In a world bombarded with nonstop notifications, financial stress, and seemingly endless to-do lists, individuals are turning in on themselves literally. Rather than pursuing the hustle and bustle lifestyle, more and more are cozymaxxing , a trend that fills your space with tranquility. The objective? Increasing mental health by treating your senses to sensory-dense, extremely comfortable settings.
It's not some other social media look, studies indicate that getting your environment all cozy can actually lower stress hormones such as cortisol, boost sleep, and even help with emotional regulation.
Real-Life Cozy: Inside a Hobby Haven
Online creators like @cozy.games are turning cozymaxxing into a lifestyle showcase. Her dreamy hobby room combines crafting and gaming zones with soft lighting, a pastel keyboard, a fluffy circular chair, and a little stuffed bunny for good measure.
“The concept of a cozy hobby room was something I dreamed up years ago when I thought, ‘Hmmm, not quite a craft room, not quite a library, but not a gaming room either!’ As a hobby hoarder, this is the perfect solution! Everything mushed together in the perfect little escape,” she explains in a video, which has been met with comments like, “I’ll never leave this room.”
Cozymaxxing vs. Hygge: What's the Difference?
Both cozymaxxing and hygge encourage coziness, but cozymaxxing is much deeper. Hygge is rooted in Danish heritage and revels in a minimalist, peaceful space. Cozymaxxing? It's hygge with attitude. Rather than stripping away, it encourages you to add on the textures, aromas, noises, and personal touches that make a room yours.
As branding company Boxwood describes, "Cozymaxxing celebrates the concept of grouping and piling up, as opposed to Hygge's focus on simplicity."
Why is cozymaxxing hot in 2025?
A number of cultural changes are driving the popularity of cozymaxxing:
1. Burnout has never been higher.
"People are burned out and searching for ways to build little islands of peace," says psychotherapist Ken Fierheller. Cozymaxxing provides micro-moments of tranquility in the midst of chaos.
2. The Fading Busy Culture
More individuals are walking away from the always-on culture to a slower, more authentic lifestyle. "People are embracing balance and thoughtful self-care," explains psychologist Ritika Suk Birah
3. The Post-Pandemic Home-State of Mind
Remote work and hybrid living are no longer novel, so there's a renewed emphasis on turning the home into a healing environment. Cozymaxxing serves this purpose of emotional sanctuary.
4. Mental Health Perks
By VeryWellHealth, cozymaxxing will regulate emotions, promote sleep, and alleviate anxiety. It's self-care in the environment.
How to Cozymaxx Your Own Space
You don't have to have a large budget or a Pinterest-perfect space to get started with cozymaxxing. Here's how to simplify:
Make a cozy corner
Take a spot with warm lighting, pillows, blankets, and whatever brings you joy, books, plants, or even a stuffed toy.
Manipulate the lighting.
Replace harsh ceiling lighting with lamps, fairy lights, candles, or Himalayan salt lamps.
Begin a warm drink ritual.
Discover a soothing drink. Herbal teas such as lavender, peppermint, or sleepytime formulas are perfect.
Get cozy with sound and smell.
Add soundscapes, rain, ocean sounds, or lo-fi tunes, and peaceful scents like vanilla, cedarwood, or eucalyptus.
Make do with what you have.
You don't need to purchase anything new. Mental health counselor Amber Kinney reminds us: “Don’t feel like you have to buy all the things that are shown in those TikTok videos to practice cozymaxxing. What works for one person might not work for another.”
Last thought: Your nervous system will thank you.
During uncertain times, snuggly gathering provides a concrete means to regain peace and build spaces that nourish us. So whether it's lighting a candle, bundling up in a big blanket, or having tea while your favorite playlist blares in the background, go for it, take full advantage of comfort.
Reference:
1. Upworthy. “'Cozymaxxing’: The Real Science behind Everyone’s New Favorite Stress Antidote.” Upworthy, 2025. https://www.upworthy.com/2025-wellness-trends-cozymaxxing.
2. Healthline. “What Is ‘Cozymaxxing’? The TikTok Trend Experts Say Is Good for Mental Health.” Healthline, 2025. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/cozymaxxing-tiktok-self-care-mental-health-trend.
3. Verywell Health. “What Is Cozymaxxing and Why Is It Good for Mental Health?” Verywell Health, 2025. https://www.verywellhealth.com/cozymaxxing-11725441.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)