How to Feel Like “That Girl” Without Overhauling Your Life
Recently, I’ve been noticing this whole “that girl” concept really picking up everywhere. I don’t scroll much anymore (more on that later!), but even in the limited time I am online, I see these beautiful that girl morning routine videos and that girl aesthetic posts. You know the ones – soft morning light, perfectly made matcha lattes, everything looking so peaceful and intentional.
And honestly? I love the energy behind it. There’s something so inspiring about watching someone live their life with that gentle intention. But I also kept thinking – what if we could feel those that girl vibes without it feeling like we need to become someone completely different?
That’s when something beautiful clicked for me. That feeling we’re all drawn to – the calm, the sense of being cared for, the gentle confidence – it doesn’t come from copying someone else’s that girl routine down to the last detail. It comes from small, tender moments we create for ourselves throughout the day, aligned with what our soul actually needs.
So I wanted to share what’s been helping me embrace the that girl lifestyle in a way that feels real and sustainable. No pressure, no overwhelm, no pretending. Just simple, beautiful shifts that honor who you already are. Because you deserve to feel that way too, exactly as you are, right where you are.
My Personal Favourites
Niharika X Nykaa11 Aesthetic Ways to Feel “That Girl” Vibe Without Complicating Your Life 🎀
1. It Starts With Being Kind to Yourself
The first thing I learned is that this journey begins with gentleness. Not discipline, not strict routines, not forcing yourself to wake up at 5 AM if that’s not who you are. Just… softness with yourself.
What if we stopped trying to become someone else and instead asked: how can I make my life feel a little more like me? How can I add small touches of beauty and intention to what I’m already doing?
You don’t need to throw away your current life. You’re already doing so many things right. We’re just going to add some gentle moments of care here and there, like little love notes to yourself throughout the day.
2. Morning Moments That Feel Realistic
I used to feel so much pressure about mornings. But I’ve learned that embracing that girl vibes doesn’t mean forcing yourself into a routine that doesn’t honor your natural rhythm.
Waking up early actually has this magical quality to it. There’s something so deeply spiritual about those quiet morning hours when the world is still asleep. It’s like the universe is offering you a peaceful gift, time — that’s just yours, undisturbed.
But this only works if you’re honoring your body’s need for rest. Seven hours of sleep is non-negotiable for me now. So if waking up at 6 AM means going to bed at 11 PM, that’s what I do.
If you naturally wake up at 7 or 8, and that gives you your seven hours, that’s your perfect time.
The goal isn’t to wake up at a specific hour – it’s to wake up rested and give yourself some quiet time before the world starts demanding things from you.
When I wake up now, before I reach for anything, I take a moment to thank God (or the universe, or whatever higher power speaks to you). Just a simple “thank you for this new day, for my breath, for another chance.” It takes ten seconds, but it shifts everything. It reminds me that being alive is a gift, not a given.
Then I take three slow, deep breaths. I feel my body waking up gently. Sometimes I stretch right there in bed. I’m not rushing into the day – I’m easing into it with gratitude.
If you have a few extra moments, open your curtains and let the light in. That feeling of sacred natural light – it’s like the universe reminding you that you’re part of something bigger.
Make your bed, even imperfectly. It’s an act of care for the space that holds you every night.
When you’re making your morning warm lemon water or tea, be fully there for it. This is your ritual. Feel the warmth of the mug in your hands. Notice the smell.
Maybe light a candle nearby and say a little prayer or set an intention for your day. 😌 These sixty seconds of presence can transform your entire morning from rushed to sacred.
And please, eat something for breakfast, even if it’s small. Sitting down for even five minutes with your food – instead of eating on the go – is such a simple act of self-respect. You’re telling yourself and the universe: I’m worth this time, this nourishment, this moment of peace.
3. Getting Dressed Like You Matter
This is one of my favorite little shifts that really amplifies that girl aesthetic in your everyday life. Every day, you’re getting dressed anyway. So what if you chose your outfit with a bit more care? Not for anyone else – just for you.
The night before, think about what would make you feel lovely tomorrow. Maybe it’s that sweater that’s so soft. Maybe it’s wearing new comfy pants instead of leggings, or putting on those earrings you forgot you had. Whatever makes you feel like yourself on a good day.
I started keeping my favorite pieces at the front of my closet, and it’s made such a difference. I’m not digging through things I don’t love. I’m choosing from things that make me feel good.
4. Creating a Space That Feels Like Home
Your environment has such a gentle influence on how you feel. But you don’t need to redecorate or spend lots of money. You just need one or two spots that feel really peaceful.
Start with your bedside table. Clear it off completely, then only put back what you truly love or need. For me, it’s a small lamp, the book I’m reading, and a candle. When I see it at night, I feel calm. Like everything’s going to be okay.
If you can, bring in something living. A small plant, or fresh flowers from the grocery store. They don’t have to be expensive – even a $5 bouquet adds so much life and brightness to a room. It’s like inviting a little bit of nature to keep you company.
