As the nights are getting longer and the weather colder, creating cozy spaces are key to our mental health. Whether you live alone or with others, in an apartment or a mansion, you can create a cozy space to relax following these simple tips.
Tips for Creating a Cozy Vibe:
Light a fire or candles– Feeling the warmth and watching the warm glow of the flickering flames immediately calms our nervous system. Fires give off more warmth and have the added effect of crackling logs that invite all our senses and invite us to pause. But as many of us do not have fireplaces, candles are a great alternative. If for some reason you cannot have candles, then make sure you use lamps that emit a warm golden light as opposed to cool or florescent lights.
Add soft cushions, rugs, and blankets-The textures that you surround yourself are a key to coziness. Pick colors and fabrics that you make you feel good. No matter what kind of furniture you have, it can be made soft and cozy with a few pillows and blankets. These extra cushions, rugs, and curtains can have the added effect of absorbing sound and making it a quieter environment in which to relax. If there is any harsh lighting or hard edges on metallic furniture, throwing a scarf over the light fixture or furniture immediately softens the harshness.
Create a cozy snack station– This could include mugs with teas, coffees, cocoa, honey, chai spice, ginger, cinnamon, elderberry, peppermint, etc. Include a jar of something to nibble on with it. Sipping on a hot drink warms you from the inside and creates a feeling of being satiated. You could also cook a soup or warm dip in a crockpot or bake cookies or bread in the oven. The smell of this cooking adds to the anticipation and delight of eating it when it is finally ready.
Consider adding scents that relax or uplift you– There are so many ways to add scents to your environment: essential oils in a diffuser, incense, candles, plug-ins, fabric spray on your furniture, or cooking something on a stove. If you are looking for relaxation, look for scents like lavender or a grounding earthy/woodsy scent. If you desire to feel uplifted, try citrus or clean scents like lemon, orange, and clean linen.
Put on a relaxing soundscape– This may be the sound of a crackling fire with classic piano tunes, the bubbling of an aquarium, coffee shop vintage music, or a nature scene with birds and rain. You can find many free youtube channels to stream or on apps like the Insight Timer or Better Sleep.
Fill your space with things you love- This includes photos, paintings, or other objects that carries a good memory or feeling as well as furniture that has been passed down or is made of warm wood or other natural elements. Include objects that bring you joy such as books to read, knitting supplies, or other crafting hobbies.
Snuggle with a pet or someone you love– If you live alone, I highly recommend getting a pet to curl up with. Cuddling with a warm body slows the heart rhythm and makes us feel connected.
Would love to hear more of your ideas for creating cozy spaces in the comments below!
About the Author: Julie Glaser is a healer who creates sacred spaces for people to share, release, and grow. She’s in the habit of being in awe and wonder and writes to share her own experiences and learnings with other inquisitive souls in the process of transforming.
Spiritual Direction and Healing Touch Energy Therapy 