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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Eastern Congo on the Brink: The Escalating DRC–Rwanda Conflict in 2025

Paul Francis
May 29
4 min read

The eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are once again engulfed in turmoil as the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, intensifies the long-standing conflict. The rapid territorial gains by M23, particularly in North and South Kivu, have not only displaced hundreds of thousands but also reignited regional tensions, drawing international concern.

Close-up of a soldier's shoulder with a bullet bandolier over digital camo uniform. Background is blurred, earthy tones, no visible text.

Historical Context: A Legacy of Unresolved Tensions

The roots of the current crisis trace back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. As Hutu militias responsible for the genocide fled into eastern DRC, they formed the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group that has since posed a persistent security threat to Rwanda. Kigali has repeatedly accused the DRC of harboring these elements, while Kinshasa alleges that Rwanda exploits this pretext to interfere in its internal affairs.

In 2012, the March 23 Movement (M23) emerged, primarily composed of Tutsi fighters who accused the DRC government of failing to honor a 2009 peace agreement that promised the integration of Tutsi rebels into the national army and the protection of minority communities. Although M23 briefly captured Goma in 2012, international pressure led to their withdrawal, and the group largely faded from prominence until its resurgence in late 2021.

Map of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlighting North and South Kivu, marked territories, borders with Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi.

Recent Developments: A Surge in Hostilities

The conflict escalated dramatically in early 2025. On January 26, M23 forces seized Goma, the capital of North Kivu, marking a significant strategic and symbolic victory. The rapid advance continued southward, with the rebels capturing Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, shortly thereafter. These offensives have effectively placed both provincial capitals under M23 control, severely undermining the DRC government's authority in the region.

The United Nations estimates that over 700,000 people have been displaced within Goma alone, contributing to a nationwide total of 7.8 million internally displaced persons. The humanitarian situation is dire, with limited access to food, clean water, and medical care exacerbating the suffering of affected populations.

Humanitarian Crisis: Civilians Caught in the Crossfire

Reports from Amnesty International detail harrowing accounts of human rights abuses committed by M23 rebels. Former detainees describe being unlawfully imprisoned, tortured, and held in inhumane conditions after being accused, often without evidence, of supporting the Congolese government. Overcrowding, lack of basic necessities, and instances of enforced disappearances have been documented, painting a grim picture of life under rebel control.

The conflict has also taken a toll on the environment. In areas like Kahuzi-Biega National Park, illegal logging and charcoal production have surged under M23's watch, threatening endangered species such as the eastern lowland gorilla and causing irreversible ecological damage.

Economic Implications: Strained Resources and Strategic Interests

Eastern DRC's wealth of minerals, including coltan, cobalt, and gold, has long been both a blessing and a curse. The M23's control over key mining areas, such as Rubaya, allows the group to generate significant revenue—estimated at $800,000 monthly from coltan alone—by taxing miners and traders. This financial power bolsters their military capabilities and entrenches their presence in the region.

The DRC government's efforts to counter the rebellion have placed immense strain on the national budget. Military expenditures have soared, with $1 billion spent on security in the first four months of 2025. To boost morale, salaries for military and police personnel have been doubled, costing an additional $500 million. Despite these investments, the army faces shortages of essential supplies, and many expenditures occur outside the official budget framework, highlighting systemic inefficiencies.

International Response: Calls for De-escalation

The international community has expressed growing concern over the escalating conflict. In February, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2773, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from DRC territory, and the dismantling of parallel state institutions established by M23.

The United States is facilitating peace talks and negotiating a minerals deal with the DRC, contingent upon the withdrawal of M23 fighters and Rwandan troops from occupied territories. This agreement aims to grant U.S. companies access to the DRC's rich deposits of critical minerals in exchange for infrastructure investment and support in resolving the conflict. Both Kinshasa and Kigali have expressed cautious optimism about the potential for economic and regional cooperation.

Looking Ahead: Prospects for Peace

While diplomatic efforts are underway, the path to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges. The entanglement of ethnic tensions, resource competition, and regional politics necessitates a multifaceted approach:

Inclusive Dialogue: Engaging all stakeholders, including local communities, in peace negotiations to address underlying grievances and foster reconciliation.
Economic Reforms: Ensuring transparent and equitable management of mineral resources to prevent exploitation and fund development initiatives.
Security Sector Reform: Strengthening the capacity and accountability of the Congolese armed forces to effectively maintain order and protect civilians.

The international community's support will be crucial in facilitating these efforts and preventing further deterioration of the situation in eastern DRC. As the conflict continues to evolve, sustained attention and coordinated action are imperative to avert a deeper humanitarian catastrophe and to lay the groundwork for a stable and prosperous future for the region.