Cozy Night Essentials

'Tis the season for all things warm and cozy! This is the time of year where I actually enjoy the colder weather and all of the things it brings: big sweaters, comfort foods, and especially...nights in!

I will actually schedule nights in my week sometimes where I just spend a night in with no plans and do all my favorite relaxing things. This always looks a bit different for me depending on what I am in the mood for, but here are some essentials I try and stick to when planning a night in.

*I want to note that in no way do I want to substitute this cozy and fluffy post for the importance of actual rest and recovery. I know that this isn't a substitution for dealing with hard things, but this is just something I do to bring myself joy and implement some more relaxing tasks I enjoy into my nights.

1. A good book is a must have!

There is nothing I love more on a cold night in than getting sucked into a good book. I made it one of my bucket list items for fall to binge a book in one sitting. While I definitely don't do that often, its more likely to happen for me in this time of year. If I am not completely sucked into what I am currently reading, ill pick up something different or highly anticipated for a night like this so that I am less likely to get distracted by my phone all night.

2. My favorite snacks/comfort foods

This one is just a given... who doesn't want their fav treats to accompany a self care night?! My go-to is popcorn, probably 95% of the time.

3. Cozy socks, sweaters, and blankets

This one is also a given... cozy night = being cozy!

4. Ambiance rooms

Something that I have recently discovered is 'Ambiance Rooms' on Youtube. These are just videos with light music and fun scenery on the screen to fit you mood, and they are just super fun! Ill link a playlist of my favs here that I like to throw on in the background when I'm reading, cleaning and even sometimes when I'm working at home. Maybe its a placebo affect, but I think it makes me more productive and focused!

5. A hot beverage

I guess this kind of goes with my favorite snacks, but I love warming up with a good tea, coffee, or hot lemon water.

6. Bubble bath

Now a days I gravitate more towards bath bombs, but the ones that bubble too are the best! Its a simple joy that I have recently re-discovered, and I love how it forces me to just sit and do nothing for a while.

And of course I can't forget my best friend Tank 🩷 He tries to do everything with me though, so he isn't really exclusive to a cozy night... but still essential!! (Can you guess how many treats it took me to bribe him for the photo at the top of this post...)

What are some things you do to bring comfort and happiness into your nights? What are some things essential to you for a cozy night?