This summer, I mastered the art of doing nothing, and somehow, it became everything I needed. Between a busy internship and the pressure of figuring out what comes after third year, I was drained before the day even started. The version of summer I had in my head included trips, big plans, nights out and that didn’t exactly match my reality. If I didn’t figure out a way to enjoy my everyday routine, I would’ve spent the whole season feeling unproductive, and that was not on my agenda.
That’s when I started romanticizing nothing.
It started small. My morning iced coffee became the highlight of my day, I bought a frother, stocked up on sugar-free syrups, and turned my kitchen into a mini cafe. Suddenly, it wasn’t just caffeine, it was a ritual. My gym routine with my best friend became another daily joy. We promised ourselves we’d show up no matter what, blasting ridiculous “brain rot” songs and turning every workout into something fun.
Cooking turned into a whole production. I’d blast music in the kitchen, pretend I was on MasterChef, and celebrate the little victories when a dish tasted as good as it looked. Every new recipe felt like proof that I didn’t need to go out every day just to have fun, I could create that joy in my own space.
I got back into my hobbies too. For the first time in years, I picked up my sketchbook and spent whatever free time I had to draw. I booked dance studios whenever I could, and trust me, losing myself in choreography brought back a rush of serotonin I didn’t realize I’d missed. None of these things were extravagant but when I chose to see them differently, they felt meaningful.
That mindset shift changed everything. Like most students, I’m constantly juggling stress about the future: jobs, relationships, friendships, and what comes after graduation. Sometimes that pressure is so heavy it makes the present feel pointless. Romanticizing my everyday life gave me an escape route from that spiral. It reminded me that purpose doesn’t only come from the ‘big’ milestones, sometimes it’s just in the little moments that make you actually want to show up for life.
Of course, people might say this is pointless or maybe for some, it doesn’t click. But the truth is, we all get to choose how we see life. Last exam season, I was so focused on grinding through one strict routine that I stopped enjoying the little things, and I was miserable. This summer, I decided I didn’t care what anyone else thought. Savoring the small things in life made me happier, and that was enough.
Here’s what I’ve learned, struggles will always be there, whether it’s with school, work, or relationships. If you spend all your energy overthinking those problems, you’ll miss out on the moments that make life feel lighter. Perspective really does change everything. I could’ve seen my drained routine as boring or repetitive but shifting how I looked at it made all the difference. Not every big thing will bring happiness.
So, my call to action is this: stop waiting for life to be perfect before you enjoy it. Find a way to love the “nothing” parts of your life, because those small things are the ones that end up meaning everything.
