Is Romanticizing Life Helping Us—or Stressing Us Out?

I’ve noticed that I’ll stop mid-walk just to take a photo of a tree or make a quick time-lapse of the sky. It sounds silly, but it’s moments like those that actually make my day feel better. Romanticizing life has become such a big thing for our generation, especially online. But what is it about this “trend” that keeps us all so hooked?

Escaping the Ordinary

Daily life isn’t always exciting. Whether it’s school, work, or just being overwhelmed, most days feel so repetitive. Turning those boring everyday routines into something beautiful gives us more control over how we experience them. The habit turns boring tasks in comforting opportunities. I used to rush to get home after long and exhausting days at school. Speeding in a silent car so I could just go home and rot in my bed. But now, I use it as an escape. I blast my playlist and just take in the beauty around me. It’s a form of escapism (which is actually a song on said playlist), but also empowerment— we choose to find meaning where it usually wouldn’t be. 

The Role of Social Media

Aesthetic TikTok’s and “day in the life” videos play a huge role in shaping this habit. These types of videos make it look like everyone else’s life is a perfect little film, so naturally we want to do the same. It encourages the idea that we’re all the “main character” of our own story. But it also becomes a feedback loop: we watch it, we imitate it, others see ours and do the same. When you see someone turn a simple Costco trip into a cinematic vlog, it makes you want to grab your camera too, even if you’re just at Target. Even the editing, filters, background music, and angles add to the vibe of finding magic in the normal. 

Mental Health & Mindfulness

In the end, romanticizing life is kind of like low-effort self-care. It helps slow us down, focus, and notice the things that make us feel calm. It’s tied to mindfulness, but in a more casual, cutesy way. These little habits—lighting a candle, putting your phone away for dinner (yes that includes youtube on your iPad), making your room look cozy—help people feel more present. There’s something about making a pretty matcha and going for a walk listening to music. For people dealing with anxiety, burnout, or overstimulation, these tiny things can feel grounding. 

The Commercial Side

Like any “aesthetic”, this one got monetized fast. Brands push “romanticizing” products—planners, mugs, matcha kits, candles, etc. It makes people feel like they need to buy things to make their life look or feel romantic enough. There’s pressure to look like you have the most perfect morning routine or the most peaceful bedroom setup. Sometimes I catch myself thinking, “If I just had that journal or body oil, maybe I’d feel more put together,” and then I remember—this trend is also selling a fantasy. It’s okay to enjoy the aesthetic—but it’s also okay to remind yourself that you don’t need to buy your way into it. 

One of my favorite things to romanticize is getting ready for bed—dim lights, chill music, perfume sprayed on my pillow. It makes the end of the day feel soft instead of stressful. While it’s fun and even helpful, it doesn’t have to be perfect—or shared online to count. So if you’ve ever made a rainy day feel like a movie scene, or filmed your coffee just because it looked pretty—same. You’re not alone in that.

What’s something you love romanticizing? even if no one else sees it?