Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, it can sometimes feel hard to find a bit of peace and quiet. Cars honking and people rushing by can make coziness seem like a far off dream. But what if coziness was the key to making our city lives better?

First of all, what is cozy?

Although everyone feels cozy in different ways, I will define cozy as a feeling of comfort and reassurance often created by warmth, softness, and safety. It means being content within your environment and your soul.

Cozy is more than cute aesthetics. It’s about living intentionally in a way that is restorative to your mental and physical health.

The Danish call it hygge (pronounced: hoo-gah) a concept that has seemingly helped them become one of the happiest countries, according to the annual World Happiness Report.

Some of the main principles of hygge are: enjoying comfort, nurturing social connections, slowing down, and being present. Incorporating these principles into our lives is said to reduce stress and improve our relationships, which in turn can benefit our overall health.

Why do city dwellers need an extra dose of cozy?

Studies have shown that people who live in large cities often face higher rates of stress and mental health issues than people in suburban or rural areas. This can be due to a variety of factors including, high population density, increased cost of living, noise, pollution, and lack of green-spaces, among others.

Because we know these factors can increase stress, it’s important to focus on activities that improve our wellbeing. One way to do this is by making time for coziness.

This can be as simple a making ordinary moments meaningful and joyful. This can be being mindful of your feelings and the types of things that make you feel peaceful and soothed. It is appreciating the place you’re in and the small things that make you feel happy in the moment.

Although in some cases coziness is a luxury, like a set of bamboo silk pajamas or a glamping cabin in the woods. But usually coziness is (and should be) affordable, like a simple pair of fluffy slippers that keep your feet off the cold floor, or tiny twinkling fairy lights illuminating your window.

Cozy might be sleeping in late on a rainy day or enjoying a quiet stroll in the park while the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Whatever speaks to your soul and brings you joy. Cozy is what you make it!

The Cozy New Yorker