Whimsy feels like a bit of a buzz word at the moment, I've been seeing it everywhere.
Perhaps that's just the algorithm doing its thing- we chose Whimsy as our word of the year for Pogofandango, so maybe the algorithm is simply working well and just showing me more whimsical content because it knows that's what I'm into.
Or maybe, just maybe, whimsy is becoming a trend.
Maybe more people are chasing playful, joyous moments because they are fed up with the grey-beige misery caused by the current state of the world at the moment. And of course, I'm not saying that whimsy is the cure to any of our problems. Definitely not.
But it is a bit of a welcome antidote to some of the seriousness.
You can read more about my thoughts on whimsy here.
I thought I'd share some of the ways you can add a bit of whimsical joy to your everyday life, because it's all well and good telling everyone to embrace whimsy and find more joy, but how does this work on a real-life level?
1- Wear Your Fancy Clothes
I've always been a big fan of this. I'll wear frilly skirts and flowery dresses anywhere and everywhere. It genuinely makes you feel like a 6 year old at a party, which is way more fun than the reality of being a 42 year old at the supermarket. I particularly love pairing a layered net skirt with tights and trainers- fun, playful and still super comfy.
2- Go on Side Quests
A real life side quest is a spontaneous activity or project that is "extra", if that makes sense? It's not part of your bigger life goals, work or routine - it's something random and just for fun. That might be something as small as travelling a new route home, or as big as taking up a new hobby. Some of my side quests in recent years have included sea swimming, roller skating, pottery and hand standing.
3- Dance Like Nobody's Watching
What a cliché. But genuinely, have a little boogie when nobody IS watching. Dancing improves mood, releases stress, enhances cognitive function and it's good for your physical health. So stick on your favourite tune and have a little dance. Bonus points for loud, out-of-tune singing.
4- Fairy Lights in your Home
Fairy lights make everything better. Just saying...
I challenge you not to feel more joyful with a string of twinkly fairy lights on! They give warm, cosy, magical vibes - instant whimsy.
5- Give your Car a Fun Name
This one sounds bonkers but it makes getting from A to B instantly more fun. I'm not talking about calling your car a normal name, like "Daisy", "Beast", or "Herbie" (which are, apparently up there as favourite car names, although they are fine if that works for you). I, however, like a name that's a bit sillier.
My car, for instance, goes by "Dolly Car-ton". A friend's car was called Sir Honks-a-Lot. My first flatmate had a bright purple rover called "Prince Barney of Lilac-town" and another flatmate drove "Hank the Tank". Other fun car name examples are: Zoomy McZoomface, Dirty Gertie, The Snail, Alice Mini Cooper, Taylor Suzuki Swift.
6- Light a Candle at Dinner
Thursday night dinner feeling like a chore? Make it fancy instead! Light a candle, set the table and use your nice cutlery.
7- Give your Pet a Backstory
Maybe your cat is secretly an evil genius trying to take over the world, your dog is following his dreams to become a professional gymnast even though his parents wanted him to be a pharmacist, or perhaps your goldfish is sad because his wife left him and he hates his job at the bank, but he's doing his best to stay positive and motivated, "Hang in there, Robert. You're doing great."
8- Skip, Jump or Hop
When was the last time you skipped?! Skipping, jumping and hopping are common transportation methods for children, and that is because they are fun. I also quite enjoy a balance on one leg or a walk following a straight line without falling off. Channel your inner kid.
Obviously, this goes without saying, but I'm gonna say it anyway, only try these if it is safe to do so and you know you can definitely do it without putting your back out, falling over, getting hit by a vehicle or doing yourself a mischief. Those falls get more painful as you get older, so do this one with caution! Stay safe, y'all.
9- Create a 'Joyful Lucky Dip Jar'
Grab a big jar (a pretty one that makes you feel happy to look at) and colourful papers. Write down a joyful activity on each piece of paper, and when you're stuck for ideas for what to do, take a lucky dip. We do this every summer in our house and it's always a winner.
10 - Build a Blanket Fort
Make it cosy, add cushions, fairy lights (we've already covered these), bring snacks and watch a movie or read a book. Because why not?!
11- Talk to Strangers in a Fake Accent
Not sure that this one needs an explanation, but if you're a pro at accents, you could have some real fun the next time you need to talk to a shop assistant or receive a phone call.
12- Buy Deliciously Scented Soaps
This goes for anything with a scent- laundry detergent, shower gel, hand soap or cleaning sprays. I've started buying a kitchen cleaning spray that smells like rhubarb and it is divine. It makes cleaning my kitchen so much more enjoyable.
13- Stop Saving Things 'For Best'
On the subject of scents, that perfume you've been saving for a special occasion- what are you waiting for?!
Stop saving things for special occasions and start using them. Things are designed to be used so let them fulfil their destiny.
14- Curated Playlists for Everything
Create your own soundtrack for life by picking music that will lift your mood. Create a housework playlist, a gym playlist, a going to the supermarket playlist.
If your life was a movie, what would your soundtrack have on it? Start there.
15- Talk to Inanimate Objects
Tell your printer, "Good job, buddy!" when it prints without a paper jam. Thank your coffee machine for another excellent morning brew. Tip your imaginary cap at the automatic doors as they open for you. Tell your dishes "It's bath time!" and give your laptop a pep-talk when it's glitchy or slow.
16- Use Fancy Stationery
Don't just settle for a boring biro and writing a shopping list on the back of an old envelope. That's so dull. Use a fancy pen, write your shopping list on a pretty notepad and write like it's the first page of a new notebook (i.e. your neatest, curliest, cutest handwriting). Check out our whimsical stationery range here.
17- Rainy Walks
Rather than avoiding the outside world when it rains, put on your welly boots, grab your most colourful umbrella and go for a stomp. Don't be afraid to splash in a muddy puddle or two.
18- Grant Real Life Wishes
My daughter showed me the most fun reel the other day where a dad had put his bank card inside a plastic wand. Every time he paid for anything on a shopping trip with his kids, he waved the wand over the card machine to pay like he was granting their wishes. A lot of effort? Yes. Worth it? Also yes.
Final Thoughts
Let me know how you bring more whimsy into your day in the comments.
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