Cozy living is not only about the physical spaces we occupy but also a mindset and lifestyle. Explore all aspects of cozy living with this guide to a more peaceful and contented life.
Cozy living is more than just fluffy blankets and warm lighting; it’s about cultivating a lifestyle that invites joy and tranquility. This helpful guide will help you infuse your daily life with practices that emphasize comfort and relaxation. Explore the simple steps outlined here to make your life more serene and enjoyable.
The basics of cozy living
Before jumping into the idea of cozy living, defining what it means to you is important. Not everyone’s idea of cozy will be the same. While some might find solace in a room filled with books and soft blankets, others may prefer the minimalistic tranquility of sparse decor and natural light. Identifying the elements that evoke comfort and relaxation in your own life is crucial. This personalized foundation allows you to build a cozy living environment that truly reflects and supports your individual sense of well-being.
Creating a cozy routine
Work with your regularly scheduled life to devote time to cozy living. This might start with designating an area of your living space to devote entirely to coziness. Then, think of small ways you can invite cozy living into your space. This might look a little different for everyone, but here are some ideas:
- Start the day with a warm cup of tea and meditation or a journaling practice.
- Gradually decorate your living space with soft throw blankets, small plants, comfy seating and gentle lighting.
- Find simple pleasures to enjoy throughout the day, whether it’s taking a moment to step away and breathe deeply or savoring a homemade drink or treat to uplift your spirits.
- End your day curled up with a book or a relaxing game.
Cozy spaces
It’s up to you if you want to create a small, devoted space for cozy living or invite coziness into every area of your home. Either way, here are some small ways to elevate any living area into a serene retreat:
- Opt for plush, comfortable seating in your cozy living space.
- Layer pleasing textures by incorporating plush rugs, soft throw blankets and comfy pillows in seating areas.
- Lighting undoubtedly impacts mood. To create a soothing atmosphere, opt for warm, soft light bulbs, Himalayan salt lamps and candles. If budget allows, a fireplace can also offer a wonderfully cozy ambiance.
- Furniture crafted from natural wood can add warmth to a space.
- Books and plants are elements that can contribute to a cozy atmosphere.
“When it comes to making my home cozy, I like to create small snug spots, like a reading nook, a place to have my coffee or even a cozy work area. A nice cozy chair, the perfect lighting, a table with a plant, my favorite trinkets and candles are what I enjoy, and these places are my go-to spots that add cozy vibes.”
— Jere’ Cassidy, One Hot Oven
Cozy activities
What you choose to do with your free time is paramount when it comes to embracing the cozy lifestyle. Choose activities that entertain you but also help you relax and decompress. Some wonderfully cozy activities include:
- Crafting and knitting.
- Reading in a special cozy reading nook.
- Playing a cozy game, whether a video game, card game or board game.
- Cooking a warm and comforting meal.
- Watching a cozy, uplifting film.
- Planning a picnic lunch to soak in some nature.
- Gathering around a fireplace indoors or an outdoor fire pit for a warm beverage.
- Diving into the world of baking.
- Going on a gentle hike.
Cozy eats
It’s hard to mention cozy living without mentioning everyday meals. Cozy living invites one to eat more mindfully and slowly, enjoying not only the practice of preparing a meal but also the pleasure of enjoying it.
Dishes such as hearty stews and comforting soups exude coziness. But one can bring coziness to nearly any meal by incorporating some of these practices:
- When it’s time to prepare a meal, light some candles and play some soft music to set a cozy mood.
- Rather than cooking in a rushed manner, try to slow down, focus and appreciate each step of the process. Simple whisking of a sauce can turn into a joyful, meditative practice.
- Set a table with cozy ceramics and soft, warm colors.
- When it’s time to eat, drown out distractions, thoroughly slow down and enjoy every bite, reveling in the flavors.
Seasonal coziness
Each season brings its own unique and cozy vibes to the table. Depending on what part of the world you reside in, you may want to switch up your cozy living atmosphere at least a few times a year. Spring and summer are excellent for incorporating natural light, white fabrics, flowers and greenery into your space, whereas autumn and winter beckon us to incorporate warm earth tones, dim lighting and thick blankets.
The cozy mindset
A cozy mindset is the foundation of cozy living. It’s about consciously prioritizing comfort and relaxation and aiming to incorporate these principles into all aspects of your day-to-day life. By integrating cozy habits into your life, you might find your thoughts becoming more centered and your daily rhythm more soothing. It’s a win-win.
Final thoughts
Cozy living transcends aesthetics and calls for a holistic approach that enriches both the spaces we inhabit and the lives we lead. Embrace the fluidity of this philosophy as your needs and environments change, allowing your cozy practices to evolve and stay relevant. The essence of cozy living is about finding joy and comfort in the small, everyday moments — qualities that transform routine into relaxation. Whether you’re curling up under a soft blanket or savoring a home-cooked meal, the principles of cozy living can help foster a more profound sense of contentment and tranquility in your life.
Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, avid cozy gamer and creator of The Cozy Gaming Nook, your source for everything cozy games. Her work has been featured in various online and print publications, including Elle, Martha Stewart, Forbes, Good Housekeeping, Well + Good, Chicago Sun-Times, and more.