When someone talks about “warmth,” what do you think of? Maybe you imagine being curled up in a cozy blanket, sipping hot cocoa in front of a fireplace as snow falls outside.

Or maybe you think of a kind and comforting presence, someone who listens and understands without judgment.

However you define warmth, there’s no denying its power. Not only does warmth make us feel good, but research has shown that it can actually have healing effects on our bodies and minds.

When we embrace warmth in our lives, we can begin to heal our hearts from pain, trauma, and stress.

What is warmth, exactly?

Warmth is a complex emotion that can take many different forms. At its core, warmth involves feelings of comfort, safety, and connection. When we experience warmth, we feel like we belong somewhere, like we’re part of a community or family.

We feel loved and supported, and like we have a sense of purpose or meaning. At the same time, warmth can also involve feelings of vulnerability and openness—we allow ourselves to be seen and known by others, trusting that they’ll accept and care for us.

There are many different ways to cultivate warmth in our lives, depending on our personal preferences and circumstances. Some people find warmth through physical touch, like hugs or cuddles.

Others find it through words of affirmation, like hearing “I love you” or “I’m proud of you.” Still others find warmth through shared experiences, like cooking a meal together or watching a favorite movie.

Why does warmth matter?

For anyone who’s experienced trauma, stress, or challenging life events, warmth can be a lifeline. When we’re struggling, it’s natural to feel isolated or disconnected from others.

We may feel like no one understands or cares about us, or that we’re alone in our struggles.

However, warmth can help shift that perspective. By experiencing kindness and support, we begin to recognize that we’re not alone and that we’re worthy of love and care.

We start to see that other people are willing to help us and to walk alongside us in our healing journey.

Furthermore, warmth has been shown to have actual physiological effects on our bodies.

Research has found that experiencing kindness and warmth can reduce stress hormones like cortisol, lower inflammation levels, and even improve immune system functioning. This means that when we embrace warmth in our lives, we’re not just improving our mental health—we’re also improving our physical health.

How can you cultivate warmth in your life?

If you’re feeling like you could use more warmth in your life, there are many different steps you can take. Here are a few suggestions:.

1. Seek out supportive people.

Whether it’s with family members, friends, or a therapist, make an effort to connect with people who make you feel seen and heard. These might be people who provide words of affirmation, physical touch, or simply a listening ear.

Whatever form it takes, seek out people who offer you comfort and safety.

2. Practice self-compassion.

Just as you seek out warmth from others, it’s important to offer warmth and compassion to yourself as well.

This might involve speaking kindly to yourself, doing things you enjoy, or simply acknowledging your own feelings with gentleness and curiosity. When you treat yourself with warmth, you can cultivate a sense of safety and security within yourself, regardless of what’s happening around you.

3. Create soothing environments.

Even small changes to your physical environment can help to create a sense of warmth and comfort.

Consider things like soft lighting, cozy blankets, or calming scents, all of which can help to soothe your nervous system and promote feelings of safety and relaxation.

4. Engage in activities that bring you joy.

Whether it’s cooking, painting, gardening, or something else entirely, make time for activities that make you feel happy and fulfilled.

When we engage in things we enjoy, we experience a sense of purpose and meaning, which can be deeply comforting and healing.

Final thoughts

Warmth is a powerful and essential part of human connection. When we embrace warmth in our lives, we can begin to heal our hearts from pain and stress, and experience deeper levels of comfort and safety.

Whether it’s through supportive relationships, self-compassion, or soothing environments, there are many ways to bring warmth into your life. By doing so, you can open yourself up to new possibilities and a greater sense of well-being.