Eight Things to Do for a More Cozy Life

The winds get colder and the hearts get warmer. 'Tis the season! Now that cozy season is upon us, it's time to embrace it. We have curated some easy, fuss-free cozy things to do to beat those winter blues!

1. Mood Lighting

Lights matter. Whether it's a 10-kuai apple-scented candle from IKEA or some carefully laid out mood lighting in your apartment, you want to opt for warm yellow lights with a gentle glow that make you feel all fuzzy and cuddly on the inside. You can get some great smart light options from brands like Xiaomi, where you can even choose the mood using an app on your phone. Or fairy lights do the trick at a fraction of the cost with the same effect. 

2. A Go-To Evening Drink

It is truly that time of the year when an evening drink is your go-to cozy companion. Buy a hot chocolate mix from April Gourmet or Jenny Lou's, or a mulled wine set from CHEERS. Spike some tea with cinnamon powder and add those mini marshmallows because a warming evening drink changes everything. Not the milky type? Have a hot cup of spearmint or chamomile tea to bring some comfort to a dull and dreary evening. If you're out and about and looking for a cozy drink, you can check out this post and this post for some spots around Beijing offering winter-warming drinks.

3. Dress the Part

Dress for the cozy season as it deserves. Get that oversized hoodie from Uniqlo, that really poofy cap you have always wanted, those fuzzy slippers you've been eyeing up on Taobao.  Let the fluff calm you down and make you feel loved. Dressing the part is not just for show; it impacts you in ways you won't see at first but brings an underlying feeling of comfort and safety, especially if you're waiting for that Didi in the cold!

4. Comforting Scents

Beat the winter blues and bring the cozy vibes with some smells that remind you of home. Hit those potpourri pouches at IKEA or grab some diffuser sticks from Miniso. Get a diffuser from your go-to shopping app and pick a scent that brings you the most comfort. Looking for the cheapest option? A scented candle never goes amiss, and it also hits that mood lighting spot, too.  

5. Snuggle With a Book

Grab a book and read under a warmly lit lamp and snuggle under a blanket for maximum comfort. There is something magical about what a book does for you on quiet wintry nights. Not a reader? Not to worry. Re-watch your go-to comfort movie on a weeknight. For me, nothing hits the spot like Confessions of a Shopaholic with those early 2000s vibes. 

6. Cozy Background Music

Life is just better with background music. YouTube, QQ Music or any music or video app is replete with cozy background scores that give you some much-needed main character energy. Just type in things like “cozy warm music” or “cooking music” to find loads of playlists that can be the perfect score to your life as you do your laundry or the dishes. 

7. Comfort Meals

Let yourself steer away from the strict regimen you have been on. Summer is far, and the summer body can wait. Indulge in a nice chocolate-coated pretzel from Butterful and Creamorous in Sanlitun or at Chaoyang Joy City. Embrace cozy dishes like cheese fondue or one of Beijing's many comfort foods. Treat yourself to some freshly baked goods from one of the capital's many bakeries or cafes, like the new JM Cafe on Niujie. Loosen up. It's okay, sometimes. 

8. Decor That Counts

Decor counts when it evokes a feeling. Get some warm tones like those rusty browns and deep maroons. Find yourself some pillows and throws that soften the look of your room and make you feel right at home. Try taking a look around Panjiayuan market for some gorgeous decor that could work as a statement piece for your house, or even shop at the crockery section at Bairong Trade Centre by Muxiyuan on Line 8. 

Here's to feeling warm and fuzzy this winter. Let's beat the blues one day at a time!

READ: Ten Spots to Dive Into Cheese Fondue

Images: Unsplash, Canva