How to Add Whimsy to Your Life: #Whimsy Goals

Download Article

Certified life coach Nora Oliver outlines fun and simple ways to add whimsy to your life

Explore this Article

IN THIS ARTICLE

1 Try at least one new thing per week.

2 Turn your to-do list into a work of art.

3 Make a whimsical inspo-board.

4 Keep fresh flowers in your home.

5 Give inanimate objects names.

6 Use more whimsical language in general.

7 Laugh more often.

8 Strike up convos with strangers.

9 Create personal morning and night routines.

10 Wear a matching pajama set.

11 Create whimsical labels for your medicine cabinet.

12 Start collecting something.

13 Bring a journal or sketchbook wherever you go.

14 Take more walks.

15 Start a garden.

16 Experiment with your morning bev.

17 Try out exciting new recipes.

18 Get whimsical with your food presentation.

19 Host regular dinner parties.

20 Find your own signature scent.

21 Spice up your outfit with an accessory.

22 Add unconventional decor to your home.

23 Paint something in your home a fun color.

24 Embrace the vibes of each season.

25 Invent your own holiday.

26 Celebrate your “Unbirthday.”

27 Have an at-home dance party.

28 Leave notes for your future self around your house.

29 Leave kind notes for strangers in public.

30 Mail physical letters or cards.

31 Pick up a creative hobby.

32 Listen to movie soundtracks.

33 Live as your favorite character for a day.

34 Watch as many sunsets as you can.

35 Light your room by candlelight at night.

36 Say “hello” to the moon each night.

+ Show 33 more...

- Show less...

Other Sections

Video

Tips and Warnings

Related Articles

References

Co-authored by Nora Oliver and Annabelle Reyes

Last Updated: March 14, 2026 Fact Checked

Download Article

Life can be stressful or overwhelming at times…which is why we could all do with a little more whimsy in our daily routines! What is whimsy, you ask? It’s that little spark of imagination or spontaneity that makes even the most mundane tasks magical. If you’re looking for ways to make your life more whimsical, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled this comprehensive list of ideas to add a little more wonder and whimsy to your days, with insights from certified life coach Nora Oliver. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

Ways to Add Whimsy to Your Life

Certified life coach Nora Oliver says some fun and simple ways to add whimsy to your life include:

• Wearing fun colors
• Laughing more often
• Learning something new
• Playing music while cleaning
• Lighting a candle while working
• Romanticizing everyday moments

Steps

1

Try at least one new thing per week.

Download Article

1. 
   This is a great way to add a little spontaneity to your life! “Whimsy can be added to life by intentionally bringing in small moments of play, curiosity, and lightness without waiting for life to feel ‘easy’ first,” says Oliver. So, try something new just for fun, be creative without an outcome, or ask, ‘What would feel enjoyable right now?’” Here are some ideas:

   • Going on a solo date to the movies.
   • Going to a cafe or restaurant you’ve been meaning to try.
   • Trying out a new class (athletic, creative, cooking—whatever you’d like!)
   • Trying out a new food item from the grocery store.
   • Reading a book by a new author.
   • Watching a movie in a genre you don’t usually watch.
   • Taking a different route to work or school.

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Nora Oliver is a certified life coach & motivational speaker based in Boston, Massachusetts. She is certified in life coaching, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), health and wellness, nutrition, and mindset and forgiveness.
Advertisement

2

Turn your to-do list into a work of art.

Download Article

1. 
   Keep track of your tasks in a whimsical and creative way. You don’t need to list out your errands on a boring page in your Notes app! Instead, turn your to-do list into a fun weekly art project. Use supplies like colorful patterned paper, glitter pens, and cute stickers, and don’t forget to give your list a whimsical title, like “Weekly Quests.”

3

Make a whimsical inspo-board.

Download Article

1. 
   Take some time to imagine your dream whimsy aesthetic. What would the home decor look like? What types of outfits would you wear? What hobbies, activities, and entertainment would you fill your schedule with? Once you have this all in your mind’s eye, create a vision board to display in your home. The activity itself is fun to do, and seeing your board in your home will also push you to make the whimsy life of your dreams a reality!
Advertisement

4

Keep fresh flowers in your home.

Download Article

1. 
   There’s nothing more whimsical than a house full of blooming flowers. The benefits here actually go beyond whimsy, too—research shows that the presence of flowers immediately triggers happy emotions, increases feelings of life satisfaction, and even leads to increased contact with family and friends. So, pick out a few beautiful vases, and make sure they’re always filled with your favorite blooms!

