8 Simple Ways to Romanticize Life on a Budget Nathania, September 3, 2023October 11, 2023 You don’t need a lot of money or fancy things to embrace happiness or romanticize your life.As a black woman who has struggled with her mental health, pretty much her entire life, I can heavily relate to the notion of needing an outlet when life just gets too chaotic. I’m gonna share 9 simple ways I romanticize my daily life without spending ridiculous amounts of money I should just be giving a therapist – and how you can too. It’s interesting because, in this journey, I’ve really come to understand that embracing the beauty of simplicity can have such a major impact on your mental health and even help you find hope even in the darkest moments.Ways You Can Romanticize Your Life on a BudgetFind Your Cozy SpaceTransform a corner of your room into a cozy oasis. Get a few blankets, some soft pillows, and fairy lights. It’s a budget-friendly way to create a soothing escape right at home.If you don’t have the ability to create this space in your home, find a local coffee shop or a library or anywhere you feel safe and comfortable just existing in your own head. Spend time there whenever you need to unwind. You can journal, read, pray, or just enjoy your own company. Embrace NatureWhen anxiety and depression feel overwhelming, you might be able to find some solace in nature’s arms. Take a walk, visit a beach, or have a picnic and soak in the beauty of the natural world. It’s a completely free experience that can work wonders and give your mind the reset it needs.A day at the beach sitting under an umbrella or riding the waves of the ocean are some of the most soothing experiences I’ve ever had in my life. You can also have a picnic at a pier, go hiking, or even swing as high as you can on a swing set just like when you were a kid. Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: www.pexels.comHomemade DelightsEnjoying yummy food doesn’t have to break the bank. Get creative in the kitchen and experiment with budget-friendly recipes. Cook your favorite comfort foods or try new cuisines. Preparing a meal with love can be a therapeutic and romantic experience in itself.Take it up a notch by bringing out your fancy plates and drinking water from a wine glass. People call me so corny for doing this, but I swear it makes dinnertime always feel like a luxurious experience. Give Yourself a Creative ProjectSometimes you just need a distraction. Engage in simple DIY crafts and projects. You don’t need an expensive hobby to find joy in creating. Repurpose old items, try your hand at painting, or even consider getting into content creation. It’s a great way to express your feelings and find a community that embraces you through all your struggles.Have a Reading RetreatBooks have the incredible power to transport us to different worlds, even when we can’t physically escape our struggles. Visit your local library or explore free e-books online. Curl up in your coziest corner with a warm blanket and let your mind wander through the pages.Find Your Style Whether it’s the way you dress or the way you design your living space, find a style that makes you happy and confident. Declutter and simplify your space, so that when depression and anxiety are weighing you down, your surroundings aren’t amplifying that feeling. Plus, you might discover so much about yourself in the process.Photo by Porapak Apichodilok: pexels.comDownload Apps that Tell You About Free Local EventsI love using groupon to find local events at a discounted price. There will always be more options if you live in a major city, but give it a try regardless of where you live. It’s also worth it to look into Facebook groups that are specific to your location. There’s a Facebook group I used to be in from my old neighborhood called ‘Park Slope Together,’ and people always shared local deals on events and even shopping centers. They regularly arranged meetups, and it was a great way to meet people. Write Love Letters to Your Higher PowerSome people believe in God. Some people don’t. But almost everyone believes in SOMETHING. Whether you’re a big bang supporter, or into astrology, or just believe in karma…. you can do this in some way.You know that Ariana Grande lyric, “Take my pen and write some love letters to heaven.” Yeah, do that. Write down all the things in your life that you are eternally grateful for. You can also include the things you want to happen in your life and say why you feel like they’re the best path for you. If you believe in manifestation, speak as if the things you desire are already yours. Thank your higher power for putting you in a position to have them. Take Photos of EverythingAs a content creator, this is something I am big on. But you don’t have to post the pictures if you don’t want to! Create fun memories and keep them. Consider creating scrapbooks or fun ways to display memories from a particular chapter in your life. In high school, I made my boyfriend an exploding box to display memories of our relationship. I also made one for my son as a speech therapy tool. You can do something similar for yourself. Photo by ATC Comm Photo: www.pexels.comAll in AllAs someone who has battled depression and anxiety, I understand feeling overwhelmed and like you’re drowning in a 3 ft deep pool.But I’ve learned that small, budget-friendly actions can infuse a touch of romance and magic into our lives, even when our circumstances are challenging. The power of hope lies in these everyday activities, waiting to be discovered.In my journey, I’ve found that by embracing these simple practices, I’ve been able to manage my mental health better. It’s like feeling your feet touch the bottom of the pool floor. Your head is above water, and you can finally catch your breath after thinking everything is over. Romanticizing life can be a form of self-care that promotes healing and offers hope. Remember, you are not alone in your struggles, and there is beauty to be found in the smallest of moments. The act of celebrating life, even on a budget, can be a powerful tool in your fight against depression and anxiety. May you find solace and strength in this journey of healing and recovery.If you’re a mother, looking for more specific information on romanticizing life while juggling motherhood, this is for YOU.If you are someone who just needs a community or someone to talk to, check out my Instagram. I always reply to dms! Lifestyle