Aesthetic Living vs. Real Life: When Romanticizing Becomes Escapism

In the modern digital era, the idea of finding beauty in everyday life—often referred to as romanticizing life—has become increasingly widespread and trendy. Many people strive to find beauty and meaning in everyday moments—savouring morning coffee, enjoying slow walks, or cultivating cozy home spaces. This trend, often called aesthetic living, encourages mindfulness, gratitude, and joy through intentional rituals. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok showcase stunning visuals of these moments, inspiring millions to see life through a more poetic lens. However, while romanticizing life can bring comfort and creativity, it sometimes veers into escapism—a way to avoid difficult feelings or realities by immersing oneself in idealized, often unattainable versions of life.

This blog explores the difference between healthy romanticizing and escapism, providing real-life examples, practical coping tips, and how mental health resources like TalktoAngel and Psychowellness Center can offer valuable support.

The Charm of Aesthetic Living

Aesthetic living involves intentionally creating moments of beauty and calm to enrich daily experience. Whether that means decorating a space with candles and plants or setting aside time for journaling, this lifestyle invites us to slow down and appreciate life’s details. For many, engaging in these small rituals can boost mood, foster mindfulness, and build a sense of control during uncertain times. It encourages self-care and emotional well-being in a simple yet meaningful way.

When Romanticizing Turns Into Avoidance

Despite its benefits, romanticizing can cross the line into escapism when it becomes a way to avoid confronting unpleasant emotions or problems.

Real-Life Scenario: Meera’s Social Media Persona

Meera, a 25-year-old marketing professional, began sharing beautifully curated photos of her meals, serene corners of her apartment, and peaceful evening routines on Instagram. Followers admired her “perfect” life.

Yet, behind the scenes, Meera was struggling with loneliness and burnout at work. Instead of addressing her stress, she immersed herself in creating the perfect online aesthetic. The gap between her real struggles and her idealized posts made Meera feel increasingly isolated and anxious. The online romanticizing served as an escape rather than a healing practice.

Psychological Insights on Escapism

Psychologists describe avoidance coping as deliberately evading stressful thoughts and feelings. While it can provide temporary relief, relying on it long-term can worsen mental health by delaying problem-solving and emotional processing. In the context of romanticizing life, escapism means using aesthetic practices not as tools for presence and growth but as shields from discomfort.

How to Balance Romanticizing and Reality

• Recognize and Accept All Emotions
  It’s important to allow space for difficult feelings alongside joyful moments. It’s perfectly normal for some days to be messy or challenging—and that’s completely okay. Authenticity includes embracing vulnerability and imperfection.
• Use Aesthetic Practices Mindfully
  Rather than focusing on how things look, engage in activities because they bring genuine comfort or relaxation. For example, light a candle for the soothing scent, not for a social media photo.
• Set Boundaries with Social Media
  Curate your feed to include a balance of inspiring content and honest, real-life stories. Follow creators who promote mental health awareness and share authentic experiences. This can help counteract unrealistic comparisons.
• Reach Out for Support When Needed
  If you notice that romanticizing feels like a way to avoid or numb overwhelming feelings, consider seeking professional help. Platforms like TalktoAngel provide confidential, easy access to therapists who specialize in anxiety, stress, and emotional wellness. Psychowellness Center offers holistic care that integrates therapy, mindfulness, and psychoeducation to guide individuals toward healthier coping strategies and emotional resilience.
  

Trend Alert: The Move Toward Authenticity

Recently, a growing number of social media users have started sharing raw, unfiltered glimpses into their lives—talking openly about mental health struggles, setbacks, and everyday messiness. This movement toward authenticity helps normalize imperfection and reduces pressure to maintain a flawless image.
It’s a reminder that while romanticizing life can uplift us, it must be balanced with honesty and self-compassion.

Real-Life Example: Rohit’s Healing Journey

Rohit, a 29-year-old teacher, initially embraced aesthetic living by posting perfectly arranged study setups and peaceful nature photos. Over time, he noticed that this online persona masked his anxiety and isolation.
After seeking therapy at Psychowellness Center, Rohit learned to accept his emotions and share his true story online. His followers responded with support, and Rohit found a more genuine connection and peace by blending beauty with truth.

Why TalktoAngel and Psychowellness Center Are Game-Changers?

Balancing romanticizing with reality isn’t always easy. If you find yourself stuck between seeking comfort in aesthetics and feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, expert guidance can make a difference.

TalktoAngel is a pioneering online counseling platform offering accessible, confidential mental health services. Their experienced therapists provide empathetic support tailored to your needs, whether it’s anxiety, stress, or emotional struggles.

Psychowellness Center, one of the best mental health wellness clinics in Delhi, complements this with in-person and online sessions that combine evidence-based therapies and mindfulness practices. Their comprehensive approach helps clients build sustainable mental wellness, enabling them to enjoy life’s beauty without losing touch with reality. Together, these platforms are transforming mental health care in India and beyond—helping individuals embrace life fully, with both its joys and challenges.

Conclusion

Romanticizing life can be a beautiful, empowering practice that encourages mindfulness and self-care. But when it becomes a shield from reality, it may lead to increased isolation and emotional distress. The key is balance: embracing all emotions, practicing aesthetic living mindfully, and seeking support when needed.
By cultivating this balance, you can savor life’s small joys authentically and build resilience for its inevitable ups and downs. Remember, platforms like TalktoAngel and Psychowellness Center are here to guide you through this journey—helping you find peace, connection, and wellbeing beyond the surface.

References 

• Holahan, C. J., & Moos, R. H. (1987). Personal and contextual determinants of coping strategies. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52(5), 946–955. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.52.5.946
• Neff, K. D. (2011). Self-compassion, self-esteem, and well-being. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 5(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2010.00330.x
• Tangney, J. P., Baumeister, R. F., & Boone, A. L. (2004). High self-control predicts good adjustment, less pathology, better grades, and interpersonal success. Journal of Personality, 72(2), 271–324. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0022-3506.2004.00263.x