   • Romanticizing everyday moments is a great way to add whimsy to your life, according to Oliver. So, buy yourself a fresh bouquet whenever you want—you don't have to wait for a special occasion!

5

Give inanimate objects names.

Download Article

1. 
   This is an easy way to add a little silliness and fun to your day. Maybe the houseplant in your kitchen looks like a “Steve” or “Adelaide.” Your car could be “Bertha,” or “Stanley,” or “Patricia.” If you have a favorite mug, maybe it’s “Thomas” or “Shirley.” These objects are important to you, so why not honor them with a special name of their own?
Advertisement

6

Use more whimsical language in general.

Download Article

1. 
   Whimsy isn’t just about actions; it can also be about words. Instead of saying, “I’m about to go to sleep,” say, “I’m about to head to dreamland.” Your daily walk could become your “ramble through nature,” and watering your houseplant in the morning could become giving your plant “his daily coffee.” These are little things, but they do a lot to increase your sense of magic and whimsy in your daily life!

   • Try saying silly little things to inanimate objects, too—for example, when it’s time to wash your dishes, you can tell them it’s bathtime.

7

Laugh more often.

Download Article

1. 
   Find humor in your ordinary routine. “Humor is a powerful nervous-system regulator,” according to Oliver. So much so that “laughing more and taking things a little less seriously” is one of the simplest ways to add more whimsy to your life. You can embrace the absurdity of life by completing everyday tasks with dramatic flair or by thinking of living life like you’re in a simulation.

   • For example, try cleaning or cooking with The Sims music playing in the background.
   • Wear socks to a serious meeting, give your plants silly names, or read your emails in a British accent.
Advertisement

8

Strike up convos with strangers.

Download Article

1. 
   Look at each casual encounter as an opportunity to connect. For example, you could completely turn someone’s day around by saying hello in the grocery line and complimenting their outfit! Of course, some strangers might prefer not to get into convos with you, and that’s okay. The idea is to open yourself up to the possibility of brightening someone else’s day with a kind word and a genuine smile. Who knows, you might even end up making a few new friends!

9

Create personal morning and night routines.

Download Article

1. 
   Make waking up and going to bed a magical experience. For example, your morning routine could involve an optimistic music playlist, a steaming cup of tea, and a quick journaling session. For nighttime, you could opt for a warm bath, relaxing scented lotion or candles, and a pair of fluffy slippers. Whatever you decide, the goal is to turn these mundane tasks into special, meaningful rituals!

   • Beyond being a fun and whimsical activity, a personalized morning routine can increase energy levels, productivity, and positivity.
   • Similarly, nighttime routines with a consistent sleep schedule are associated with better mental and physical health.
Advertisement

10

Wear a matching pajama set.

Download Article

1. 
   Don’t settle for a boring outfit just because it’s meant for sleep! Sure, an oversized T-shirt and a pair of sleep shorts will do the trick, but why not try out a matching pajama set in a fun, whimsical pattern? You’d be surprised by how much joy a cute sleep outfit can spark. Go for a silky pajama set in a pretty color, a soft cotton set with cute animals printed on it, or maybe even a fancy nightgown—it’s entirely up to you!​​

   • Wearing fun colors can also bring more whimsy into your life, says Oliver. So, go for bold, bright colors and patterns that make you feel good.

11

Create whimsical labels for your medicine cabinet.

Download Article

1. 
   Add a sense of magic and wonder to your meds and self-care products! Your face serum can become “anti-aging elixir,” for example. An anti-anxiety med could become your “Tonic of Peace.” A pill for tummy aches could turn into a “Draught to Soothe the Stomach.” Make sure to create your labels with fun fonts and pretty colors, too! This all may sound silly, but whimsy is all about turning typical things into magical objects.
Advertisement

12

Start collecting something.

Download Article

1. 
   Collecting is a surprisingly rewarding way to add a little whimsy to your life. When you find the perfect new item for your collection after putting a lot of effort into hunting it down, a huge wave of joy and pride will wash over you. Choose items that bring a smile to your face, advises Oliver. They can be absolutely anything you want, and you don’t need to spend a ton of cash if you don’t want to. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

   • For a free option, go on walks in nature to find beautiful stones to collect.
   • Collecting cool seashells from beaches is another cost-free option.
   • Collect stickers for an inexpensive yet super-fun option.
   • Collect cute toys or figures, like Calico Critters or Sonny Angels.
   • If you’re a reader, try collecting pretty editions of your favorite book.
   • For nostalgic people and film buffs, consider collecting VHS tapes or DVDs.

13

Bring a journal or sketchbook wherever you go.

