If there’s one thing adulthood has taught me, it’s that the most underrated form of self-care hides in the most ordinary places. Not in fancy spas or expensive retreats. But in the aisles of a grocery store, where fluorescent lights hum, trolleys squeak, and everyone walks around with their guard down.
I know. It doesn’t sound romantic, not yet at least. These are a few ways to romanticise the whole experience.
Start by slowing down.
Romanticising anything begins with pace. Most people grocery shop like they’re competing on a game show or something. Instead, take time to walk through every aisle, look around and be present. Treat each aisle like your own personal runway and that thought would make you feel calmer while you shop.
Treat your list like a tiny mood board.
When curating your grocery list, don’t think of each item on its own. Picture them in the state they’ll be when you’re using them. Let me explain. Instead of just thinking of “eggs, sardine, bread, jam”, imagine them being served together in a breakfast spread. You’ll look forward to seeing those items and putting them into your shopping cart then.
Engage all your senses.
Pick the best-looking produce. Take in the different aromas as you walk. Compare the texture of different breads even though you’d probably buy the same brand you’ve been buying since you were a kid. Hold the cold milk carton and pretend you’re about to pour it into a bowl of your favourite cereal. All these transport you into a whole new world.
Buy one thing that feels like a treat.
Your treat doesn’t have to be expensive. It could be a fancy yogurt, a drink in a cute bottle, or even a little snack to indulge. This treat shouldn’t be part of your grocery list because it’s like a small reward to yourself for existing and doing your grocery shopping. Life is not just about survival; it’s also about enjoying the little things (like your little treat).
Romanticise the journey there and back.
Get dressed up for your trip to the grocery store, regardless of if it’s just to the 99 Speedmart or AEON. Have a playlist for your trip there and back to set the mood, and sing along to it. Even when you’re carrying your groceries to your car, do it with a little bit of style, or imagine the groceries are a gift from someone (technically, they’re a gift from yourself).
Grocery shopping doesn’t have to be a drag. These are a few ways I try to make the most of this recurring experience, and now I look forward to every grocery run. I hope these tips could help more people to have fun doing this chore too.