5 Simple Ways to Feel Cozy
AS THE WORLD AROUND US GROWS MORE AND MORE UNSTABLE AND THE AIR TURNS COOLER, OUR HOMES AND LIFESTYLES CAN SERVE AS A PLACE OF GROUNDING AND COMFORT FOR US. HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE COZY WAYS I AM MAKING MY TIME IN MY HOME FEEL LIKE A REFUGE FROM THE STORM.
Create a simple space for yourself in the morning and evening. No elaborate routines are needed here. Lately, I have been adding mindfulness to things I do anyway—like making my bed and drinking my morning coffee (I am currently enjoying this one). I make sure to breathe deeply. I stay present to the process. I often take a moment to step outside or gaze at the morning sky too. I connect with my feelings. I may jot down a few things on my mind or reminders for my planner. Regardless of what I choose, I allow for a small pocket of time for me, before I open my computer or gaze at my phone. Why is this so important to me? It allows me to decide how I want to feel that day before I start ingesting Instagram photos or the daily news (that invariably may otherwise, set my tone for day. Read—STRESS). If you are interested in adding a level of intention to your mornings, consider listening to The Living Experiment podcast episode—” Morning”. This episode is what first inspired my reflection and decision to edit my current routine. Now, I apply the same mindfulness to the end of the day as well. I do enjoy a bath and a good book! But I also just pay attention as I brush my teeth and tend to my skin. I savor my cozy bathrobe and slippers. My soft bed. I may light a candle. Morning and evening times signify important times of day where we can choose to show up for ourselves with care—not by necessarily adding steps, but by adding a level of presence to what we are already doing.
2. Add softness to your everyday. I recently purchased a woven basket so that I could fill it with several soft blankets. We officially have several blankets within arms reach stored by both of our couches. Make feeling warm and cozy accessible. In case you are curious, I also have my soft and cozy socks at the ready. My sweaters too. I tend to upgrade my face and body moisturizer this time of year as my skin can feel dry and itchy. Skin should be soft too! Consider prioritizing softness into your days. Choose your pleasure. Don’t underestimate what a little warmth and comfort can do!
3. Bring in natural light during the day. Dim the light at night. Consider opening the blinds and letting the sunshine in first thing in the morning (this helps regulate sleep too). Hang some crystals from your windows and you will have color rainbows dancing on your walls in no time. Once the sun begins to fade, add candlelight or use dimmer lights. Twinkle or fairy lights make ordinary spaces feel magical. I drape mine over my kitchen window and on our mantel. I love how the rooms look with just that little bit of sparkle. Salt lamps give off a wonderful glow too. I have one upstairs and one downstairs because why not? A fireplace can become the focal point of an entire room during the winter. It invites gathering. Do you see how many options there are? Light is an inexpensive way to add an element of cozy to any room. How do you use lights to create a cozy atmosphere in your home?
4. Cook soups or stews or use simmer pots that allow you to smell the goodness to come all day long. We have been leaning into soups lately. My minestrone soup is such an adaptable recipe—and a family favorite. You can find it here. Recently, we tried a vegetarian chili made with quinoa and sweet potatoes for a switch up on a traditional staple. We enjoyed it! Add a little cheese or sour cream for good measure. My simmer pot is back on too! Apples. Oranges. Cloves. Cinnamon. There are so many recipes but you can see my basic one here. It is ridiculous how much joy my simmer pot brings me. Consider leaning into warm foods amidst your day. Tea. Coffee. Soup. Stew. Oatmeal. Take your pick! Lean, lean, lean!
5. Select COZY media. Yes! This is a thing!
Let’s start with…
Music. Stream “coffee table jazz” on Spotify in the mornings. Or some Diana Krall during dinner. Whatever lights you up, use it! Music is a wonderful environment creator or supporter.
TV. The Queen’s Gambit is an example of a cozy show. Not too distressing but not shallow or boring either. I am loving mystery shows by Masterpiece Theatre too. I just finished Unforgotten. I also loved Fearless. Both are available on Amazon Prime. There is so much value in settling down together after a long day (blankets and soft sock recommended) and getting lost in a world unlike our own. Escapism for the win!
Books. This is the time of year where I start leaning into mystery writers. See some of my favorite mysteries series novels of all time here. There is something oddly comforting about a mystery where a problem emerges at the start of the story (namely a disappearance or murder or something of the like) but by the end, we have a neat and tidy conclusion. An answer. What a refreshing thought. So NOT like our lives right now!
If this post suits you and you are interested in reading more about grounding rituals, you can read my past post about daily family rituals here. If you want more ideas about how to bring a little extra “cozy” into your life, I recommend checking out this post. Or reading this book.
HOW DO YOU ADD A LITTLE COMFORT TO YOUR SPACE? WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL SOOTHED DURING YOUR TIME AT HOME? DO YOU ENJOY YOUR MORNINGS AND EVENINGS? IS THERE A LITTLE COMFORT YOU COULD ADD TO WHAT YOU ARE ALREADY DOING? I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR COMMENTS. STAY COZY!
