"And for the first half of winter, I'm fully on board with everything comfy and snug. But somewhere between the umpteenth mug of hot cocoa and the third month of darkness, coziness stops feeling restorative and starts to become suffocating. The same gentle routines that once felt nurturing and grounding begin to feel stagnant. At this point in the season, I don't need more softness or stillness - I need contrast and stimulation."
"One morning I decided that, rather than stay in pajamas or put on sweatpants, I'd get dressed and apply makeup, as if I was going to the office. My hope was that this would put a pep in my step, and I was right. To expose myself to the outside world, I kept my curtains and blinds drawn open. The light felt rejuvenating, and made me feel more motivated."
Cozy routines can become suffocating after extended indoor months, turning restorative habits into stagnant patterns. Introducing deliberate 'anti-cozy' practices provides contrast and stimulation while preserving comfort. Working from home can intensify lethargy by eliminating daily exits, fresh air, and social contact. Small changes—getting dressed and wearing makeup as if going to the office, opening curtains to let daylight in, and choosing to go for a bundled walk instead of collapsing on the couch—restore motivation and break hibernation rhythms. These actions counteract the hibernation instinct just enough to lift spirits and prevent seasonal stagnation.
Read at Apartment Therapy
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