The Science of Cosiness: Why Winter Feels Better With Warm Light, Soft Sound and Ritual

4 December 2025

Paul Francis

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Somewhere between the first frosty morning and the second early sunset, many of us start craving the same things: warm light, hot drinks, familiar films, thick socks, and the sense that home is a refuge from the outdoors. We call it “cosy”, but the feeling is not just aesthetic. It is physical, psychological, and surprisingly practical.

Woman in a cozy sweater sits on a sofa holding a stuffed animal, near a decorated Christmas tree. Warm lights create a festive mood.

Cosiness is what happens when your body senses safety and steadiness. It is comfort, but with a particular flavour: warmth, softness, predictability and a gentle lowering of demands.

What “cosy” really is

Cosiness is often described like a mood, but it behaves more like an environment. It is created by a combination of signals that tell your nervous system, “you can relax now”.

Those signals tend to fall into a few familiar categories:

Warmth (temperature, blankets, hot food)
Softness (textures, cushions, knitted fabrics)
Low glare lighting (lamps, candles, fairy lights)
Low threat sound (quiet music, gentle voices, rain on windows)
Small rituals (tea at the same time, lighting a candle, a film tradition)

In winter, these cues work harder because the outside world feels harsher, darker, louder and colder. Cosiness becomes a way of counterbalancing.

Why winter makes us want it more

In the UK, winter hits in a very specific way: damp cold, short days, and long stretches of grey. Less daylight can affect energy levels and mood, partly because it disrupts sleep timing and daily routines. Even if you do not feel “sad”, you can still feel less motivated, a bit flatter, and more easily tired.

Cosy settings offer a gentle solution. They reduce stimulation, encourage rest, and help you slow down without needing to call it “self care”.

The comfort of warm light

Bright overhead lighting can feel harsh when it is dark outside. Warm, low lighting tends to feel safer and more flattering, but there is something deeper going on too. At night, the body is more suited to calm light rather than intense glare. Lamps and warm tones mimic firelight, which humans have used for thousands of years to signal rest and safety after dark.

If you want a quick cosy upgrade, change the lighting first. Even a single lamp can shift a room from “functional” to “inviting”.

Soft sound and the “safe noise” effect

Silence can be peaceful, but it can also make a home feel empty. Cosy sound is rarely loud. It is predictable, soft, and steady. Think: gentle playlists, radio voices, crackling fire videos, rain sounds.

This kind of audio does something important. It fills the background so your mind stops scanning for surprises. If you have had a stressful day, soft sound can make it easier to come down from that heightened state.

Texture is emotional, not decorative

Texture is one of the fastest ways to create cosiness because your skin reads it instantly. Rough, cold or synthetic textures can keep you feeling slightly “on guard”. Soft, warm fabrics can do the opposite.

You do not need to redesign a room. One throw, one thick hoodie, one pair of warm slippers can change the entire feel of a winter evening.

Why rituals feel powerful in December

Many cosy habits are rituals. A ritual is not just a routine. It has meaning. It marks a moment as special, even if the act is small.

In winter, rituals help because they provide:

Predictability when days feel rushed or chaotic
A sense of control when the outside world feels uncertain
A cue to rest, especially when you struggle to switch off

This is why seasonal rituals catch on so easily. The first mince pie, the first film night, the first tree decoration. They are small anchors that make the month feel structured.

How to build cosiness without buying loads

Cosiness can become a shopping trend, but it does not have to be.

A simple “cosy checklist” looks like this:

One warm light source (lamp, fairy lights, candles)
One comforting texture (throw, thick socks, soft hoodie)
One safe sound (quiet playlist or spoken radio)
One warm drink or meal
One small ritual you repeat

The point is not perfection. The point is signalling to yourself that you are allowed to slow down.

Cosiness is not laziness, and it is not just decoration. In winter, it can be a quiet form of adaptation. A way of restoring energy, lowering stress, and finding warmth when the season asks us to endure cold and darkness.

In a world that rarely stops shouting, the cosy moment is often the moment your body finally believes it is safe.

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Cashless Society in the UK: Pros, Cons, and Controversies

Diane Hall
Sep 18, 2023
4 min read

The United Kingdom, like many other countries, has been steadily moving towards a cashless society in recent years. The rise of digital payment methods, contactless cards, and mobile wallets has made it easier than ever for people to conduct their financial transactions without the need for physical cash. Whilst there are clear advantages to embracing a cashless economy, there are also significant drawbacks and long-term implications that must be considered.

