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With the days getting colder and shorter, your home becomes your sanctuary. A place to enjoy cuddling up with a cup of hot cocoa, a good book, and a warm comforter. After all, who doesn’t love being cozy?
Cozy is in, according to The Guardian. There are over 5.4 billion views for #cozy on TikTok where people are sharing homemade cookies, apparel, and all things warm and fuzzy.
Making your living space as cozy as possible helps promote a sense of calm, control, and stability. And that can be good for your physical and mental wellness.
“We can gain a sense of control and stability by retreating to our own private space, where we can benefit from the physical comfort and safety to promote a sense of calm,” mindset psychologist Dr Rebekah Wanic told the Guardian. “Their familiarity and predictability can provide a mental escape for introspection and relaxation, away from external pressures.”
Introducing hygge
The Danish have a name for getting comfy and cozy in your living space, it is called hygge, according to Everyday Health. This concept has grown into a trend with The New Yorker reporting that 2016 was the “year of hygge.”
Hygge is much more than just a way to decorate your space, its actually a way of life, one that makes ordinary living more meaningful, Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute and the author of The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living, told Everyday Health.
While allowing hygge into your home by lighting scented candles, drinking hot soothing beverages, and snuggling in warm blankets with family and friends is soothing, Wilking explains that it is the mindset that is most important. “It is about being with the people we love; a feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and are allowing ourselves to let our guard down,” he said.
Why hygge is self-care
The benefits of hygge could be one of the reasons that Denmark ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world in the annual World Happiness Report. Finland consistently comes in first.
Experiencing cozy living helps to reduce stress and emotional wellbeing . While there is no research about the effects of hygge, there is strong evidence that nurturing social connections is very beneficial for physical and emotional health, according to Sally Agustin, PhD.
In fact, the components of hygge are a form of self-care. “When we’re in a more positive or relaxed mood, we get better at problem-solving, we think more creatively, and we get along better with each other,” Agustin said.
Bring coziness into your life
There are ways that can bring coziness into your life and blog, according to a blog on the Storage Space website. One of the best ways is to maximize natural light and avoid harsh artificial lights. Use lots of candles, using calming scented ones can help to increase relaxation.
If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, make it the heart of your home. Prioritize warmth during the cold weather months by having throws handy to cuddle up in.
But most importantly spending quality time with friends at home or out in nature can offer you a sense of safety and comfort. Doing the things you love with the people you love is what cozy living is all about.
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