25 simple ways to make your life more whimsical

There are plenty of cozy, comforting ambiences on YouTube. If you want some background noise, like soft jazz, a crackling fire, or even a rainstorm, coupled with a heartwarming video featuring a relaxing atmosphere, browse the many options available on the app. From bustling coffee shops to holiday-inspired living rooms, there’s an ambience for everyone. 

How you start your morning can set the tone for the rest of the day. While many of us are tempted to scroll through social media apps like TikTok or Instagram as soon as we open our eyes, it’s much more beneficial to forgo all electronics and wake up slowly. Create a morning routine that inspires and energizes you, whether it’s dancing around while making yourself coffee and breakfast or journaling and meditating before work. 

Similar to mornings, nighttime is not ideal for phone use. Though many people browse social media platforms until their eyes grow heavy, this can lead to delayed or even disturbed sleep. Instead, try reading a good book to unwind.

In today’s world, it’s easy to zone out while performing everyday tasks, taking for granted our precious moments. One way to break this habit is to slow down and embrace the art of cooking. Shuffle an oldies playlist and sway around the kitchen while you make dinner, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different recipes. Any time you’re particularly impressed, write it down by hand and add it to a personal cookbook you can pass down to your loved ones someday.

I don’t know about you, but Christmas lights make everything better for me. They add a feeling of whimsy wherever they're strung. Thankfully, you don’t have to wait for the holiday season to deck your house with different colored lights. Why not add a bit of magic to every day?

Unfortunately, life isn’t always as whimsical as we want it to be, and it takes intentional effort to remain positive in today’s world. However, there are ways to transmute stress and anxiety into an empowering routine. For example, the night before you have a dreaded doctor’s appointment, make it a habit to have some sort of self-care ritual you can look forward to. 

Why wait for special occasions to wear that new outfit you bought? “Now” is all we have. If you’re in the mood to dress up, knowing it will increase your confidence or spark some inspiration, don’t wait for a fancy event or holiday. Every day is worth celebrating.

Soft, warm lighting can promote relaxation and comfort. Instead of relying on bright overhead lights, invest in small lamps, fairy lights, and candles to set the mood. One prime example is the trending “kitchen lamp,” which is a game-changer when it comes to whimsical living.

What did you enjoy doing when you were young, wild, and free? Perhaps you’d spend hours reading under a tree, or maybe you painted the afternoons away without a care in the world. Appeal to your inner child by reconnecting with old passions—without worrying whether you’re good at them. Remember: everything you do does not need to be productive or monetized.

Many people wait all year moping around and waiting for their favorite season, only for it to come and go within the blink of an eye. Instead of wishing or rushing your life away, try to embrace every part of the year, from the humid summers to the frigid winters. There’s magic in every season if you’re willing to accept and work with it. 

As silly as it might seem, try speaking positive affirmations or even intentions (e.g., “today will be a great day” and “I will make progress writing my book today”) into your morning cup of coffee or tea. This simple practice might feel like magic, but really, it’s a pick-me-up that can set the tone of your day. 

As a cat owner myself, I can’t imagine not talking to your pets. Whether you’re passing deer on an evening walk or greeting your puppy when returning home from work, speaking with animals helps us connect with other living beings and the world around us. According to experts, this can benefit our emotional well-being.  

We humans tend to take Mother Earth for granted. It is our home, and we rely on it for safety, security, and life itself. Simple gestures like picking up litter, lying in a field of grass, or sitting against a tree can help you feel connected to nature and life itself, remembering just how small our problems really are.

In today’s consumer-driven world, there’s an abundance of pressure to purchase the latest and greatest products, from makeup to clothing to home goods. However, once you stop and reflect, you realize your favorite memories had nothing to do with materialistic items and everything to do with immersive experiences and the people we share them with. Sure, some physical items might cultivate such experiences, but make sure you’re focusing on personal fulfillment and not on impressing others.

Every mood can be felt and expressed through music. By creating specific playlists for certain moods, you are actively honoring your emotions, allowing yourself to process them, and fully feeling the extent of them—the good and the bad ones. This is a healthy and oftentimes spiritual way to connect with yourself and move through any feeling that might arise.

The moon is a deeply spiritual symbol across many ancient cultures and religions. If you want to add more whimsy to your life, celebrate the moon and her different phases, acknowledging all of life’s natural cycles—as well as your own. You can even create mini “rituals” during the new moon and full moon phases, like journaling or meditating.

Poetry naturally romanticizes life, putting our deepest feelings and thoughts into words. You don’t have to be a seasoned writer to draft poetry; you just have to express yourself honestly and vulnerably. It’s a cathartic, freeing, and empowering experience. 

I don’t care what anyone says: everyone enjoys singing, and it can make even the most mundane tasks feel special. Don’t worry about how you sound; just let yourself belt out your favorite songs, and watch how much lighter you feel.

Rather than giving your hard-earned money to large corporations, why not visit small local businesses in your area? Get to know the members of your community and support small shops near you, creating in-person connections in the process.

Grocery shopping or other errands can be both boring and time-consuming. That’s why so many of us pay someone else to do it for us. However, with the right attitude, you can make it a fun experience. Create a dedicated shopping playlist, plug your headphones in, and pick up a fun drink before embarking on your errands. Maybe even treat yourself to lunch or another pick-me-up to make the routine feel more special.

Thrift stores are full of whimsical clothing, home goods, and other trinkets you can’t get anywhere else. You never know what kind of treasure you’ll find at a discounted price.

Aromatherapy is real, and you can use it as a pick-me-up while lounging around your home or doing chores. From incense sticks to essential oils, play around with different scents to see what helps you feel most comforted. 

There’s magic in every season—no matter how stifling or, on the other hand, freezing it might be outside. Letting some fresh air into your home can help you feel less trapped or isolated. Even if it’s the middle of winter, step out onto your porch or open your bedroom window upon waking for a few deep breaths.

There’s something comforting about a sick day at home with soup, blankets, and comfort shows. However, we often reserve these days for physical maladies. Acknowledge that illness isn’t always physical, and nurture yourself on the mentally difficult days as you would if you had a fever or other ailment.

Little Free Libraries provide the ultimate whimsy—so why not create your own? You can set it up by your mailbox or front door, or even inside in your living room or entrance hallway. Remind guests to add to the collection or pick up a book for themselves, too.