Could you use a little more of that sunshine feeling in your life? You know the feeling that you are having a good day, even though it hasn’t gone the way you wanted and stressful events are all around you. What you’re seeking is more whimsy throughout your day.
I know I could definitely use more of that. Don’t worry, I have just the thing for us. We are going to add more whimsy to our day to day life. If you want to know how, or what “whimsy” even means, keep reading.
What Does Whimsy Mean?
Whimsy can be described as something out of the ordinary, but in a fun way. I like to say it’s like being extra, but softly. It may seem silly to take something, like a morning routine, and make it more playful and light. However, it can make a world of difference, and may even be beneficial.
By bringing some joy into the mundane day to day, you may notice your mental health improving, outlook on life feeling more positive, and more. At least that is what has been happening for me.
30 Ways To Add Some Whimsy Throughout Your Day
In this list I’ll break the day into parts so that you know when to easily incorporate some whimsy into your routines. At the end I’ll include some activities that will bring the whimsy out of you. Are you ready? Let’s get whimsical!
The Morning Hours
Watch the sunrise while sipping your favorite beverage: Whether it’s coffee, tea, lemon water, or something else, sip it slowly and turn it into a ritual.
Open the windows: Getting fresh air first thing in the morning is peak morning whimsy.
Use an affirmation deck to set today’s tone: If you don’t have an affirmation deck you can write out an affirmation instead.
Wear a tira when doing your skincare routine: I found this idea on TikTok and I thought it was such a fun idea.
Listen to a morning playlist: This could be calming, inspirational tunes or high vibe, energetic music that will wake you up. I personally love my Have A Great Day playlist. It always helps me start the day with a smile. Listen to mine, find a different one, or curate your own morning playlist.
Wear something that expresses your personality: Any time I think of this tip I imagine Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. She was unapologetically herself when it came to her wardrobe, but still made it work for the setting she was in. When you are trying to decide what to wear, channel your inner Elle Woods.
Make a wish at 11:11: Just like wishing on a shooting star, dandelion, or birthday candles. Except you can do it everyday twice a day if you catch it both times.
Mid Day Pick-Me-Up
Take a nature walk: If you need a change of scenery try going for a walk, in nature preferably. Or if you live in the city, maybe a nearby park? To get extra whimsy points collect small flowers you see along the way.
Pick what you listen to: If you are able to, ignore the white noise and give your ears something good to listen to. It could be your favorite playlist, a rom-com you’ve been meaning to get to on Audible, or an inspirational podcast.
Decorate your office/workspace: Give your space some personality, the more whimsy you add the better! Mine would be full of sparkly accent pieces and inspirational quotes. Yours may be fairy lights and photos of the people you love. Check to see what is allowed in your workplace, if you work in-office, then decorate to your heart’s content.
Pick a fun mug/cup/water bottle: Life is too short to have boring drinkware. Buy yourself a water bottle in your favorite color, a mug with a funny quote on it, or a cup with a fun straw.
Take a doodle break: All work and no play makes for a sad day. Take a doodle break in between tasks or when you just need a break. Buy a notebook just for doodling and see if you can fill up a page each day.
Look out the clouds and see what shapes you can find: Let your imagination run free with this one. If you see any fun shapes be sure to snap a picture of it.
Early Evening Vibes
Take the scenic way home: I know after work all you want to do is take the fast track home. Hear me out though, taking the longer route can give you time to decompress, think, listen to your favorite playlist, etc. That way you come home feeling relaxed and not depleted.
Pick a dinner theme and fully send it: Bring some whimsy to the dinner table by choosing cuisine like Italian, Thai, Taco Tuesday, brunch for dinner, etc.. Once you have the meal planned and you’re ready to start cooking, put on a playlist or show/movie that fits that vibe. Here are some theme ideas if you need inspiration.
Watch the sun go down: I choose to believe that seeing all the different colors from the sunset is the sky showing off its whimsy. Be sure to take some time to soak it in and appreciate it.
Dim the lights: Bring out the candles and turn off the lights to bring out the cozy, whimsical vibes.
Do a wind down hobby: Think puzzles, reading, doing a word search, and more. Basically anything that doesn’t involve high energy or a screen.
Whimsical Nightcap
Listen to a calming playlist: You can probably sense a theme by now. Music impacts your mood. If you are ready to wind down playing some low-fi music, or some of your favorite slower songs, will get you there.
Give tomorrow’s to-do list a fun name: “To-do list” doesn’t give whimsy, but something like a “ta-da list” or “today’s quests” definitely does.
Treat your skincare routine like an at home spa: Give yourself a little luxury before bedtime. There are many ways to do this. My favorite one is to steam my face before applying my skincare.
Write down one good thing that happened today: I have this in my notes app, but you can also write it down. It will help you start looking for the little things throughout the day. It’s also great to look back on when you’ve had a hard day.
Whimsy Anytime You Need It
Make specific playlists to make your life feel like a musical: I started doing this when I want to feel a certain emotion or capture a certain feeling. I’ve got playlists for when I want to have a good cry or feel confident. Then I’ve got one that feels like walking in a field of flowers. There’s even one that goes great with cleaning the house.
Use items that express your obsessions: Do you love llamas or the masterpiece that is the movie High School Musical? Sprinkle whatever your obsession is throughout your day. Whether it’s using llama shaped sticky notes, or writing in a High School Musical notebook. There is truly something for everyone in every situation.
Write notes to your future self and hide them around the spaces you frequent: I first found this idea online and I can’t wait to do it myself. It is such a cute idea, and I imagine it would be helpful on those days when you are feeling low.
Use colored pens any chance you get: This is one of my favorite small ways to add whimsy to just about anything. Whether it’s in your planner, notes for school, or anywhere else, cute writing is for sure whimsy.
Start a collection: You can collect squishmellows, records, or even painted rocks. Whatever you are into, it’s fun to be on the lookout for items to add to your collection. Not to mention it’s a part of what makes you, you.
Get a random thoughts journal and keep it nearby always: This is a place to write your dreams, random 2AM ideas, reminders, brain dumps, and anything else you need. You never know how this practice can help you in the future. If anything it will be fun to look back on.
Gift an item that’s not a gift for someone else: When ordering something online check the “Is this a gift?” option
Spread the whimsy to others: Hopefully you see how much fun these little actions could add to your life, why not share that with others? Tell your friends how you are adding whimsy to your day. Better yet, send them some whimsy through things like snail mail, post-it note reminders, and more.
Final Thoughts on How to Add Whimsy Throughout Your Day
So you see, there are a multitude of ways to add whimsy throughout your day. If you are ever unsure of what to do when you need a mood boost or some fun, come back to this list.
About the Author
Kelly graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations and a minor in Journalism. Even though it took her a little while to find her career path, she was always meant to be in Communications. She remembers writing poems and songs when she was a little girl and pitching to my parents the reasons why I should have a cell phone when I was a teenager. She currently has a blog (budding-joy.com) where she talks about her weight-loss journey, mental health and personal development. Her hope is to encourage and inspire readers and let them know they are not alone. Reading blog posts like that are what helped her in tough times and she wants to pay it forward. She loves dance fitness, listening to music, and creating layouts in her bullet journal. She's a big fan of planning, especially when cute notebooks and pens are involved. Her dream job has changed so much over the years; right now she'd love to co-own a dance studio.
Website: budding-joy.com