Turn mundane 9-5 workdays into moments of joy with simple mindset shifts, aesthetic rituals, and daily self-care habits.
In today’s day and age, where hustle culture has made room for slow mornings and self care, the idea of romanticising the everyday has become more than just a TikTok trend. It’s a mindset shift. From pouring a cup of coffee, to curating an outfit that feels like a main character moment. The art of romanticising the small things in life, isn’t about changing a routine. But, rather how it’s done. And the most transformative place to begin is the realm of the 9-5.
Whilst office jobs are seen as repetitive, or even draining, they don’t always have to be. Romanticising the 9-5 is about redefining moments of a daily routine through beauty rituals, purpose and a mindful presence. It’s about thinking outside the box of autopilot living and bringing intention to the working week.
Starting With A Morning That Feels Transformative
Before checking texts, emails or the computer, set the tone with a morning ritual that feels like a soft launch into the day. Whether that’s journaling in bed, playing a Spotify playlist that’s upbeat whilst making a matcha, or going to a Pilates class. Create a routine, that’s also a vibe, to feel like the ultimate main character.
Mornings are the time for grounding and intentions to be set, before the chaos of a work day unfolds. Those who romanticise their routine allow time for the activities that bring them joy and embrace a slow morning that’s just for themselves. So, listen to the inspiring podcast, choose an outfit that reflects personality, and make it a ritual.
Romanticise The Morning 9-5 Commute
Instead of seeing the morning commute to work as lost time or a feeling of dread for the day ahead, view it as a sacred tradition. That 20 minute train ride or freeway drive can become a runway for imagination. Especially with the perfect hype girl playlist or Mel Robbins podcast. Or simply, observe the world outside the window, with a sense of wonder.
Small rituals, like stopping by a local cafe on the commute, to get a latte, can elevate the most mundane trips into something cinematic. A daily commute isn’t a burden, it’s an intermission between chapters of the day, so romanticise.
Make The Desk A Destination
Realistically, a person spends 8 hours a day at their desk, so make it a space that reflects their personality. Whether it’s working from home, or in a shared office, decorate the workspace with objects that spark joy. A vase of fresh flowers, a Stanley Cup, a framed photo of a partner or an oil diffuser.
Invest in products that can make a space unique, such as nice pens, a feminine daily planner to stay organised, and signature tea bags in your desk drawer. These small touches aren’t superficial, they’re acts of self care that can make a space feel sacred.
Dress Like It’s a Scene from a Movie
Even if the 9-5 has a casual dress code, an outfit can shift into being an opportunity for self-expression. Dressing for self-expression, takes out the notion about impressing others, but rather about an embodying true self. In the movies, the main character has an outfit designed for their life. So choose pieces that express an identity and energise one for their day.
Maybe it’s a silk blouse that feels like Miranda Priestly in her office editing a fashion magazine, or a pair of classic black pumps that make one feel on top of the world. When an outfit has self-expression, it becomes easier to romanticise the small parts of each day.
Reframe Productivity
Romanticising a 9-5 doesn’t mean slacking off, it’s about finding beauty in the work right in from of themselves. Instead of seeing a never ending to do list, try reframing each task as an act of contribution. Every email sent or meeting throughout the day is a part of a bigger picture.
Celebrate the small milestones, romanticise ticking off a checklist like it’s a plot in an own personal storyline. Reframing productivity is about visualising progress as more than just a task, but a transformation on a purposeful journey.
Romanticising The Evening Wind Down After The 9-5
Romanticising the 9-5 isn’t just about the morning ritual, or the daily commute to work, it’s also important to end the day, with the same energy used to start it. Create an evening ritual that feels personal, whether that’s closing a laptop with intention, having a bath with Epsom salts, or opening a bottle of pinot grigio with a loved one.
Let the evening be a time to reward, reset, and romanticise all over again. Remember a job doesn’t define someone, but it does deserve to be romanticised throughout the whole day so the story as a main character to continue.
