Written by Eric Seitz // Illustrated by Miranda Tulcewicz
The best ways to embrace only the coziest of vibes the November
With November’s arrival, autumn is officially here, but it’s not staying for long. As the general populace heads indoors to coop up for the winter, we as a society tend to turn a bit sentimental — looking for what might make us feel warm and fuzzy inside. That warm and fuzzy feeling might be literal, with pumpkin spice lattes or warm apple cider to sip on; or it might be figurative with the activities that make us feel most at-home. So throw on your flannels, hoodies and beanies because we’re about to hurl at you all of the ways you can turn your cozy-meter up to 11 as we head into the end of the year.
Rewatch That One Movie Series
We all have it — a movie series that just reminds us of fall. “The Lord of the Rings.” “Harry Potter.” “The Hunger Games”. “Frozen.” “Twilight.” Maybe it’s because November is when all of those movies released in theaters. Maybe it’s just because the cold weather draws us back to what we know best. Snag some of your favorite snacks (popcorn with candy corn and M&Ms if you’re feeling extra fancy), curl up with your warmest blanket, and dive back into your favorite movie series. With Disney+’s new GroupWatch feature, you can catch your favorite movies along with up to six friends, even if you can’t be together physically.
Embrace The Hygge
If you’ve never seen this word, no, it’s not a typo! Hygge is a Danish word that means “the mood or essence of coziness.” Think: fireside, fuzzy socks, cuddling, fall-scented candles, and maybe some hot chocolate. It makes sense that the Danish would have a word for this, since their climate is always November or worse. So hygge is the best they can really ask for. The word hygge also comes with a sense of contentment and general wellness, and as the end of the semester ramps up, we could all use a little bit of hygge in our lives.
Go Driving
If you have a car, driving around is one of the best ways to experience fall’s grandeur — mostly because you don’t have to brave the cold to do it! Drive through your favorite coffee shop, pump up your favorite jams and head out in search of only the most picturesque naturescapes. The areas south of Cleveland have some locations that were made for fall — winding roads, charming old maples, and turkeys bopping around nearby. This activity is perfect for friend groups, if you consider yourself a social butterfly. Don’t want to listen to music? Podcasts are a great choice too, with options for everyone — from true crime to psychology talk shows to cult documentaries to book suggestions.
Journal
Let it out! Journaling is a great way to deal with your emotions, no matter how big or small they may be. Grab that notebook that you’ve been saving for a special occasion, lay it on your desk, set a fifteen minute timer (or don’t!), and write. Since it’s November, try making it season-appropriate by jotting down what you’re grateful for. You’ll find that it makes you happier overall, and as a bonus, you’ll know exactly how to answer when someone asks what you’re thankful for on Thanksgiving Day.
Channel Your Inner Baker
Ever wonder what to do with your kitchen? Here’s your answer: bake! Baking is easy — easier than cooking — and a lot of simple recipes are easy to follow, like ones for cookies, cakes, and brownies. Baked goods like these are a cinch to give fall flair — consider adding autumn-colored sprinkles, decorating a cake by icing fall leaves, or adding butterscotch chips to give chocolate chips cookies a bit more richness.
Game Until You Melt Your Brain
Despite what all the naysayers said back when we were growing up, playing video games can actually be quite beneficial. The way that some games challenge players’ minds and require them to think can help to stimulate alertness while also giving people the chance to unwind and relax. The therapeutic qualities present in the nature of gaming as an activity solidifies its place on the list of cozy activities. Another benefit of gaming is that you don’t even need to leave your couch to do it — with games on home consoles to Apple Arcade to basic mobile gaming, your options are ubiquitous and expanding.
Unleash Your Creativity
Feel a wave of creativity striking? Go out and make stuff. One of the best ways to explore the world is to create it for yourself. Creativity can come in many different forms: painting, drawing, writing, redecorating your room, choosing your outfits for the next week, posting on social media, or reorganizing your spice cabinet. We can strike inspiration from just about anywhere, but when you do strike it, be sure to take advantage of it! Imagine if J.R.R. Tolkein never created anything special because he didn’t feel like creating when he had the chance!