Life can be a mess. Some days, it feels like everything is on fire, and you’re just standing there, coffee in one hand, wondering if you should bother grabbing a fire extinguisher or just roast some marshmallows. In times like that, comfort matters. Whether it’s food, clothes, or just the softest blanket ever, having those go-to items can make all the difference.
For me, comfort isn’t just about convenience—it’s about survival. So, I’m sharing my favorite comfort items in the hopes that they might help you find a little peace in the chaos too.
Comfort Food & Drinks
Favorite Comfort Foods
Ooooh. This first one, y'all. I go through different ones, but the one I'm about to tell y'all about is my current go-to—like, don’t ask me what I want for dinner, because I will say this. It comes from my childhood, and there’s no name for it that I’m aware of. Call it by its ingredients. Haha. It’s potatoes (country-style), hamburger (chopped), & a can of corn. Once it’s all cooked in separate pans, I mix it all together before I eat it. I drizzle mine with fry sauce. Don’t ask. I really don’t know why—I’ve always done this.
I don’t know what it is about this meal, but at the moment, I could eat it all week happily. It usually comes with the “happy food dance” to go with it.
It’s just one of my comfort foods—something from my childhood, a time where I was “safe,” probably.
Honestly, we all know comfort foods, safe foods, and dopamine foods can change. Sometimes, a meal hits perfectly every time, and then one day, it just… doesn’t. A couple of months ago, I’d have been writing about some spaghetti instead. It’s weird how that works, but if you know, you know.
Favorite Drinks
If you know me, you already know—coffee is my lifeline. I'll settle for some Folgers with creamer, but when I get to hit up a coffee shop? Chef’s kiss. It just hits different.
I do love checking out local coffee spots when I can, but mobile ordering is where it’s at. So, Starbucks is my go-to, and some of those baristas have known me since I moved here in 2016. My usual? An Iced Caramel Macchiato.
I had a boss back in 2011 who convinced me to try my espresso drinks with breve (half-and-half), and that was it for me—never looked back. That first sip? Absolute magic.
Why They Help
These two things—food and coffee—are my small, guaranteed pockets of joy. No matter what’s happening, no matter how chaotic life gets, if I’ve got something delicious to eat or a coffee in my hand, I know I’ll get through the day.
Cozy items
Blankets & Throws
Right now, my #1 cozy item is this throw blanket I picked up at Family Dollar of all places. I swear, it's stupidly soft. Like, I-want-to-live-in-this soft.
It goes everywhere with me. Heading on a trip? Grabbing it. Walking into the living room half-asleep? Taking it with me. It’s held up surprisingly well in the wash, unlike other blankets I’ve had that ended up getting put away after a few cycles cause it "ruined" them.
Comfy Clothing
Leggings. That’s it. That’s the list.
Okay, not really, but they are my ride-or-die. I want to be comfortable, not feel like my clothes are out to personally attack me. Leggings pair with anything—sweatshirts, flannels, t-shirts, nicer tops—I don’t care. They just work.
Then there are my Dixxon flannels. They’ve all been gifts, and I cherish them. I've got three and rotate through them constantly. They’re cozy, and I feel me in them. And let’s not forget my favorite cut-out shoulder shirt—I swear, I need it in every color. It's comfy and I'm surprised at the quality since it came from Temu.
Why It Helps
Life is already uncomfortable enough. Why add to the struggle with stiff, restrictive clothes? When I’m wrapped in comfort—whether it’s a blanket or my favorite outfit—I feel like I can handle whatever the world throws at me.
pets & comfort
Cats (or Any Type of Pet)
My cats have been my saving grace. They don’t judge (okay, maybe a little, because cats), but their love is unconditional.
There have been so many times when I’ve been in a dark place, crying, feeling overwhelmed, and out of nowhere—bam—a kitty in my lap, purring, refusing to move until I’m okay. They know. I don’t know how, but they know.
Petting them, playing with them, or just having them curl up next to me makes everything feel a little lighter. It’s a kind of comfort that’s hard to put into words, but if you’ve got pets, you get it.
Why It Helps
Animals don’t care if you’re a hot mess. They don’t care if your life is a disaster. They just love you. When everything else feels too much, grab your pet and take a moment. You deserve it.
conclusion
At the end of the day, comfort isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Life throws a lot at us, and sometimes, the best thing we can do is lean into the things that make us feel safe, warm, and okay.
Maybe your comfort items look different than mine. Maybe they’re books, music, video games, or a particular candle that smells like nostalgia. Whatever they are, hold onto them. Embrace them. And don’t let anyone make you feel weird for needing a little extra comfort in a chaotic world.
Because honestly? If life’s gonna be a mess, you might as well have a damn good cup of coffee and a cozy blanket while you deal with it.
What are your go-to comfort items? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear what brings you peace when life gets overwhelming! Let’s share and maybe even discover some new favorites.
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