BLOG 339: I DO THIS THING 3 TIMES A WEEK WHICH YOU MAY FIND A LITTLE FUNNY

 A few times a week I walk around the city I live in like a tourist.

It’s not a big occasion. I’m usually just running errands or popping to the gym. But instead of taking the quickest, most efficient route, I purposely wander through the parts of town where the tourists flock.

I live in Bath in the UK, and in my opinion, it really is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The sweeping crescents, honey-coloured stone, Roman baths, and bustling streets, it’s a place people travel from all over the globe to see. And for the past 25 years I have been blessed to call it home. I also realise it’s a privilege to live here and it’s certainly one I don’t take for granted. 

But here’s the thing: when we live somewhere, it’s easy to stop noticing. The places we walk every day can blur into the background, and we can forget how magical they are. So I make a conscious choice: to walk like a tourist, to look up at the architecture, to pause at the sights, and to see it all as though for the very first time.

And it changes everything.

Why Romanticising Your Life Matters

When I talk about “romanticising life,” I don’t mean pretending everything is perfect or that life is always easy. What I mean is looking for those little sparks of beauty and gratitude in the everyday moments.

For me, walking through Bath like I’m on holiday is a way of creating that spark. It gives me a sense of awe and appreciation for where I live. It makes me smile. It also grounds me.

This practice has taught me that we don’t have to wait for the big things, a holiday, a celebration, or a milestone, to feel joy. We can choose to find it in the small things: the way the sun lights up a building, the chatter of people enjoying themselves, the aroma of the tree’s after in rains.

It’s not about adding more to our lives. It’s about paying attention to what’s already here.

The Science of Awe and Gratitude

There’s actually some fascinating research behind this. Studies show that regularly experiencing a sense of awe, whether from nature, art, or architecture, can reduce stress, improve mood, and even make us feel more connected to others.

Gratitude has similar benefits. When we take a moment to acknowledge what we’re thankful for, it shifts our mindset, increases our resilience, and helps us feel more present.

So, while my little “tourist walks” may seem like a quirky habit, they’re actually a form of self-care. They help me stay balanced, joyful, and grounded in gratitude.

Bringing This Into Face Yoga

You might be wondering how this connects to Face Yoga? For me, it’s exactly the same principle.

When I sit down to do my Face Yoga practice, I’m not just doing exercises to tone my face or release tension. I’m also taking a moment to be mindful, to connect with myself, and to bring awareness to the little things: the way my skin feels under my fingertips, the sensation of muscles activating and releasing, the peace that comes from a few deep breaths.

Face Yoga is, in many ways, about romanticising your self-care. Instead of rushing through skincare or seeing it as a chore, we slow down, we create rituals, and we find gratitude in the process.

Just like my walks through Bath, Face Yoga is about choosing to see the beauty in what’s already here.

How You Can Try It

I’d love to invite you to try this in your own life. You don’t need to live in a world-famous city to do it. You can romanticise your surroundings wherever you are. Here are a few ideas:

* Take a tourist walk in your own area. Look at the flowers, the trees, or even the shop windows as if you’re seeing them for the first time.
* Pause for awe. When something catches your eye, a sunset, a flower, a smile, let yourself stop and really take it in.
* Make everyday rituals beautiful. Light a candle when you journal. Play music while you cook. Turn your skincare routine into a mini spa moment.
* Practice gratitude. At the end of the day, think of three small things you’re thankful for. They don’t have to be big. It could be your morning cup of tea, a kind word from a friend, or five quiet minutes to yourself.
* Bring it into your Face Yoga. Next time you do a few minutes of practice, try focusing not just on the results, but on the joy of giving yourself that care.

The Ripple Effect

One of the things I’ve noticed is that when I practice this kind of awareness, it ripples into every area of my life.

I’m more patient with my daughters. I’m more creative in my work. I feel calmer, happier, and more present.

And the lovely thing is, it doesn’t take hours of meditation or huge life changes. It’s simply about choosing to see what’s already there, choosing to notice the beauty in the small things, and choosing gratitude.

It’s the same with Face Yoga. You don’t need to spend hours every day to see the benefits. Even five minutes of mindful practice can completely change how you feel and how you carry yourself.

Celebrating the Everyday

So yes, maybe my habit of wandering around Bath like a tourist sounds a little funny. But to me, it’s one of the most powerful practices I have.

Life isn’t just about the big, dramatic moments. It’s about how we live the everyday ones. And when we choose to romanticise those, we open the door to more joy, more gratitude, and more beauty in our lives.

Because in the end, it’s not really about Bath (although I think we should all celebrate this beautiful city!). It’s about the simple truth that happiness is found in presence, in gratitude, and in choosing to see the world through fresh eyes.

And that’s something we can all do, starting right now.

If you would like to bring moments of self care, awe and joy into your Face Yoga & skincare routine in just minutes every day, you will love my course, The Face Yoga Expert Facial At Home Course which is just £21.