Romanticizing the Routine
Because everyone deserves to turn the mundane into something meaningful — even when it’s just another Tuesday.
BY Ava Caiati ★ July 20th, 2025
Photo Credit: Maia Simmons
Summer routines can get repetitive fast — whether you’re interning, relaxing at home or taking classes over the summer. As a commuter, I’ve found a few ways to make the everyday feel more intentional.
There’s something so satisfying about figuring out how to make your daily routine work for you. I used to think having the same schedule daily would make me feel productive, but adding small moments has made everything feel more intentional.
How you approach your daily routine really matters. When your days start to blend, it’s easy to feel stuck or burnt out. With a few intentional habits, even the most repetitive schedule can start to feel fresh and personal each morning.
Make it work for you
One of the easiest ways to shift your routine is by making it work for you. Yes, it seems obvious, but not many of us actually do it. Instead of going straight from the subway to the hospital I intern at, I get off a couple of stops early and walk the rest of the way. It adds movement, gives me a few minutes of quiet and the fresh air helps me wake up before a full day inside. If your mornings feel rushed or dull, consider adjusting your route. Even an extra 10 minutes outside can set a better tone for the entire day. Take my word for it.
Make time for a treat
Another small but impactful habit is making time for something that feels like a treat when I need it. For me, that’s stopping for a special coffee on the way in, as I usually make my own at home. It could be your usual go-to or a new spot you’ve been wanting to try — it doesn’t have to be fancy, just something you choose for yourself. Giving yourself a small moment of joy in the morning makes a huge difference in how the rest of the day feels. Recently, I’ve been super into trying new Blank Street coffees and matchas or lunch spots by work that I haven’t hit yet.
Refill your energy
After work, I also try to make space for the things that refill my energy. Seeing friends, especially ones who are only in New York for the summer, has been a priority. I’ve been able to catch up with people I haven’t seen in months, hang out with my sorority big all the time (she is from Canada) and spend time with friends who live in the city. If your schedule is packed, think of connecting with others as part of your routine, not a separate thing you need to fit in.
The real takeaway is that you don’t need a full reset to feel better about your days. Sometimes, all it takes is a few intentional changes. Walk a little farther, treat yourself to a good coffee and text a friend to meet up after work at a happy hour spot. You can’t always control your schedule, but you can shape the parts in between — and that’s when the routine starts to feel like yours.