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The case for coziness -

Everyone loves being comfortable, but not everyone is convinced that it should be a top priority. Being cozy doesn't have to equate to laziness; in fact, prioritizing comfort in your life can help you find the energy and motivation you need for life's less comfortable events.

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The health benefits of getting cozy -

Getting comfortable and spending some quality time relaxing with yourself has some pretty impressive health benefits. Rest, of course, helps keep your heartrate at a healthy level and helps fight stress, which can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and mental health crises.

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Where has all the comfort gone? -

Comfort has been all but pushed to the side in our busy, 21st-century lives. In a society where productivity, consumption, and busyness are lauded as peak human performance, it falls upon ourselves to make room for rest and comfort.

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Not enough time in a day -

Of course, that's easier said than done. Most people's daily lives are filled to capacity, with not much time left around meetings, social obligations, kids, etc. to carve out much needed "me time." There are, however, a few tricks to ensure physical and emotional comfort are given the time they deserve.

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The benefits of a slow morning -

Lots of people rush through their mornings and barely have their eyes open by the time they sit down on the train or in their car. These hectic and unmindful mornings, although quick, can set us up for a day of irritability and exhaustion. Waking up even 30 minutes earlier than usual will give you, your mind, and your body a much needed moment to breathe deeply, center yourself, and set intentions for the day ahead. A slow morning can be the key to staying comfortable in your skin and surroundings throughout the day.

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Comfort in the cranium -

Really, comfort starts in your head. That's where it has the most benefits, too. Being comfortable with your thoughts and being confident in your actions can make the difference between physical coziness or discomfort, too.

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Nothing but the clothes on your back -

Externally, comfort can start as close to the skin as you can get. Ditch the denim and polyester for softer fabrics like cotton to take comfort with you wherever you go.

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Comfort couture -

Dressing for comfort doesn't mean you have to sacrifice being fashionable. Depending on the season, some of the comfiest outfits can also be the most fashionable; just ask anyone with a cardigan!

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A throne fit for royalty -

With more and more people working behind a desk these days, desk chairs have become where we spend most of our days. That means it's more important than ever to invest in a chair that fits our bodies. Swap out your stiff, plastic desk chair with one that promotes good posture, with solid lumbar support and comfy armrests, and watch your workplace happiness and productivity skyrocket!

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Bedtime comfort -

The bed is probably the place most people associate with comfort. What could possibly be more cozy than crawling into bed after a long day? Still though, many people subject themselves to restless nights on top of mattresses that simply don't work for them. Consult a doctor or your local mattress expert to find out what mattress will get you the quality sleep you deserve.

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Managing your energy -

From rise to rest, people run around expending energy. It's important to manage this energy wisely, lest you run out halfway through the day or have way too much left when it's time to go to bed. Setting a routine and making sure your energy is properly spread throughout the day can make for a much smoother day.

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A cozy gut for a cozy life -

Comfort foods like chicken wings and lasagna are great, and can definitely play a valuable role in getting you through tough times. That being said, healthy and gut-friendly foods are the real comfort foods. Keeping a healthy gut can make life more comfortable when you're not worried about what sort of storms could be brewing within!

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Live below your means -

Everyone knows how stressful money, or lack thereof, can be. Saving money is hard and many people aren't in a financial situation where it's possible, but living below your means and spending less than you earn can be a great, simple trick for worrying less about money.

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Fight boredom, keep wonder alive -

Sometimes you have to leave your comfort zone to get comfortable. Familiar routines can feel safe, but over time boredom can become maddening. Looking at the world and life with a sense of wonder and curiosity can help you feel comfortable with your surroundings, and remind you that you're a a real part of life, not just someone looking in.

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How to build a cozy home -

Your home should be a castle of coziness and comfortability. It's one of the few spaces you have some or total control over, and it would be a shame to let that go to waste.

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Splurge on the bedding -

Whether you sleep on a futon or a California king size mattress, get the bedding that will make you feel like you're sleeping on a cloud. There are few things as important as sleep hygiene, so shopping for pillows and duvets is not the time to be frugal.

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Soft on all sides -

Make sure there's something soft beneath your toes, too. Lay out comfy carpets and rugs to make sure you always have a soft landing.

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Dim the lights -

Anyone who works in an office knows the horror of fluorescent lighting, and there's no reason to bring that harsh light into your home. Soft and warm lighting will turn your domicile into a clear but gentle house of light.

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Stock up on blankets -

Blankets aren't just for the bed. Storing a wealth of big, soft, and fuzzy blankets all around the home means that an extra dose of cozy is always in arm's reach.

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Treat yourself to a bath -

Nothing screams self-care quite like a bubble bath. Whether it's a Wednesday night or a Saturday morning, it doesn't get more comfortable than slipping into a warm and aromatic bath.

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The nose knows -

Smell is one of the most sensitive and emotive senses a human has. It only makes sense that a truly comfortable environment should smell good, too. Experiment with different candle scents or incense and find what relaxes you the most.

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Get some green -

Houseplants don't just make for great decorations—they also help improve the air quality of your home. Adding a fern here and a succulent there will bring a sense of natural comfort into your living room.

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Get the temperature right -

The stuffy bus and the chilly office stop at your front door. Put the thermostat to whatever you want to make sure you're as comfortable as possible.

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Respect your space -

When it comes to your home, the most important thing is to respect it and what you want for it. It can be easy to keep a messy house because, well, it is yours after all. But doing a little tidying each day takes little effort and will ensure that you feel comfortable every time you walk in the door.

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Respect your body -

Taking care of your body is just as important. It's not that you need to run a half-marathon every week or go to the gym every morning, but stretching after breakfast and doing some light yoga before bed will make your body a friend, instead of an achy enemy.

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Play your favorite tunes -

Plug in your headphones or sync your favorite Bluetooth speaker and let the music take you away. Fall into your best chair or lounge on the couch and experience the marriage of physical comfiness and a musical massage for your brain.

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Work on your color scheme -

Some people find immense comfort in having everything in their space fit a certain color scheme. Having a curated space without a single color clash in sight can be paramount in getting into the relaxing mood.

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Make an evening routine -

An evening routine can be just as important as a morning routine. For instance, reading a book and spending some time with yourself before heading to bed will make for a silky smooth transition between the life of the living and the world of dreams.

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You can't feed from an empty plate -

Prioritizing coziness and practicing self-care isn't a purely selfish venture. In fact, it's quite the opposite. It's essential to take care of yourself and your space if you ever want to feel totally comfortable helping the people you care about. 

See also: The best steps towards ultimate self-care

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