“Cozymaxxing” is the newest self-care trend on TikTok that is all about getting your space cozy and stress-free.
The practice can have several mental health advantages, such as reduced stress, improved emotional regulation, and better quality sleep.
While most wellness trends are self-care practices and nothing more, cozymaxxing is not an exception.
“Mental health check-ins” are advised by professionals when engaging in self-care.
To start cozymaxxing, create a comforting environment, limit digital distractions, and integrate rest with movement and social connection.
If changing into your pajamas, lighting a candle, and wrapping yourself in a blanket sounds like your idea of self-care, then you’ll love TikTok’s latest wellness trend: #cozymaxxing.
This snuggly practice is being hailed among TikTok users as an antidote to stress.
Search “cozymaxxing” on TikTok and you’ll unearth a trove of comfort and serenity: people wrapped in fluffy blankets, lighting candles, enjoying their favorite comfort shows, and listening to gentle music to unwind.
The self-care trend is about engaging in cozy, comforting rituals that help promote stress relief and calm.
Ken Fierheller, a registered psychotherapist with One Life Counselling & Coaching, described cozymaxxing as “consciously curating your home and routines to maximize relaxation and coziness.”
Why is cozymaxxing popular?
Fierheller told Healthline there are many reasons cozymaxxing is popular right now. At the forefront of the list? Burnout.
“People are burnt out and looking for ways to make little pockets of peace in their lives,” he said.
“Much of the world has a great deal of stressors in their lives right now, and the most effective way to destress is to catch little moments of feeling safe and cozy,”
Ritika Suk Birah, Reflect with Dr Ritz founder and consultant counseling psychologist, agreed.
“People increasingly are rejecting busyness worship and hustle culture and accepting self-care and balance instead,” she told Healthline.
Birah pointed out that you should not downplay the residual effects of the pandemic that led people to pay greater attention to their mental health and self-care.
“The pandemic made many of us stay at home, and that made us appreciate comfort and security in one’s own space,” she said.
Economic insecurity and political uncertainty could be some of the other reasons people are drawn to the comfort of the snug.
“Economic stress, climate anxiety, and political uncertainty cause people to crave a sense of safety and control, and we find this in warm, cozy spaces,” Birah described.
Mental health benefits of cozymaxxing
Experts Healthline interviewed agreed that cozymaxxing would be healthy for your mental well-being.
A comfortable, reliable place communicates safety to the brain, reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) and producing relaxation. That, in itself, can lead to reduced stress and anxiety,” Birah explained.
An added benefit may be greater emotional regulation. Deliberately relaxing and becoming settled could give you some time to investigate and monitor your emotions.
“Engaging in soothing activities such as journaling or drinking tea benefits the parasympathetic nervous system,” Birah added.
This aspect of the nervous system is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” functions and works against the body’s “fight or flight” stress response mechanism.
Birah went on to say that cozymaxxing can help people deal with feelings of discomfort because the practice aids in provoking a sense of safety and giving a sense of control.
Improved sleep quality is another potential mental health benefit that cannot be overlooked.
“Creating a calming space is great for stress relief and even improves sleep because a clean, cozy space allows you to relax and sleep well, which is the foundation of emotional equilibrium,” Fierheller stated.
Self-care works if it is done with intention
Wrapping yourself in a blanket or drinking hot tea to self-soothe after a stressful day does not appear to be a very dangerous ritual.
Nevertheless, without some parameters, cozymaxxing might devolve into avoidance.
“I always return to intention and balance with any behavior since individuals can be concerned about overindulging when it pertains to self-care,” Birah said.
She recommended self-care mental health check-ins by asking yourself the following questions:
“Am I isolating from others?”
“Am I escaping my responsibilities?”
“Have I exercised enough today?”
“Too much coziness without exercise can result in physical illness or sluggishness while using coziness as avoidance can end in procrastination or avoidance of stressors,” Birah said.
Her advice? Check your motivation and ask yourself, “Am I resting to recharge, or am I avoiding something difficult?”
She recommended a time limit for cozy habits to avoid falling into solitude or extreme escapism.
If you are finding your anxiety or stress is becoming too much to handle on your own, research finding a therapist or contacting a mental health professional for assistance.
Tips for initiating cozymaxxing
If cozymaxxing sounds like something that will help you to better deal with stress, it is not difficult to get started.
Birah recommended starting by creating your environment. “Add soft lighting, blankets, warm colors, and calming fragrances like lavender or vanilla,” she said.
Next? Create a calming ritual. “Do something each night like preparing a warm drink, reading, or stretching before bed to bring on relaxation,” said Birah.
Fierheller recommended taking the time to relax in the bath with some music and a candle.
Both experts are advocates for putting smartphones and other devices away during a cozymaxxing practice.
“Our phones and laptops can be a big source of stress, especially if we’re checking work emails after hours or feeling obligated to respond to people right away,” Fierheller said.
“Carving out digital free time can be a great way to embrace the cozy, stress-free environment you’re trying to create.”
Birah noted that incorporating some gentle movement into your day can also be cozy. “You can stay active with gentle, cozy-friendly activities like yoga, stretching, or a short walk in comfortable layers.”
Finally, don’t forget that cozymaxxing does not have to be practiced solo. When you’re stressed, some “me time” can go a long way.
Or, sometimes being around others can also make you feel recharged.
Invite loved ones to join in your cozy traditions, whether it’s a night in for a movie, a pot of tea, or a Sunday brunch lounging around,” said Birah.
Takeaway
Cozymaxxing is a low-effort and effective way of looking after your mental health, yet it must be used as a tool for restoration and not avoidance.
By balancing coziness and activity, attachment, and significance, cozymaxxing has the potential to be a positive, sustainable self-care activity that supports physical and emotional health.