Keep your space gently tidy. I’m not talking about deep cleaning, just spending five minutes before bed putting things back where they belong.
Waking up to a calm space instead of yesterday’s mess makes such a difference in how you feel about your day. 😌
Open your windows when you can. Let fresh air move through your home. Light candles when you’re there. Play soft music in the background. These small touches tell your nervous system: you’re safe, you’re home, you can relax here.
5. Midday Check-Ins With Yourself
In the middle of your day, whenever that is, pause for just a moment. Check in with yourself like you would with a dear friend.
How are you feeling? What do you need right now? Maybe it’s water – we forget that so often. Maybe it’s stepping outside for two minutes to feel sunshine on your face. Maybe it’s closing your eyes and taking five deep breaths.
Eat lunch mindfully if you can, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Put your phone down. Taste your food. Give yourself this break.
If you’re working from home, change your environment for the afternoon. Move to a different room, or even just to a different chair. Light a new candle. These tiny shifts help you feel more present and less like you’re just going through the motions.
And please, be so gentle with yourself if you’re having a hard day. Some days we don’t feel like “that girl” at all, and that’s completely okay. On those days, just do one tiny thing to take care of yourself. One thing is enough.
6. The Evening Unwind
As your day winds down, this is your time to transition from doing to being. To let go of everything you had to handle and come back to yourself. This evening routine is where that girl vibes really come alive.
Change into something comfortable as soon as you can. For me, putting on cozy clothes signals to my whole body that the work part of the day is done. It’s such a simple thing, but it helps me relax.
Washing your face at night can become this sweet ritual. Use products that smell good to you. Take your time. Look at yourself in the mirror with kindness. This face has gotten you through another day. Thank your body for carrying you.
Tidy up your space just a little – not everything, maybe just the surfaces you’ll see in the morning. Put out tomorrow’s outfit. Fill your water bottle. These small acts of care for future-you feel so loving.
Before bed, I like to take a moment to reflect on my day. What am I grateful for? What went well? I thank God for the blessings, even the small ones – a good conversation, a delicious meal, a moment of laughter. This practice of gratitude before sleep changes how you rest.
And then, give yourself a real bedtime that allows for those seven hours of sleep. Not because you have to, but because you deserve rest.
If you need to wake up at 6 AM, being in bed by 11 PM is an act of self-love. Put your phone in another room or far away if you can. Read something that makes you happy, or journal for a few minutes, or just lie there and let your mind wander.
This is your time to be quiet with yourself, to appreciate that you made it through another day, to rest in the knowledge that you’re doing your best, and to trust that tomorrow is a new gift from the universe.
7. Moving in Ways That Feel Good
Movement doesn’t have to mean exercise. It can just mean being in your body in ways that feel nice.
Maybe it’s a slow walk around your neighborhood, noticing the trees and the sky. Maybe it’s stretching on your floor while you watch your favorite show. Maybe it’s dancing to three songs while you make dinner, just because it feels good.
Listen to what your body wants. Some days it wants to move a lot. Other days it wants gentle stretching. Both are perfect. Both are you taking care of yourself.
The goal isn’t to earn anything or to look a certain way. It’s just to feel alive in your body, to appreciate all the things it does for you, to give it some love through movement.
8. Nourishing Yourself (In Every Way)
Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or restrictive. It can just mean choosing foods that make you feel good, that give you energy, that you actually enjoy.
Keep easy, nourishing options around. Fruit you love. Good bread. Healthy snacks that makes you happy. Things you can grab when you’re hungry without having to think too hard.
Drink water throughout the day. Maybe from a bottle or cup that you actually like using. It’s such a simple thing, but staying hydrated changes how you feel in your body, in your mood, in everything.
And most importantly, let yourself enjoy food. That’s allowed. That’s good, actually. Nourishment isn’t just about nutrients – it’s about pleasure and satisfaction too.
9. Your Own Special Rituals
Here’s where you get to make this yours. What small rituals would make you feel cared for?
Maybe it’s lighting a specific candle every evening when you’re done with work. Maybe it’s using a beautiful mug for your morning coffee instead of any random cup. Maybe it’s applying hand cream before bed and really massaging it in, taking care of your hands that do so much for you.
Maybe Sunday evenings become your reset time – when you change your sheets, do a face mask, prep a few easy things for the week ahead. Not because you have to, but because it feels good to start Monday feeling prepared.
Or Friday nights could be when you officially close the work week. Maybe with a specific meal you love, or a bath, or watching something that makes you laugh.
A little ceremony that says: you made it through another week, and that deserves celebrating.
These rituals don’t have to make sense to anyone else. They’re yours. They’re the ways you show up for yourself consistently, the ways you make ordinary days feel special.
