I don’t know about you — but getting under a soft blanket after a tough day is one of my favorite things. It turns out that coziness is a cultural tenet that can boost our psychological state and make us feel better in our own homes. And it has deep cultural roots as well.
“Hygge — pronounced ‘hoo-gah’ — is a concept that originated in Danish culture that focuses on living with a sense of comfort, coziness and peace,” said InspiretheMind. org. “In Denmark, hygge is practically a survival strategy in the long, cold, and very dark winters. It has often been described as creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things that life has to offer with as much positive energy surrounding oneself as possible.”
So how do you create cozy? Think about things that make you feel better in your home and surround yourself with them. Look around your home and see the things that may stress you out. It may be stacks of books or mail, cluttered drawers or spaces, or too many toys piled up in one room.
While admittedly it may be difficult to get rid of all of this, you can look for ways to add cozy to your home.
“When curating your home, think about the comfort factor. Surround yourself with whatever is going to help you feel more relaxed and supported,” said Lauren Garvey, MS, CRC, NCC, a counselor and facilitator at Piedmont Cancer Wellness. “This may mean… tidying up regularly, using lamps for a cozy feel, and selecting comfortable pillows and furniture.”
JulianInc.com recommends the following steps:
• “LAYERING STARTS WITH THE FLOOR: Use rugs or carpets to add warmth and texture. Different materials like woods and metals can create a balanced atmosphere.”
• “LIGHTING SETS THE MOOD: Ditch overhead lights. Opt for ambient options like lamps or candles to create a cozy glow.”
• “TEXTURES ADD DEPTH: Velvet cushions, woolen rugs, and plush throws can make a space feel inviting.”
• “COLOR PALETTES MATTER: Choose warm tones like earth colors or soft grays to evoke tranquility.”
• “PERSONAL TOUCHES MAKE IT YOURS: Use photos, art, or collectibles to tell your story.”
• “SENSORY APPEAL ENHANCES COZINESS: Use essential oils or soft music to complement the atmosphere.”
Coziness is also what you make of it. While the aesthetics of your home are important, being cozy can also mean making comfort foods like soup, macaroni and cheese, popcorn, or anything that puts you and your family in a comfortable mood. Sometimes, it can mean watching a show or movie that relaxes you — my personal faves are tv shows like “Friends” and “Seinfeld,” or movies like “You’ve Got Mail.”
“Some of the emotional benefits of a hygge practice lifestyle may include less depression and anxiety, a greater sense of control over certain areas of one’s life, and increased self-compassion, with less self-judgment and inner criticism, as well as a greater awareness of mindfulness and gratitude,” said InspiretheMind.org.
Ultimately, coziness can be experienced all times of the year. “By creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere, spending time with loved ones and practicing gratitude, we can all experience a little more hygge in our lives,” said IslandGardens.com.
Also remember that coziness is also about self-care as well. Hygge is about taking time and showing yourself compassion.
“Light some candles and curl up in a comfy chair with a warm blanket, a book, your journal, or a sweet treat if you want one,” Garvey says. “Hygge allows us to dedicate time to ourselves and give ourselves those joys and comforts as a gift.”
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