Winter Wellness with Cozykins

Winter isn’t just a season—it’s a sensory experience! The crunch of snow beneath your boots, the glow of streetlights reflecting on frosty roads, and the quiet magic of a world softened by snow. We Kin LOVE finding beauty and warmth in the little things, especially during the colder months.
If you feel winter is especially tough, or the holidays keep you on the edge, it’s worth taking extra care of yourself and reaching out to connect. You’re not alone; it’s a season of slippery ice, harsh wind and snow, and other barriers to stepping out and de-stressing, just as much as it is of fun and sharing in experiences!

Please keep 988 call or text in mind. This hotline is entirely worth the contact if you feel you have nobody else to turn to. Truly, you are never without help— it’s just a contact away.

A Quiet Pause in a Busy World

Winter offers an opportunity to slow down. The shorter days ask us to rest, reflect, and reconnect with what matters. Whether it’s enjoying a peaceful moment with a cup of tea, or sharing a quiet evening with a plushie friend, these moments of stillness can be powerful acts of self-care.
“Self-care” may feel like a term that’s been tossed around quite a bit, and the explanations may not seem entirely clear. I can say, soaking in all the hot baths with all the salts and oils never came close to the care I gave myself when I learned that it’s actually about retreating to the basics. Silence your phone, delete the apps you keep scrolling on, move your body, drink water, try a temporary bedtime routine or ritual to get better sleep— and more of it. Schedule the appointment you have been putting off, then schedule some time over the next couple weeks to get together with some friends. Toss out old food, donate food you know you won’t eat, buy a few fresh foods you enjoy, without the pressure of stocking up and consuming it all within the week.

Take some time to reflect, appreciate your own growth, rest, and relax!

The Nostalgia of Plushies in Winter

For many of us, childhood memories of winter include the comforting presence of a favorite stuffed animal. That bear, bunny, or robot was more than a toy—it was a trusted companion on snow days and cozy nights! Plushies remind us of simpler times, when the magic of winter felt boundless.

You can pluck your old besties out of their storage bins, and treat yourself to a few new ones! Dress them for the occasion, take a Polaroid selfie with them, or place them up to oversee the shenanigans. It’s a ton of fun to rip off the expectations for yourself, and just hug the plush already!
There have been remakes and spinoffs of some of your ol’ favorites; you should check and see what’s out there now. There’s been a lot of fun revamps!

Your Winter Adventure Awaits

While winter is often about bundling up indoors, don’t forget the joy of stepping outside. Take a plushie friend along for the ride—whether it’s building a snowman, embarking on a winter hike, or snapping a whimsical photo for your socials. (Tag us! We’d love to see your winter adventures!)

There are now carrying cases for your plush pals, clippy/keychain friends you can wear, bubble backpacks you can see through so your buddies can see, and all sorts of other ways we are able to get our furry wee friends out and about. If you’re as terrified of the ice as I am, there’s some indoor options! Meeting up at a friend’s place to play games, potluck gatherings, hitting the gym, the Recreation Center, or one of our cute lil’ local museums to explore. There’s more interesting businesses and eateries in Natrona than ever before, go explore them!

A Thoughtful Winter Ritual

This winter, try creating a small ritual centered on kindness. Write a gratitude note to yourself or someone you love and tuck it inside their plushie’s pocket or tag. Let it serve as a reminder of the warmth we can share with ourselves and others, even during the coldest months.
Make it a thing to pen a note or letter for your closest pals, to leave with them when you next see them, or snail mail it out! There’s something special about receiving a handwritten exchange with something punny, or an inside joke. Warms one up, inside. Maybe you make a special dish, and enjoy it alone or with close ones. Whatever you choose to do as “your thing”, let it be something simple, cheap, and centered on improvement and enrichment, for the best effect!

Let’s Share the Warmth Together

Cozykins’ mission is to spread joy and connection, one plushie at a time. Winter is a season for reflection, but it’s also a time to reach out—to celebrate our shared stories and experiences. What’s bringing you warmth this winter? Share your cozy moments, creative ideas, or plushie adventures with us on Bluesky or Mastodon. Let’s make this season a little brighter, together.

Stay snuggly, and keep dreaming big! 🧸✨