help you see that beauty isn’t just in grand gestures—it’s in the details of daily life.

3. Create mini rituals for yourself

Life is busy, no doubt about it. But even within that busyness, you can create small pockets of joy. Maybe it’s lighting a candle while you work, playing your favorite song during your commute, or taking a short walk during lunch to clear your head. These simple rituals can help shift your mindset and give you a sense of calm and purpose amidst your hectic schedule. For me, I like to start my day with calmness by listening to a short meditation from Headspace first thing in the morning. If you’re interested in cultivating a calm start to your day, check out my post “The Mindful Morning Routine: 5 Tips That Changed My Life.”

4. Embrace the chaos and imperfection

Not everything has to be perfect, and not every day needs to be “Instagram-worthy” to be meaningful. Life is messy, chaotic, and sometimes downright frustrating—and that’s perfectly fine. Embracing the imperfections is what makes the journey beautiful. Some of the most meaningful moments come from the mess—those times when things don’t go according to plan, but you still find joy in the middle of it all. Maybe you didn’t tick off everything on your to-do list today, but you took the time to care for yourself or checked in with a loved one. That counts. Life isn’t about how many tasks you can cross off—it’s about how you show up for yourself and others, even when things get messy.

5. Let go of the pressure to always be productive

Our culture often revolves around productivity, but life isn’t a race to check off endless tasks. It’s okay to slow down, take a break, and simply be. When we stop glorifying busyness, we create space to enjoy the little things—whether it’s a slow morning, a quiet cup of tea with a friend, or just breathing deeply and appreciating the present moment. The pressure to constantly be productive can rob us of joy, leaving us feeling drained instead of fulfilled. By letting go of that pressure, we create room to savor the beauty in the ordinary. I know it’s easier said than done, but one change that made a huge difference for me is having “No Phone Sunday.” It’s a day where I take a break from not only my devices but also from my to-do list. I let myself just exist, doing whatever feels right in the moment.

Romanticizing life doesn’t mean ignoring the responsibilities and challenges that come with it. It means acknowledging that even in the most mundane, busy days, there’s always room for joy, connection, and gratitude. Next time you feel stuck in a routine or overwhelmed by a to-do list, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that even in the busyness, there’s beauty. Maybe it’s time to romanticize the little things—and discover how much they really matter.

What’s one small moment in your daily routine that you can appreciate more or turn into a ritual to bring a little more joy into your day?