We could all use some more comfort and joy in our lives.
Whether it’s dealing with the winter blues or a stressful week at work, we all need little things to help us cope.
If life is feeling hectic or just “blah,” it’s time to step back and indulge in the activities and objects that make you feel cozy, happy, and at peace.
And if you’re looking for ideas on how to add more comfort and coziness into your life, we’ve got you covered. Here are twenty uplifting things that will bring a smile to your face and instantly put you at ease.
- Listening to birdsong. The sweet trill of birds is sure to put you in a good mood. Open up your windows, head outside, or sit on a park bench to take in the relaxing melody of birdsong.
- Watching a movie with a bowl of popcorn. Recreating childhood comforts can make your inner child feel happy and cozy. Watch your favorite film (bonus if it’s something you loved as a kid) and make a huge bowl of popcorn to go with it.
- Snuggling with a hot water bottle. Hot water bottles can provide comfort during menstrual cramps or on a cold winter’s night. It’s also just great to cozy up with while you’re watching TV.
- Reading a mystery novel during a rainstorm. There is no greater pleasure than reading an atmospheric novel when it’s gray and drizzly outside. Curl up with Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca or Sulari Gentil’s The Woman in the Library for a cozy read.
- Walking down the stationery aisle. It’s so soothing to see the orderly and generous display of new notebooks, bright pens, and cheerful post-its all in one place. Don’t forget to leave with a fresh stock of supplies for yourself.
- Hearing a child’s laugh. It’s impossible to be in a bad mood when you hear children laughing. Hang out with your kids or FaceTime with your friends and their kids. Their carefree and animated spirit will cheer you up.
- Rubbing a stone in your hand. The next time you’re feeling stressed or nervous rub a smooth stone in your hand. It will instantly ground you and the tactile sensation will give your mind something to focus on.
- Taking a brisk walk in the cold. Cold weather gets a bad rap but a nice, long walk in the fall or winter is so energizing. If you’re feeling “blah” or sluggish then head outside and let the cool air revive you.
- Lighting candles around the house. Want to make your home feel more cozy? Then swap the hard, overhead lighting for the warm glow of candle light. Decorate your home with candles of varying sizes—tea lights, tapered candles, and pillar candles—-to create a soothing ambience.
- Playing board games with friends. Board games are another great way to relive childhood nostalgia and have fun in a group setting. Plus, the sensorial experience of holding little game pieces or rolling the dice can bring your mind to the present moment. Invite a few friends over, break out the Scrabble or Taboo, and find yourselves playing as if you were a kid again.
- Throwing rocks into a lake. Work stress and other thoughts weighing on your mind? Then throw them out. Literally. Head to a body of water. The beach. A nearby pond. A lake. Even a big puddle will do. Grab the heaviest rocks you can find and throw them into the water. Enjoy the satisfying sounds of “kerplunk” as your worries sink down below.
- Making lists. There is something so relaxing about writing a list. Travel wish lists. A self-care list. A list of your favorite things. A list of things you want to do before your birthday. A list provides an outlet for your hopes, dreams, and likes. And the act of writing the list itself can refresh your spirits and get you excited about life’s possibilities.
- Sitting at a cafe. Want to experience joie de vivre? Then sit at a cafe with a cup of coffee and a notebook. Watch the world go by. Admire people’s clothes. Create little stories about the people who pass you by.
- Riding a bike. A long bike ride is so relaxing. The metronomic whir of the wheels, the cool breeze on your face, the sense of adventure as you explore new neighborhoods and terrain. A bike ride is one of life’s greatest simple pleasures.
- Writing in a new journal. The fresh smell of a new notebook brings us back to our elementary school days. Experience those joyful feelings again by opening up a new journal and turning to that first blank page. Write out your feelings. Doodle away with your favorite gel pens. Cut out your favorite images and create a collage inside.
- Looking at the stars. On a cloudless night, head outside, look up at the sky, and admire the stars. You’ll feel incredibly humbled and awestruck when you take a moment to appreciate the vastness of the universe.
- Having ice cream in a cone. When’s the last time you treated yourself to ice cream in an actual cone? As an adult it’s so easy to opt for a sensible cup to avoid making a big mess. But indulge your inner child and go for a scoop on a cone. Sure, it might be messy but that’s what makes it so fun.
- Wearing your coziest sweatshirt. Find the coziest sweatshirt in your closet and lounge around in it all day. Don’t have one? Treat yourself to the softest sweatshirt you can afford.
- Surrounding yourself in soft textures. Don’t just stop at cozy sweatshirts. Make sure your home has plush blankets, soft pillows, and fluffy slippers. You’ll feel like you’re being wrapped in a tender hug.
- Making a big pot of soup. Whether it’s something hearty like a potato leek soup or more luxurious like a beef bourguignon, you’ll experience both joy and comfort when you make something nice for yourself.
Written by JiJi Lee
