Romanticize your Life Like a Bridgerton. Prioritize your self care.

Dear Gentle Reader,

It is I, Lady Whistledown…

Well, I wish, anyway. If you haven’t gathered, I am a fan of the Netflix series “Bridgerton“. While I do liken myself to “a Penelope” – introverted, a bit awkward, and a lover of the written word – my life is not quite as romantic as hers. I do not attend balls, wear bespoke gowns, or promenade with my bestie. But, why can’t I romanticize my life by bringing some of the regency romance of 19th century Europe into my 21st century life.

How to Romanticize Your Life like a Bridgerton

Make Self Care A Priority

Part of the romance of “Bridgerton” is how beautiful everyone looks all the time. Everyone is dressed well, even for an afternoon in the parlor, and their hair is always nicely styled. While I am not about to start wearing a corset or layers of crinoline, I can start “getting ready” for my work at home day. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just a soak in the tub, some luxurious moisturizer, and swapping pjs for a put together outfit to make my morning feel a bit more special. Oh, and changing up my messy bun for something a bit more refined. How can you prioritize your self care to make you feel a bit more special?

Have a Regular Tea Time

You may have already read about my tea time renaissance. It is a part of my afternoon routine to switch from my work day to my evening with my family. I have always been a collector of teacups but they have a tendency to sit on display unused and collecting dust. By using my china regularly, I can bring that little bit of romance into my routine. If I am feeling a little “extra”, there might be some pretty homemade tea time snacks involved as well. Is there something you save for a special occasion that you can start using regularly? A part of creating romance in your every day life is living as if each day is worth that little bit of something special.

Get Back to Reading

Making time for reading has been a priority for me this year. I let my reading hobby fall by the wayside over the years and didn’t realize just how much I missed it until I started reading for enjoyment again. There is nothing better than sitting outside with the warm sun on your face as you allow yourself to become enveloped by the story. Make some time to read every day. Perhaps before bed or while you are waiting for your morning coffee.

Have a Conversation

Real conversation gets lost in our busy day to day routines. Even when we are not “busy” we distract ourselves from the people around us with television and smartphones. Take a break from your screens and have a conversation about your dreams, your hobbies, or just a recap of your day. Live like it is 1820 and put tech aside for an hour (or a weekend if you’d like a challenge).

Pick Some Flowers

A vase of flowers or a potted plant just makes me smile. Even the fields of dandelions bring me joy. Bring some romance into your home with flowers, either purchased or picked.

Prioritize Good Quality Sleep

Make it a priority to get your 7-8 hours of sleep each and every night. Go to bed early. Take some time for reading or pillow talk before sleep. Wake to the sun streaming through your curtains and make your bed when you get up. Isn’t it wrong that these things sound luxurious when in fact they should be essential?

Revive Your Hobbies

Without technology taking up most of their day, the lords and ladies of “Bridgerton” spend their afternoons reading, walking in the park, doing needle crafts, and playing games. Why not revive an old hobby of yours and spend a Sunday afternoon remembering what it was like to do something just for the fun of it.

Start a Journal

Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers is essentially a journal. Many other characters in the Bridgerton series journal regularly as well. There is something so romantic about taking a few moments to yourself to write about your day, your dreams, and your feelings. If you don’t do anything else on this list to romanticize your life, just journal. If you want to read more about journaling (in the 21st century), head on over to my post about starting a journal practice.