Cozymaxxing is a self-care trend popularized through social media to help relax and reduce stress. With cozymaxxing, you get comfortable with the sole intention of doing so and reaping the benefits that come with it. You create a cozy space and habits to promote relaxation without guilt or pressure to be busy or productive.

There is no right or wrong way to approach the trend. You could dim the lights and curl up in bed to read and enjoy a hot cup of tea. Or, sit in your recliner under a weighted blanket while eating a favorite snack, listening to your favorite podcast, or engaging in mindful meditation.

1. Invest in Comfort

Start by curating your space. Invest in soft lights, blankets, pillows, candles, and other tools to create a calming environment. You will also want to minimize clutter in your space to further reduce stress.

2. Create a Peaceful Routine

Choose activities that reduce stress and promote relaxation. Consider a daily routine that could include a warm cup of tea, a warm bath, listening to soft music or soothing sounds, reading, or stretching before bed.

3. Reduce Distractions

To reduce distractions, consider putting away and turning off smartphones and other electronic devices.

4. Tune Into Your Body

Focus on your senses by dimming the lights, lighting scented candles, or playing relaxing music or nature sounds. You can journal, write, read, take a bath, or watch TV, whatever helps promote your comfort and relaxation.

5. Schedule Time

Schedule time daily to embrace your coziness and comfort. Make it a habit that sticks and continues to boost your mental health.

6. Ask Others to Join You

There is no reason why cozymaxxing has to be a solo activity. Spending time with others can help you feel recharged and relaxed. Invite loved ones to share in cozy routines, whether it is watching a funny movie, enjoying a candlelit meal, or having a quiet Sunday brunch.

Elements of Cozymaxxing

Cozymaxxing is intentionally getting comfortable in a cozy environment. It is a minimum-effort way to manage your mental health and relieve stress.

The idea of cozymaxxing is not a new concept. It is rebranding the Danish term “hygge,” which is defined as “cozy togetherness.” Denmark is recognized as one of the happiest countries in the world.

Some key approaches to hygge that are also central to cozymaxxing are:

• Awareness: Focusing all your senses to create an entirely comfortable experience
• Environmental design: Creating a space that promotes peace and comfort
• Intentional comfort: Creating an environment and experience that maximizes your emotional and physical comfort
• Mindful living: Being present and aware while putting emphasis on relaxation
• Ritual making: Setting daily practices to promote coziness and overall comfort

Cozymaxxing differs from hygge because it emphasizes coziness as a lone activity. By contrast, hygge emphasizes the importance of spending time with friends and family in a cozy setting. Cozymaxxing focuses on the individual’s need to feel comfortable while practicing methods to calm and rest the body and mind.

Benefits of Cozymaxxing

Making time for yourself has some incredible benefits. These include:

• Emotion regulation: Cozymaxxing may assist with emotion regulation, which is the ability to maintain control over one’s emotional state.
• Happiness: Incorporating items that can facilitate happiness, such as soft lighting, comforting scents, and warmth from cozy blankets, may boost your mood and provide a sense of well-being. Cozymaxxing can easily be about filling life’s moments with activities that make you feel happy, safe, and comfortable.
• Improved sleep: Creating a comforting space that promotes relaxation and stress relief can improve sleep by helping you unwind and relax your mind before bedtime.
• Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to the present moment with intention and without judgment. Cozymaxxing can encourage these moments of awareness.
• Reduced stress: A cozy, relaxing space can send signals to the brain to reduce cortisol, a stress hormone, and help promote relaxation, ultimately leading to reduced stress and anxiety.

Are There Any Downsides to Cozymaxxing?

While there is little research on cozymaxxing, much of the research on hygge shows mainly positive results. One downside that may exist in both hygge and cozymaxxing is the pressure to feel comfortable and cozy, which may not fit everyone’s expectations and preferences.

To get the most out of cozymaxxing, avoid overdoing activities to achieve comfort. Don’t increase your stress by trying to create the perfect space to relax.

For example, cozymaxxing should not be about creating a perfect mindfulness meditation space. Instead, it should be about creating a space that allows you to feel rested and restored.

Summary

Inspired by the Danish tradition of hygge, cozymaxxing can provide a mental health boost. It emphasizes getting the most out of being cozy and comfortable with activities that promote relaxation and stress relief. Besides stress relief, cozymaxxing can help to regulate your emotions, improve your sleep, and promote happiness.

It is simple to get started. Curate your space, gather your tools, and create your routine. Once you have all that, make it a daily habit. You can also share your cozymaxxing time with friends and family. Keep in mind, however, that cozymaxxing isn’t a substitute for mental health care.