2 Reasons Why You Need To Start 'Cozymaxxing'

Research suggests that TikTok's new 'cozymaxxing' trend could be the secret to a happier, more comfortable life. Here's why you should consider trying it yourself.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | May 05, 2025

After years of glorifying hustle culture, a growing number of people are slowing down — and TikTok is leading the charge. This is the essence of "cozymaxxing," the art of optimizing your environment, habits and lifestyle for maximum comfort and calm. Think soft lighting, oversized sweaters, warm drinks and a "no burnout allowed" mentality. Cozymaxxing isn't laziness — it's radical self-care dressed in fleece and sipping herbal tea.

The term "cozymaxxing" emerged from internet subcultures, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Tumblr, where niche aesthetics and lifestyle trends thrive. Inspired by the suffix "-maxxing" — popularized in online forums to describe going all-in on self-improvement (e.g., looksmaxxing for appearance, careermaxxing for professional growth) — cozymaxxing takes a different approach.

This trend gained traction as a response to modern burnout culture, offering a slower, more intentional way of living. At its core, cozymaxxing is about achieving "soothe" — a state of deep relaxation and inner peace.

A 2019 study published in Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice found that people experience soothing in two key ways — either through solitude in quiet, comfortable spaces or through connection with close, supportive people. Both align perfectly with cozymaxxing, whether it's curling up alone with a book or enjoying a cozy movie night with loved ones.

The study also highlights the role of physical comfort in emotional well-being — something central to cozymaxxing. Warmth, soft textures and gentle sensory experiences (like sipping tea under a weighted blanket) activate the same soothing responses discussed in the research. This explains why cozymaxxing rituals, such as lighting candles, wearing plush loungewear or listening to ambient music, feel so deeply restorative.

Here are two ways cozymaxxing can benefit your health.

1. Mental Rest To Ease Your Popcorn Brain

Cozymaxxing encourages intentional rest, helping to regulate stress hormones like cortisol. By creating a calm, comforting environment, you're less likely to feel overstimulated or anxious. This approach closely mirrors the Danish concept of hygge, a lifestyle and mindset focused on cozy lighting, soft textures, comforting routines and emotional well-being practices like journaling or spending time with loved ones.

A 2024 study published in Creative Nursing explored how people with cystic fibrosis — a chronic, high-burden illness — used hygge to cope. It found that hygge helped participants accept their condition, find joy in small moments and build habits by pairing difficult treatments with enjoyable activities, like watching TV or sipping tea. This not only improved motivation for self-care but also strengthened their sense of control and mental resilience.

Hygge practices also promote mindfulness, anchoring you in the present and easing symptoms of burnout and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Even small rituals like lighting a candle can signal to your brain that it's safe to relax.

2. Physical Rest To Kickstart Your Body's Self-Healing

Chronic stress weakens the immune system, causes long-term inflammation and slows healing, which all contribute to worse health over time.

Cozymaxxing helps counter that by prioritizing restorative habits like good sleep hygiene, warm nutrient-dense meals and gentle movement (think stretching or slow walks). By slowing down, your body gets a chance to heal, recharge and function optimally.

How To Incorporate 'Cozymaxxing' Into Your Routine

To begin embracing cozymaxxing, start by creating a cozy corner in your home. Designate a comfortable spot with soft blankets, soothing candles and your favorite book or journal. This space should feel inviting, allowing you to unwind and relax whenever needed.

Another key step is to unplug regularly. Instead of mindless scrolling, engage in slow, fulfilling activities like reading, knitting or sketching. If possible, invest in plush robes, soft lighting and high-quality bedding to enhance your relaxation. Curate calming playlists with lo-fi beats, ambient sounds or acoustic tunes to set a soothing atmosphere.

Setting boundaries is equally important; learn to say no to burnout culture and prioritize rest without guilt. Being selective with your energy and avoiding unnecessary social or professional obligations is not about wanting isolation, but about preserving peace. Additionally, practice slow mornings or evenings, giving yourself time to ease into or out of the day peacefully.

Finally, embrace seasonal living by adapting your cozymaxxing habits to the time of year — think hot cocoa and warm blankets in winter, or light linens and fresh air in summer.

Cozymaxxing is a lifestyle rooted in intentional softness, both in your environment and in your habits. Think of it as a gentle rebellion against hustle culture, where rest and rejuvenation take center stage.

Why 'Cozymaxxing' And 'Bedrotting' Aren't The Same

While cozymaxxing celebrates intentional comfort as a form of self-care, bedrotting represents its unhealthy extreme, which is a state of prolonged inactivity that leads to physical and mental stagnation.

The term, a blend of "bed" and "rotting," vividly captures the consequences of excessive lounging: muscle stiffness, brain fog and a lingering sense of lethargy. Unlike cozymaxxing, which is about restorative relaxation, bedrotting often leaves people feeling more drained than energized.

To keep cozymaxxing from tipping into bedrotting, try the following:

• Set time limits. Schedule "cozy sessions," for example, taking 30-60 minutes for yourself before shifting to light activity and then more demanding work, or engage in cozymaxxing before bedtime.
• Incorporate gentle movement. Regularly stretch, take a short walk or do a few yoga poses to counteract physical stiffness.
• Engage your mind. Swap mindless scrolling for reading, journaling or a creative hobby.
• Listen to your body. If you're feeling sluggish instead of refreshed, it's time to shift gears.

Cozymaxxing is a joyful, research-backed way to unwind, but like all good things, it's best in moderation. By staying mindful of the difference between restorative rest and draining inertia, you can cultivate a lifestyle that's both cozy and energizing. The goal isn't just to feel comfort, but to let it fuel a happier, healthier you.

How well do you engage in self-care? Take this science-backed test to find out: Self-Care Inventory

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.