Why Being Cosy Is Good For You (And So Is Sleeping With Your Pet)
A tasty hot chocolate + seeing and hearing a crackling log fire + a hug from a loved one + the smell of fresh bread = ultimate cosiness!
A poll from UK holiday home operator Park Leisure has looked at all five senses and what makes people feel cosy to reveal the equation for the cosiest you can possibly feel.
Meanwhile bed supplier Bed SOS has gathered evidence that snuggling up in bed with your pet can improve your mental health in five ways.
Ah, the smell of fresh bread
In the Park Leisure survey, a crackling log fire was cited as both the cosiest sight (29%) and sound (25%).
When asked about the cosiest scents, fresh bread came out on top (15%), followed by a log fire (13%) and cinnamon (11%).
Pic: Shutterstock
Professor of coaching and positive psychology at the University of East London, Christian van Nieuwerburgh, commented, “Some aspects seem to relate more to evolutionary psychology.
“The smell of fresh bread, a crackling log fire and the hug are indicators of safety. We would unconsciously be drawn to them because they are good for our survival – the existence of sufficient food, knowing that it will be possible to stay warm, and being with someone who will protect you. This is especially true during the harsh winter months.
“In other words, human beings may be drawn to cosiness because it is indicative of having a safe, warm place to shelter from the elements.”
Hugs come top – especially for men
More than one in six people surveyed (17%) say that a hug is the cosiest sensation. With it being the year of social distancing, unfortunately people aren’t to experience this as they would usually like.
Men were more partial to a hug than women (19% vs 16%), with the top choice for women being a warm blanket (18%).
Pic: Unsplash
The top five cosiest tastes were voted as hot chocolate (16%), roast dinner (15%), winter stew (14%), cup of tea (10%) and coffee (8%).
Christian added, “According to a leading theory of wellbeing, human beings need positive emotions and relationships to thrive.
“So, the hot chocolate can provide a fleeting positive emotion, and a hug from a loved one would provide evidence of a positive relationship.”
Lisa Williams is director of marketing and holiday sales at Park Leisure. She commented, “There’s nothing better than feeling cosy and snuggling up with your loved ones in your holiday home when it’s cold outside.
“The data on the cosiest senses is really interesting to see, and I couldn’t agree more with the ultimate cosy combination.
Pic: Shutterstock
“Park Leisure holiday homes are perfect for tucking yourself away on a cosy getaway, sticking the heating on, putting your feet up with a hot chocolate and snuggling up with your family around you. Being a holiday home owner means you can come and tuck yourself away as much as you like should restrictions permit. Our parks have a lovely community feel and are et within picturesque British countryside and coastal scenery, the winter months are a truly beautiful time to visit.”
To find out more about Park Leisure holiday homes, which are set in 11 stunning locations across the UK, please visit: https://www.parkleisure.co.uk/ownership/find-a-holiday-home
Another Way To Be Cosy… Sleep With Your Pet
Meanwhile two-thirds (66%) of UK pet owners are allowing their furry friends to sleep in or on their bed, which has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health.
The research, by bed and mattress specialist Bed SOS found that men were less likely to allow pets to share the bedroom, with 36% saying they never allow their pets into bed, compared to 33% of women.
Spending more time with pets by sleeping with them can provide a major health boost…
It can help ease stress and anxiety
Due to the close bonds humans form with their pets, it’s natural for owners to feel comforted and relaxed by the presence of their animal.
Sleeping in close proximity to a pet provides comfort and reassurance, which can help those suffering from disorders such as depression and anxiety, as well as easing feelings of stress.
Pic: Shutterstock
It can mean a better night’s sleep
Many mental health problems can be linked to insomnia, so if you find that your pet has a positive effect on your mental health, then sleeping with them may help you get a better night’s sleep.
Close proximity to animals has also been proven to help people suffering from sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and nightmares, including those affected by post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)2.
It helps strengthen bonds between you and your pet
Spending time with your pet will help to increase the bond between you, and sleeping with your pet increases the amount of time you spend with them, strengthening this bond even further.
This can also work with children, allowing your child to bond with your pet, as well as helping them to feel more secure when sleeping. However, make sure your child is responsible with the pet before allowing them to sleep together.
It can make you feel more secure
Pets, especially dogs, are naturally light sleepers and remain alert when resting. For people concerned about security this can be a major benefit, and can help to reassure the owner that they will be woken if the animal hears anything unusual.
It can decrease loneliness
A recent study found that 41% of pet owners said that sleeping with their pet provides feelings of companionship. This benefit can help combat loneliness and provide comfort among singles and those living alone, such as the elderly or those working away from home.
When it’s time to stop…
Whilst sleeping with your pets can provide health benefits, it is important to stop if it creates any issues for you.
If your pet is restless and is preventing you from having a good night’s sleep, begins to display signs of dominance or if it aggravates allergies then it’s best to stop allowing your pet into the bedroom.
Sarah Mackie, writer and area co-ordinator at Pets as Therapy, said, “For those in relationships, sharing a bed with a larger pet can create extra challenges, but those sleeping alone could benefit from some animal company.
Our primal need for the feeling of a safe place is often filled by a pet, whose steady heartbeat and lack of personal space provide the perfect conditions for calm.
“Whether sleeping with your pet is a good idea or not is a complex question,” Sarah continued. “A married couple sharing their bed with anything larger than a spaniel is, in my opinion, akin to sharing with a sprawling toddler – all bony bits and wriggling!
Pic: Shutterstock
“However, for people who might otherwise sleep alone, then an animal takes the place of a teddy. And, as such, they can aid a very restful sleep indeed.”
Danny Richmond, managing director of Bed SOS, said, “Pets hold a special place in our hearts, and for many people they provide much-needed emotional support. If you’re struggling to sleep or feeling stressed at night, allowing your pet in your bed or even just the bedroom could have positive effects on your mental wellbeing, and lead to a better night’s sleep.”
See 20 adorable pictures of sleeping pets from a recent nationwide competition!
Sarah Proctor
I've worked on a variety of regional newspapers and national magazines. My Weekly and Your Best Ever Christmas are fantastic, warm-hearted brands with an amazing, talented team. I'm a sub-editor and particularly love working on cookery, fiction and advice pages - I feel I should know all the secrets of eternal life, health and happiness by now, but hey, we all need that regular reminder!
