Main Character Energy: How to Romanticize Your Life for Better Mental Health

Hello! Welcome to another edition of ABC of Mental Health, your partner in the journey to better well-being—one newsletter at a time. Romanticizing your life is about shifting your self-perception and finding meaning, beauty, and control in your everyday experience. Done mindfully, it can boost your mental health by helping you slow down, savour the present, and feel like an active participant in your life—not just a bystander. The main character energy is about embodying presence, confidence, and intentionality like you're the protagonist of your own story. It’s not about being self-centred but about living fully and unapologetically.

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One relevant recommendation:

Start a 5-10 minute “Five Senses Morning Ritual”, where you can do the following to engage your senses. It’s small, soft, and totally manageable — but done daily, it begins to rewire your brain toward peace, presence, and self-cherishing.

• Sight – Light a candle or open your curtains to let in natural light.

• Sound – Play soft music or ambient sounds (e.g., rain, birds, piano).

• Smell – Use essential oils, incense, or brew coffee/tea and breathe it in deeply.

• Touch – Gently stretch, apply lotion, or hold a warm mug with both hands.

• Taste – Eat or sip something slowly and gratefully — even if it’s just water with lemon.

Two Quotes on Romanticising Your Life:

Thích Nhất Hạnh, influential spiritual teacher of the modern era, encourages us to:

“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves.”

A quote inspired by Roald Dahl, celebrated children’s author known for his whimsical imagination, reads:

“Keep your eyes wide open. This world hides magic in plain sight—main characters always notice it first."

Three TherapyShorts from TST

1. Own Your Style: Dress in a way that expresses your mood, not trends. Your clothes can do so much more than just cover you up. They can be used to express something that is unique to you, such as your likes and interests. Wear that “extra” outfit — even if it’s just for errands. Accessorise like your wardrobe tells your story. 🎭 Main characters don’t ask for permission to stand out. You can be your own glorious self.
   

2. Romanticise the Ordinary: Find a way to add meaning to things that we tend to dismiss as mundane. You can do this in many ways: Light a candle when you wind down; walk like your favorite scene is playing in the background; take photos of sunrises, flowers, or your coffee — not for others, but to notice beauty.✨ Treat everyday moments like scenes in a film and find the special in the ordinary.
   

3. Protect Your Peace: Set boundaries without guilt. Say yes to what lights you up. Say no to what doesn't bring ffulfilment. Give yourself permission to rest without “earning” it. 🛡️ Main character energy is rooted in self-respect. Remember, you write your own story and have the power to carry it in whatever direction you wish.

A QUESTION?

How are you inclined to bring main character energy to your daily life? Vote here!

Last week, we asked you what is something that you like to do for a relaxing bedtime routine, and the responses were… (drumroll please)…

Love and light,

The Social Therapist

PS: No excuses!