IS ROMANTICISING YOUR LIFE HELPING OR HURTING YOU?
Scrolling through Instagram, you've probably seen aesthetic videos of people sipping tea on their balconies, journaling in candlelight, or walking through crowded streets with a dreamy playlist in the background. The idea? Romanticise your life - turn everyday moments into something magical.
But is this mindset helping you, or is it just another unrealistic social media trend? Let’s break it down, keeping the Indian context in mind.
The Magic of Romanticising Your Life:
At its core, romanticising your life is about appreciating small moments. With our fast-paced lifestyles - traffic jams, endless notifications, and work deadlines, it’s easy to forget to pause.
When done right, romanticising your life can:
Make daily routines enjoyable - That 9 AM filter coffee? It’s not just caffeine; it’s a comforting ritual.
Help you stay present - Instead of rushing through the day, you start noticing things: the smell of wet earth after rain, the warmth of the sun while waiting for an auto, or the joy of finding a quiet corner in a busy café.
Support emotional health– Finding beauty in everyday life can shift your perspective from stress to gratitude.
Encourage self-care – Lighting a scented candle while reading isn’t just aesthetic; it’s a moment of peace on an otherwise chaotic day.
When Romanticising Turns Toxic:
While it sounds like a dream, there’s a darker side to this trend. Sometimes, romanticising life can:
Create unrealistic expectations - Life isn’t always aesthetic. Your daily commute might involve honking cars rather than calming sunsets, and your "me-time" might be interrupted by urgent work calls.
Turn into avoidance - If you’re using the ‘main character energy’ mindset to escape responsibilities like ignoring deadlines because you’re busy ‘soaking in the moment,’ it could be a problem.
Fuel social comparison - Watching others post their “romanticised” lives on social media can make you feel like you’re missing out, when in reality, those moments are carefully curated and filtered.
Finding the Balance:
So, should you romanticise your life? Yes, but with balance.
Romanticise the real, not just the ideal - Find joy in things as they are. A rainy auto ride stuck in traffic might not be a ‘movie moment,’ but blasting your favourite song through earphones can make it better.
Be present, not performative - Do things for yourself, not for Instagram. If you enjoy journaling, do it because it helps you, not just to capture a ‘morning ritual’ aesthetic.
Use it as motivation, not an escape - Dreamy moments are great, but they shouldn’t replace real action. Want a peaceful life? Instead of just visualising it, work towards it. Set boundaries, manage stress, and take care of yourself.
Final Thoughts
Romanticising your life can be a beautiful way to slow down and appreciate the petty things, especially in a fast-moving world like ours. But it’s important to remember - life isn’t a perfectly edited reel. It’s raw, unpredictable, and sometimes messy. And that’s okay.
So go ahead, sip that chai like it’s the best thing in the world. Just don’t let the pressure to ‘make life aesthetic’ take away from actually living it.
Author: Diya Ayappa
Diya is a trained counsellor and works as a content writer at Silver Oak Health. She is a passionate mental health advocate and is dedicated to creating awareness and fostering open conversations around mental well-being. Her blogs aim to empower individuals by addressing thought-provoking topics, providing personal insights, and making mental health a top priority for all.
