why we crave cozy

Now that the temperatures are dropping, have you noticed that you start gravitating towards your bed and living room couch more often? We all crave coziness at this time of year, but psychologically, why do we want to feel more at home during the winter months?

Cozy, tranquil, soothing, serene, snuggly — many words describe the state of contentedness that emerges from comfort and warmth. It’s that feeling you experience when you're curled up inside on a rainy day, lost in a good book, with a warm drink in hand. It's the sensation of being safe and at peace, where the outside world fades away and your mind feels calm and at rest. This feeling, especially cherished during the colder months when outside time is compromised due to the cold, is something many people long for as the winter chill sets in.

When prioritizing positive, calming experiences over external stressors, there are a multitude of benefits. DK Therapy, a therapist organization in Chicago, addresses these.

“Feeling warm and cozy stands to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress," the organization said. "When your environment makes you feel safe and at peace, you’re more likely to experience feelings of self-compassion, increased self-worth, and a sense of gratitude for the things you have in your life,” the organization said.

Winter can bring a lot of stressors, especially for young adults. Finals, break plans and family can all be sources of tension. Stress can take a toll on physical health in much the same way it does on mental health. However, when we counteract that with calmness and comfort, our bodies respond in kind. Activities that make us feel cozy help encourage physical relaxation because they help our minds produce chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin and endorphins which enhance the way we experience happiness. Healthline says practicing indulging in things that evoke warmth and coziness can offer better sleep, more thorough self-care practices, reduced need for unhealthy coping strategies and fewer spikes of cortisol and other stress hormones.

So many holidays in the colder months, like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah, tend to bring us closer to our family and friends. On top of having the ability to make us feel at peace, the concept of coziness also embraces a healthy social life and highlights connections with our loved ones. When one feels content, or even cozy, they're more likely to reach out and spend time with loved ones. When we spend time with others, we tend to cope better with the stresses in our lives, feel more motivated, and experience fewer negative feelings. In turn, spending time with loved ones can help our brains produce oxytocin, the love chemical. In a way, the social benefits of embracing coziness help elevate the mood-boosting benefits of this lifestyle. 

Creating a warm and cozy environment in your home presents an array of unique benefits that can make it easier to get through the colder months and thrive with closer relationships and more habitable space. To make your environment more cozy for yourself and your loved ones, try using warmer lighting, decorations for the holidays you celebrate, and lots of blankets. Embracing the art of coziness may very well implement lasting positive changes in your home, body and mind.