Download Article

1. 
   You never know when inspiration is going to hit! If you’re an artistic person, whip your sketchbook out to do a quick drawing whenever you see something cool. If writing is more your thing, grab a lined journal, so you can jot down ideas, snippets of conversations, or short poems whenever you’re feeling inspired.

   • Not a very creative person? No problem! Use your journal or sketchbook to collect memories.
   • For example, tape in receipts from cafes, Polaroid pictures, or tickets from movies, plays, or concerts.
   • You could also add some fun-looking stickers and caption your entries with colorful, glittery pens!
Advertisement

14

Take more walks.

Download Article

1. 
   You never know what kind of whimsical things you’ll encounter on a walk. If you’re walking through nature, you might find a gorgeous flower or a really cool-looking stone. If you take a walk through your neighborhood, you might make friends with a neighbor or see an adorable dog (make sure to wave and say hello to the dog, of course). Wherever you go, you’ll get your blood pumping and also encounter a few things that you wouldn’t have seen if you stayed at home!

   • Research shows that walking can boost your overall mood, which is also a plus. A more positive attitude opens you up to more whimsy in your life in general!

15

Start a garden.

Download Article

1. 
   It’s hard to think of something more whimsical than a garden! If you have a yard, consider going all-out and starting a garden for flowers, fruits, or vegetables. You could also put a bird feeder in the area to create a hospitable environment for some new winged friends! If a full garden isn’t an option, set up a little herb garden on your kitchen windowsill. You’ll be able to introduce some greenery to your living space, and your cooking will also benefit from things like fresh basil, dill, or parsley!
Advertisement

16

Experiment with your morning bev.

Download Article

1. 
   Don’t get stuck making yourself the same old coffee or tea every morning. Try out new flavored syrups or creamers, or top your drink with some whipped cream and sprinkles. Extra points if you tailor your drink to the time of year, as well. For example, you could opt for a nice lavender latte for spring, an iced strawberry matcha for summer, a warm spiced chai for fall, and a peppermint mocha for winter.

17

Try out exciting new recipes.

Download Article

1. 
   Turn your kitchen into a hip new restaurant. Going out to eat can be pretty pricey, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get to eat delicious gourmet dishes. Put on your chef’s hat and try your hand at a new recipe! It’s easy to get stuck in boring routines with tried-and-true frozen Trader Joe’s meals (and to be clear, those are amazing, too), but experimenting with your cooking skills is an amazing way to introduce some variety and spice into your life.
Advertisement

18

Get whimsical with your food presentation.

Download Article

1. 
   Say goodbye to boring meals! If you’re making pancakes, turn them into fun shapes, like hearts or animals. Serve your meals on pretty patterned dishware, drink your coffee in kitschy mugs, and sip your tea in fancy teacups. Garnish your oatmeal or smoothie bowls with edible flowers. It’s all about bringing a sense of magic and wonder to the little things in life!

19

Host regular dinner parties.

Download Article

1. 
   This is a great way to connect with others and show off your cooking skills. You could go the traditional route and cook a gourmet dinner while instructing your guests to show up in their classiest outfits. Or, for even more whimsy, consider picking a new theme each time you host. Here are some fun theme ideas:

   • A gothic dinner party with moody decor (candelabras, red velvet, ornate goblets, etc)
   • A medieval dinner party with Game-of-Thrones-esque food, decor, and outfits.
   • A Jane Austen or Bridgerton-themed dinner party with Regency era decor, food, and outfits.
   • A murder mystery dinner party where everyone dresses up and acts out the mystery.
   • A breakfast-for-dinner party (pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon etc)
   • A Ratatouille-inspired dinner party with French cuisine, followed by a viewing of the movie
   • First time hosting a dinner party? Check out our helpful guide!
Advertisement

20

Find your own signature scent.

Download Article

1. 
   You’re one of a kind—so embrace your individuality with a signature perfume! The idea is to search for a perfume that totally captures your unique vibe and energy. For some people, this might be a light, floral scent. For others, it could be something woodsy and ambery, or something clean and musky. You’ll know it when you smell it!

   • Not sure where to start? Check out our Perfume Quiz!
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Mason Hainey

   Perfumer

   Mason Hainey is the founder and perfumer of MIZU, an all-natural perfumery based out of Rhode Island. Since 2012, MIZU has been handcrafting natural fragrances inspired by a love of nature, ancient wisdom, and modern design. Mason sources premium, natural ingredients and implements sustainable practices in his work, creating luxury products that honor craftsmanship. The company is one of few perfume brands that uses 100% natural, plant-based ingredients. Upon launching his business, Mason launched his debut fragrance, Palo Santo, known for its calming and purifying properties. Since then, he has released dozens of new fragrances and collaborations, all created to provide his customers rituals of joy that create harmony.