8 Calm Girl Hygge Things to Do This Weekend at Home
10. The Social Media Shift (My Personal Game-Changer)
Okay, I need to share something that completely transformed my that girl routine and brought me so much peace. I deleted social media apps from my phone.
I know, I know – it sounds extreme. And I’m not saying you have to do this. But let me tell you what happened when I did.
First, I had so much more time. Hours, literally. Time I didn’t even realize I was spending scrolling. Time that suddenly became available for reading, for being present, for actually living my life instead of watching everyone else live theirs.
Second, my mental space cleared up.
I stopped comparing my regular Tuesday to everyone else’s highlight reel. I stopped feeling like I needed to document every cute moment. I just… lived them. And it felt so much lighter.
Third, my mornings became truly mine. No more waking up and immediately falling into the scroll. No more letting other people’s energy into my space before I’d even had a chance to check in with myself.
I even tried setting timer for apps but that didn’t work for me.
If deleting apps feels too big, start smaller. Maybe try this: don’t check social media until after lunch. Or only check it on your laptop, not your phone. Or delete it on weekdays and reinstall it on weekends. Find what works for you.
What I discovered is that real that girl vibes don’t come from curating the perfect feed. They come from being present in your actual life.
From looking at the sunset with your eyes instead of through your phone screen. From having conversations without thinking about how to caption them later.
The universe speaks to us in quiet moments. But we can’t hear it if we’re constantly filling every second with scrolling. Give yourself the gift of silence, of boredom even. That’s where the magic happens. That’s where you reconnect with who you really are.
You might be surprised by what fills that space when you create it. For me, it was prayer, journaling, actually calling my friends instead of just liking their posts, noticing the small beautiful things around me. My life got so much richer when I stopped consuming everyone else’s.
9 Journal Prompts to Reflect and Reset Before the Year Ends
11. The Inner Work
Here’s what I’ve learned is the most important part: how you talk to yourself matters more than any routine.
When you look in the mirror, try to see yourself with kindness. Not focusing on what you wish was different, but appreciating what is. Your eyes, your smile, the fact that this body carries you through life.
When you make a mistake or forget to do something you meant to do, speak to yourself like you would to your best friend. With understanding. With grace. Saying “that’s okay, we’ll try again tomorrow” instead of being harsh.
Celebrate your small wins. You drank enough water today? That’s wonderful. You made your bed? That counts. You chose the salad because it sounded good? That’s taking care of yourself. These tiny things add up to a life of self-love.
Trust yourself more. Trust that you know what you need. Trust that you’re allowed to rest when you’re tired, to say no when you need to, to take up space and have preferences and ask for what you want.
This inner kindness – this is what makes you feel like “that girl.” Not the routines or the aesthetics, but the way you treat yourself when no one else is watching.
It’s Okay to Start Small 😌
If this feels like a lot, please just pick one thing. One tiny thing that resonates with you. Maybe it’s making your bed every morning. Maybe it’s lighting a candle in the evening. Whatever feels “calm” and that “aesthetic” to YOU.
Do that one thing for a while. Let it become natural. Then maybe add another small thing when you’re ready.
This isn’t about being perfect or doing everything all at once. It’s about gradually, gently adding more moments of intention and care into your existing life. It’s about honoring yourself a little more each day.
You Already Are That Girl 🎀
Here’s what I really want you to know: you don’t have to become someone else. The that girl aesthetic isn’t about perfection – it’s about presence. The that girl lifestyle isn’t about doing everything right, it’s about doing things with intention.
You already have everything you need inside you. The universe placed it there. God gave you unique gifts, a unique rhythm, a unique path. Your job isn’t to copy someone else’s that girl routine, it’s to discover your own.
“That girl” energy isn’t about looking a certain way or having a specific routine. It’s about feeling at home in your life. It’s about treating yourself with tenderness. It’s about creating small moments throughout your day that remind you: you matter, you’re cared for, you’re doing just fine.
You’re allowed to feel beautiful in your everyday life. You’re allowed to make ordinary moments special. You’re allowed to take care of yourself in small, consistent ways. You’re allowed to feel like the main character of your own story.
And on the days when you don’t feel like “that girl” at all? That’s okay too. Those days are part of being human. Be extra gentle with yourself then. Do even less. Rest more. Trust that you’ll find your way back.
Because the truth is, you already are her. Maybe you just needed permission to believe it.
So here’s my invitation to you: start tomorrow with one small, gentle act of self-care. Just one. See how it feels. Notice the shift in your energy, in your mood, in how you see yourself.
You deserve to feel this way – calm, cared for, and content in your own beautiful life. Not someday when everything is perfect, but right now, exactly as you are.
And that? That’s the real magic of being “that girl.”
I would love to know your feelings and opinions in the comments and your comments means a lot to me. 😌 Until next time. Have a lovely day ahead. ✍🏻
Join me on Pinterest
Blog & beauty updates + raw notes shared closely with subscribers ✍🏻 View Latest Letters
