Tiktok's 'cozymaxxing' Trend Could Improve Your Mental Health, Experts Say

Cozymaxxing is a snuggly self-care practice that TikTok users are touting as an antidote to stress. Anastasiia Krivenok/Getty Images

• “Cozymaxxing” is a new self-care trend on TikTok focused on creating a comforting, stress-free environment. 
• The practice may provide several mental health benefits, such as reduced stress, improved emotional regulation, and better sleep quality.
• As with many wellness trends, cozymaxxing is a self-care practice and not a substitute for mental health treatment. 
• Experts recommend “mental health check-ins” when practicing 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, registered psychotherapist at One Life Counselling & Coaching, described cozymaxxing as “intentionally curating your home and habits to prioritize relaxation and coziness.” 

Why is cozymaxxing so popular? 

Fierheller told Healthline there are many reasons cozymaxxing is proving popular right now. Chief among them? Burnout. 

“People are burnt out and looking for ways to create little pockets of peace in their lives,” he said. 

“There are a lot of stressors in the world right now, and finding little moments of feeling safe and cozy is a great way to relax and destress.” 

Ritika Suk Birah, consultant counseling psychologist and founder of Reflect with Dr Ritz, agreed. 

“People are increasingly rejecting the glorification of busyness and hustle culture, opting instead for self-care and balance,” she told Healthline.

Birah added you shouldn’t underestimate the lingering aftereffects of the pandemic that led many people to prioritize their mental health and practice self-care.

“The pandemic forced many of us to stay home, leading to a deeper appreciation of comfort and safety within personal spaces,” she noted.

Financial uncertainty and political turmoil could be other reasons people seek comfort in the cozy.

“Economic stress, climate anxiety, and political instability make people crave a sense of safety and control, and we often find this in cozy, familiar environments,” Birah explained. 

Mental health benefits of cozymaxxing 

Experts interviewed by Healthline agreed that cozymaxxing could benefit your mental health. 

“A cozy, predictable environment signals safety to the brain, reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) and promoting relaxation. This, in turn, can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety,” Birah said.

Another benefit could be an increase in emotional regulation. Consciously relaxing and getting cozy may give you time to reflect on and manage your emotions. 

“Engaging in comforting activities, whether it’s journaling or sipping tea, supports the parasympathetic nervous system,” Birah added. 

This branch of the nervous system is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” functions and works in opposition to the body’s “fight or flight” stress response. 

Birah added that cozymaxxing may help people manage feelings of unease because the practice promotes feelings of security and offers a sense of control. 

Improved sleep quality is another potential mental health benefit that should not be overlooked. 

“Creating a comforting space is great for stress relief and can even improve sleep because a clutter-free, inviting space makes it easier for you to wind down and get quality rest, which is key for emotional balance,” Fierheller explained. 

Self-care is effective when done with intention 

Wrapping yourself up in a blanket or sipping hot tea to self-soothe after a stressful day seems to be a pretty harmless ritual. 

However, if not done with some parameters, cozymaxxing could lead to avoidance.

“I always come back to intention and balance with any behavior, as people can worry about over indulging when it comes to self-care,” Birah said. 

She recommended mental health check-ins when practicing self-care by asking yourself the following questions: 

• “Am I withdrawing from others?”
• “Am I avoiding my responsibilities?”
• “Have I moved my body enough today?”

“Excessive coziness without movement can contribute to physical health issues or lethargy while using coziness as an escape can lead to procrastination or difficulty facing stressors,” Birah explained. 

Her advice? Check your intentions and ask yourself, “Am I resting to recharge, or am I avoiding something difficult?”

She said it’s a good idea to set a time limit for cozy rituals to avoid falling into isolation or excessive escapism. 

If you find that your feelings of stress or anxiety have become difficult to manage on your own, consider finding a therapist or connecting with a mental health professional for support.

Tips for getting started with cozymaxxing 

If cozymaxxing sounds like what you need to help you with stress management, getting started is pretty simple.

Birah advised starting by curating your space. “Add soft lighting, blankets, warm colors, and scents like lavender or vanilla to create a calming environment.” 

Next? Create a comforting ritual. “Have a daily ritual like making a warm drink, reading, or stretching before bed to signal relaxation,” Birah said. 

Fierheller recommended setting aside time for a bath with some gentle 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 incorporating gentle movement into your day can also be cozy. “You can stay active with gentle, cozy-friendly movements like yoga, stretching, or a short walk in comfy layers.” 

Finally, remember that cozymaxxing doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. When you’re stressed, a little “me time” can go a long way.

On the other hand, sometimes being around others can also help you feel recharged. 

“Invite loved ones to share in your cozy rituals, whether it’s a film night, a pot of tea, or a slow Sunday brunch,” Birah said. 

Takeaway 

Cozymaxxing is a low-effort and effective way to take care of your mental health, but it should be seen as a tool for restoration rather than avoidance. 

By balancing coziness with movement, connection, and purpose, cozymaxxing can be a sustainable, healthy self-care practice supporting physical and emotional health.