   

   Mason Hainey
   Perfumer

   Choose a scent that matches your personal style and wardrobe. The key is to avoid mainstream options. Try to find something unique and less commercialized, but if you only have access to mainstream scents, consider layering them to create a fragrance unique to you.

21

Spice up your outfit with an accessory.

Download Article

1. 
   Nothing says “whimsy” like a unique finishing touch to your ensemble. Think a vintage jeweled brooch, for example, or a pair of patterned socks or tights. You could also go for a statement hair accessory, like a pearl barette, a pretty hair ribbon instead of a hair tie, or a patterned hair scarf or bandana. Tailor your choice to fit your unique style, and you can’t go wrong!
Advertisement

22

Add unconventional decor to your home.

Download Article

1. 
   Random objects can make unexpectedly amazing decor pieces! For example, if you collect a figurine of some sort (Calico Critters, Sonny Angels, etc.), consider displaying them on shelves or tabletops in your home for a bit of adorable whimsy. If you don’t have coffee table books, beloved children's books from when you were growing up can totally do the trick. The idea is to sprinkle in a few unexpected objects throughout your house to spark that sense of joy and wonder!

23

Paint something in your home a fun color.

Download Article

1. 
   A splash of color can do wonders for your sense of whimsy. If you’re allowed to, try painting your front door a super fun color, like sage green, pink, or yellow. You could also go for an accent wall inside your home instead, if you prefer! Renter-friendly options include using peel-and-stick wallpaper in your home and doing a DIY paint project on a decorative object, like a nightstand or table.
Advertisement

24

Embrace the vibes of each season.

Download Article

1. 
   Tailor your routine, decor, and entertainment to match whatever season it is. This may seem like a small thing, but don’t underestimate the joy that can come from a set of floral dishware for the spring, or a pumpkin-scented candle in the fall. The changing of the seasons is nature’s own kind of magic, so lean into this! It’s a great way to sprinkle a little whimsy into your life. Here are a few tips:

   • Change scents in your home (candles, room sprays, hand soaps, etc) to match the season. For example, you could go with floral scents for spring, oceanic or marine scents for summer, spicy or warm scents for fall, and pine or peppermint for winter.
   • Invest in decor pieces for holidays, like Valentine’s Day or Halloween. You don’t need to go overboard—a few cute trinkets, mugs, or throw pillows would definitely do the trick!
   • Tailor the media you’re consuming to match the seasons (reading gothic books and watching spooky movies at the start of fall, for example).
   • Make playlists that match the vibes of each season to have on in the background of your home while doing chores or just hanging out.

25

Invent your own holiday.

Download Article

1. 
   In our opinion, there aren’t enough holidays throughout the year. So, why not invent a special one of your own? For example, you could declare a “National Nostalgia Day,” during which you eat your favorite foods from childhood, watch the movies you loved when you were little, and generally cater to your inner child. If this isn’t quite your speed, you could pick something totally random, like “National Eat Pancakes for Dinner Day,” or “National Call in Sick to Work Day.” It’s entirely up to you!
Advertisement

26

Celebrate your “Unbirthday.”

Download Article

1. 
   Just one birthday is simply not enough celebration for a whole year. Take a page from Alice in Wonderland and create a whole other special day for yourself! You could pick a totally random day and declare that it will thenceforth be your “Unbirthday,” or you could celebrate on your actual half-birthday. Whatever you choose, make sure you go as all-out as you would on your real birthday!

27

Have an at-home dance party.

Download Article

1. 
   People underestimate the power of busting a move, but they shouldn’t. Dancing is obviously a good cardiovascular workout because it gets the blood pumping, but research also shows that it reduces stress and boosts your mood. So, if you need a little pick-me-up, put on your fave tunes and dance around your room like no one’s watching.

   • Doing small, playful things on purpose, like dancing to your favorite song, is a fun and simple way to add more whimsy to your life, says Oliver.
   • Don’t be embarrassed to really let loose and dance your heart out! Whimsy is all about embracing the goofiness of life and really being comfortable in who you are. Plus, you’re at home by yourself, so there’s nothing to be embarrassed of!
Advertisement

28

Leave notes for your future self around your house.