The pros of a cashless society

Convenience: One of the most significant advantages of a cashless society is the unparalleled convenience it offers. Digital payment methods allow people to make transactions quickly and securely, whether they’re shopping online, paying bills, or splitting a restaurant bill. Contactless payments have become especially popular in the UK, making it effortless to make purchases with a simple tap of a card or smartphone.

Example: Imagine a busy commuter in London who can easily use their contactless Oyster card for public transport, pay for a coffee at a café, and purchase groceries at a supermarket, all without needing to carry cash.

Reduced crime: A cashless society can help reduce various forms of financial crime, such as theft, counterfeiting, and money laundering. With digital transactions leaving a clear and traceable electronic trail, it becomes more challenging for criminals to engage in illicit activities.

Example: By relying on digital payment methods, the UK has seen a decline in bank robberies and physical cash thefts.

Financial inclusion: Digital payments can improve financial inclusion by providing access to banking services for those who are unbanked or underbanked. Mobile banking apps and digital wallets can help people manage their finances more effectively, regardless of their geographic location.

Example: Initiatives like mobile banking vans and digital wallets have brought financial services to remote areas in Scotland, helping residents access banking services more conveniently.

The cons of a cashless society

Exclusion of vulnerable people: Whilst digital payment methods offer convenience, they can also exclude the vulnerable in society who may not have access to smartphones or bank accounts. This digital divide can further marginalise those already facing financial difficulties.

Example: Elderly individuals who are not tech-savvy or homeless people who lack access to traditional banking services may struggle to adapt to a cashless society.

Privacy concerns: The move towards digital payments raises significant privacy concerns. Every digital transaction leaves a data trail that can be exploited by governments and corporations for surveillance or marketing purposes, potentially infringing on individuals' privacy rights.

Example: Concerns have arisen about the extent to which tech giants like Google and Facebook collect and utilise personal financial data for targeted advertising.

Security risks: Despite advancements in security measures, digital transactions are not immune to cyberattacks and fraud. Phishing scams, identity theft, and hacking incidents can lead to significant financial losses for individuals and businesses.

Example: In 2020, the UK's National Cyber Security Centre reported a surge in Covid-19 related phishing attacks, demonstrating the ongoing security risks associated with digital transactions.

Long-term implications of a completely digital currency system

Monetary policy challenges: A cashless society poses challenges for central banks in implementing monetary policy. Traditional tools like adjusting interest rates may become less effective, as digital currencies can be subject to volatility driven by global financial markets.

Example: In the event of a severe economic downturn, central banks may have limited options for stimulating the economy if interest rates are already near zero.

Financial dependency on tech companies: As cash disappears, individuals and businesses become increasingly dependent on technology companies for their financial services. This concentration of power raises concerns about monopolistic practices, accountability, and access to essential financial services.

Example: Tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Google are expanding their financial services, potentially increasing their control over the financial sector.

Loss of anonymity: A cashless society erodes the anonymity that physical cash provides. Every digital transaction can be tracked, potentially inhibiting personal freedoms and leading to a society of surveillance.

Example: In China, the widespread adoption of digital payments has been accompanied by the government's ability to monitor and control citizens' financial activities, impacting personal freedoms.

Resilience to system failures: A completely digital currency system is vulnerable to system failures, whether due to technical glitches or cyberattacks. A lack of physical cash as a backup could leave individuals and businesses stranded in the event of a widespread disruption.

Example: In June 2018, Visa experienced a widespread technical failure in the UK, leaving many unable to make digital payments for several hours.

You may not think much of those pros nor be troubled by the cons of a cashless society; however, enough people are worried about the control and loss of freedoms that could be imposed by our government if cash no longer existed.

Say you were classed as obese. To the government, you’re a potential drain on the resources of our NHS. Conspiracy theorists proffer that the powers-that-be would restrict your spending on fatty foods and unhealthy meals if the UK solely operated a digital currency.

It seems there are plenty of people who believe that cash still has merit. Cash payments rose last year for the first time in a decade, increasing by 7% to 6.4bn. On a short break to a tourist town last week, I noticed two businesses clearly stating that ONLY cash could be used on their premises. I had to read their signs twice, as I’m that used to seeing businesses state that they’re card-only enterprises, certainly after the pandemic.

I’ve read of many small businesses in the current-cost-of-living crisis that claim the fees that card companies currently charge are severely eating into their profits. Maybe they’ll also turn back to cash?

What are your thoughts? Would you like to see cash phased out?