Big day for those who see canceled plans as a grown-up snow day: The internet is now obsessed with staying in and enjoying ultimate coziness, also known as cozymaxxing.
Cozymaxxing is an antidote to the anxiety, burnout, and existential dread most of us experience on a daily basis. It’s a way to rage against the hustle culture machine, armed with fluffy blankets, automatic light dimmers, and liberal usage of the DND phone setting.
This self-soothing practice lets you build a cozy space at home. Here, you can relax physically and mentally. It helps you enjoy the simple things in life.
It also offers a range of benefits. For one, creating a relaxing, predictable environment can help tell our brain that we’re safe. (The urgent 11 p.m. Slack message hiding in the closet is all in your head!) Feeling safe helps to reduce cortisol and, thus, stress and anxiety.
This trend can also help us be more mindful, sleep better, and feel more in control of our lives.
Cozymaxxing looks different for everyone. Here are some ideas to help you get started.
1. Surround yourself with soft textures.
Blur the lines between “bed” and “not bed.” Become one with your softest, coziest blanket, or wrap yourself in a weighted blanket. Bring whimsy back and set up a pillow fort. If your wardrobe feels like a wearable blanket, you’re doing it right.
Lola Blanket in Desert Dune
Price: $249
Quite literally the softest blanket we’ve ever owned—our wellness editor calls it one of her most cherished possessions—and it comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
Baloo Living Weighted Blanket
Price: $188
This weighted blanket is made with a 100% cotton exterior and interior, so you won’t overheat.
2. Set the scene with scent.
Smells have a direct line to the limbic system, the part of the brain related to emotion and memory. That’s why certain scents can make you feel soothed, nostalgic, or even inexplicably happy. So choosing the right aroma is an integral part of cozymaxxing.
Here’s a quick little scent menu to help you create your vibe:
- Lavender: Helps calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote better sleep.
- Palo Santo: A grounding scent that helps with stress and anxiety relief.
- Bergamot: Bergamot is perfect when you need both a boost and relaxation. Its citrusy aroma can help melt away tension.
- Vanilla: Like a weighted blanket for your mind, vanilla is cozy and can help you relax. This nostalgic scent can also help improve mood and reduce muscle tension.
- Chamomile: Known for its anti-anxiety properties, chamomile helps create a mellow, restful environment. (This is your sign to brew some chamomile tea.)
Olyxir Sleep Tea + Melatonin
Price: $25
These lemon chamomile tea strips dissolve in water in about 10 seconds, and contain a blend of botanical and natural compounds to help you find your calm.
Walden Mesa Palo Santo Set
Price: $95
This sculptural platform comes with organic palo santo sticks sustainably wild-harvested from the forests of Peru.
Overhead lighting is to cozymaxxing as bras are to bedtime; just not the vibe. The space you’ve chosen to make your sanctuary should look like a Nancy Meyers film at golden hour. To create a calming ambiance, layer soft, warm lighting. Try using candles, wall sconces, regular lamps, and salt lamps. These options work well together. (Bonus points if you use smart plugs so you can control your lighting without having to get up.)
Loftie Clock
Price: $160
In addition to adding a warm glow to your room, this clock also has wellness content (like breathwork, sound baths, and guided meditation) to help you sink deeper into coziness. You can enjoy your own music and audio, as well.
Loftie Lamp
Price: $275
We’re in love with this lamp’s sleek, simple design. It makes it easy to set the mood, offering a palette of colors and gradients to choose from, with the option to create your own. But our favorite feature has to be the LED red light, which helps increase your melatonin levels and improve you sleep quality.
There are four shade colors to choose from: white, pistachio, peach, and black.
Enjoying a peaceful soak in the tub is basically a guaranteed stress-reliever. Create a spa moment by adding in a soothing magnesium bath treatment.
Kourtney x Barker Wellness Calm Magnesium Bath Flakes
Price: $35
This bath soak is made with pure magnesium flakes, sourced directly from the ancient Zechstein seabed, as well as eucalyptus, blue tansy flower, pine needle, and vitamin E for the ultimate calming ritual. Therapeutic-grade essential oils enhance the experience with natural fragrance.
Surya Hormone Soothing Bath Soak
Price: $35
This luxurious, salty soak comes from one of our favorite spas. It’s made with shatavari and wild yam, which are hormone-supporting botanicals that can help bring balance and deep relaxation.
5. Find a hobby that doesn’t involve your phone.
Look, we’re not telling you how to live your life, but ask yourself, “Does social media scrolling actually relax me? Should it really be part of my cozymaxxing ritual?” Be honest.
We recommend finding some other activity that brings you joy and helps you feel centered.
Some suggestions:
- Pick a book from your neglected TBR list and start reading. Research suggests that just six minutes of reading can reduce stress levels by nearly two-thirds.
- Flex your creativity by painting. Get yourself an easel and build a dedicated art nook.
- Journal. Don’t think, just write. This can help create “psychological safety” so that we are able to fully relax.
- Learn how to crochet. The repetitive movements can help quiet your mind, and studies have shown that crocheting can make people feel calmer, happier, and more useful.
The Woobles Dinosaur Crochet Kit for Beginners
Price: $30
Our wellness editor highly recommends this beginner kit. It includes everything needed to crochet a cute little dinosaur. (If dinos aren’t your thing, the brand has a ton of other options to choose from.)
Intelligent Chance The Five Minute Journal
Price: $29
This is a tried-and-true journal with helpful prompts to help your thoughts flow.
Meeden 96-Color Solid Watercolor Set
Price: $50
This beginner-friendly set has pretty much any and every color you could want, plus other essentials—a high-quality brush, sketch pencil, and sponges—to help get you started.
Yep, we’re fully cozy-pilled at this point. Happy sanctuary creating!
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The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Poosh, LLC (“Poosh”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. You understand and agree that Poosh shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
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