Download Article

1. 
   You never know when future you might need a pep talk! This one’s super easy to do—just jot down some encouraging notes on tiny slips of paper or Post-Its, and hide them around your home for yourself to find. They could say things like, “Keep going! You’re doing great,” or “You’ve been through so much, and you’re standing strong!” When you come across one, you’ll be reminded of how amazing you are!

29

Leave kind notes for strangers in public.

Download Article

1. 
   Brighten someone’s day with an unexpected word of kindness. The idea’s pretty much the same as above, except you’ll leave your encouraging notes in public places where strangers are likely to come across them. For example, you could leave a little note that says, “I hope you’re having a wonderful day!” at a table in your favorite café. Or, you could leave a note that says, “You’re totally magical and one-of-a-kind” on a bench at the park. Your sweet words are sure to bring a smile to someone’s face!
Advertisement

30

Mail physical letters or cards.

Download Article

1. 
   Let people know you’re thinking of them with a thoughtful note. Sure, you could shoot them a text, but a long handwritten letter or a beautiful card are much more whimsical choices! The Postal Service is a modern marvel, and it’s pretty fun to make good use of it. This is also an amazing option to sprinkle a little magic into a friend or family member’s day if they live far away from you!

31

Pick up a creative hobby.

Download Article

1. 
   Whimsy is all about expanding your imagination, and hobbies help with that. If you’re not the most creative or artistic person, don’t worry—you can tailor this one to your skill level! For a beginner option, try coloring in an adult coloring book, collaging, or scrapbooking. For something a bit more involved, try out crocheting, playing an instrument, or painting. It’s all up to you!
Advertisement

32

Listen to movie soundtracks.

Download Article

1. 
   You deserve cinematic background music in your daily life! Try to pick a score that fits the exact vibe you’re going for. For example, if you’re trying to relax and unwind, go with the score from 2005’s Pride and Prejudice. Or, if you want to pump up and energize yourself, listen to something adventurous, like the Pirates of the Caribbean score. If you want to increase your sense of wonder, go for Hans Zimmer’s score to Interstellar. This is a great way to add a little magic to your regular routine!

   • Try playing music while cleaning to help romanticize a mundane chore, advises Oliver.

33

Live as your favorite character for a day.

Download Article

1. 
   This is a super fun and creative way to shake up your routine. Pick an iconic character that you love—this can be anyone from Winnie-the-Pooh to Meredith Grey. What activities would this character do for fun? What kind of food would they eat? What kind of music would they listen to? Spend your day doing these things, and enjoy the spontaneity and new experiences!
Advertisement

34

Watch as many sunsets as you can.

Download Article

1. 
   There’s nothing more beautiful than a sunset. So why miss one cooped up inside your home? If you haven’t eaten yet, bring your dinner outside and chow down while you watch the sky change color. You could also bring a sketchbook outside to sketch what you’re seeing, or just enjoy a hot mug of tea and relax.

35

Light your room by candlelight at night.

Download Article

1. 
   Wind down with some soft candlelight before bedtime. For optimum relaxation, go for lavender or cozy vanilla-scented candles! Or, for a more vintage or gothic vibe, light some taper candles in candle holders, or splurge for a full-blown candelabra. Just make sure to blow all your candles out before you actually head to sleep!

   • Alternatively, light a candle while working to spice up your daily routine, suggests Oliver.
Advertisement

36

Say “hello” to the moon each night.

Download Article

1. 
   The moon is pretty gorgeous, and she deserves to hear it! Whether you head outside for a few minutes before bed or simply peek through your window, make it a habit to catch a glimpse of the moon every night, and be sure to greet her when you do. If you want to make a whole event out of it, consider going stargazing with a friend or a date. There’s nothing that elicits a sense of wonder quite like the night sky!

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Tips

• Why should you add more whimsy to your life?

  • “From a neuroscience perspective, whimsy helps the brain shift out of constant stress mode (high beta brainwaves),” says Oliver. “Novelty and play activate dopamine and signal safety to the nervous system, which improves mood, creativity, and emotional regulation.”
  • “From a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) lens, whimsy challenges rigid thought patterns like ‘life has to be serious to be productive’ or ‘joy has to be earned,’” continues Oliver. “These beliefs frequently keep people stuck in chronic stress. Introducing lightness, nothing too complicated, helps create cognitive flexibility and reduces emotional overload.”
  Thanks

  Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Is it normal to add whimsy to your life as an adult?

  • Totally! “Whimsy isn’t avoidance or immaturity,” states Oliver. “It’s emotional nourishment. When people allow more play and lightness, their brains become more adaptable, their nervous systems more regulated, and they’re often better equipped to handle life’s challenges.”
  Thanks

  Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Advertisement

Video