Get Cozy with Accessibility and Independence This Winter

With colder temperatures, variable weather conditions for travel, and shorter hours of daylight each day, winter often brings with it the season of spending more time staying inside and cozying up at home. And rest and relaxation are key elements to maintaining balance during the busy holidays – and throughout the year. These products and hacks can help you snuggle in, cozy up, and enjoy your favorite leisure-time activities with accessibility and independence.

Increase independence with your favorite devices

In today’s technological world, there are many ways to watch a television series or movie – and a variety of ways to make navigating your options more accessible. Using voice activation systems like Alexa or the voice activation options on your television remote can make watching something on the big screen easier. Depending on your provider and the type of television that you have, universal accessible remotes like Comcast’s Xfinity Web Remote, are taking television accessibility to the next level. If you are not comfortable sitting for long periods of time and are most at ease lying on your back, horizontal prism glasses for lying down while watching (or reading) allow you to turn your vision to a downward 90 degree angle for ease of watching without having to sit up or move your head.

A clip-on, adjustable gooseneck stand for your tablet, phone, or kindle allows for easy viewing.

For those of you who prefer to enjoy screen-time on a smaller device, like a tablet, phone, or laptop, there are a multitude of clever ways to set up your device and relax and unwind with easy access.  Phone and tablet stands can be found in all shapes and designs to fit your specific set up and needs. There are table top stands (including foldable and easily portable ones), clip on gooseneck stands, height adjustable gooseneck floor stands, mounted adjustable stands that can be secured to the wall behind your bed or couch or secured to a table, and fabric pillow stands that can rest on your lap for watching or reading.

Fingertip Bluetooth remotes make scrolling social media, watching or creating short videos, and turning the page on kindle reader devices a breeze. Remotes like this are compatible with most iPhones, iPads, iOS, Androids, and Kindles. There are also page turning remotes specific to Kindle that make comfy, cozy reading easy and accessible. Setting your device on a stand at your preferred distance and angle for viewing or reading and utilizing one of these remotes will limit the amount of movement required to kick back and relax while you scroll or read on your screen.

Make reading your favorite book more accessible

A remote control page-turner increases accessibility for reading on your kindle.

While Kindles are fantastic devices for reading the latest books or your favorite classics, there is also something to be said about reading a good, old-fashioned paper book. Tabletop book nooks (in wood or acrylic), lap pillow book holders, lap trays designed for books, and adjustable book stands with clamps make it easier to read physical books hands-free. If you prefer holding your book in your hands but experience fatigue keeping the book open, simple wooden or rubber placeholders can remove some of the strain. Clip on rechargeable book lights and innovative bendable neck reading lights can ensure ample lighting for your reading pleasure.

Get cozier

Whether your favorite thing to do is watch a movie, scroll social media, or a read a book, getting comfortable and setting a cozy mood can level up the enjoyment. Super soft and warm wearable blankets with sleeves and open backs are ideal for snuggling up without the need to continuously readjust a blanket or worry about it slipping off if you shift your position. For individuals with limited mobility or arm strength, readjusting a heavy blanket can be a challenge, wearable blankets alleviate that issue. There are a wide variety of styles, fabrics, and price points online – and most are designed with convenient, oversized pockets to store your remote, phone, and other devices, while the sleeves leave your hands free.

Enjoy your favorite scented candle with a flame-free candle warmer.

Filling your room with the calming scent of your favorite candle can stimulate the limbic system in your brain and make you feel more relaxed. If dexterity issues make it difficult to use a traditional lighter to ignite a candle, electric rechargeable lighters require less effort to use and can be lit by simply pressing a button. They have long adjustable necks to make it easier to reach and can be charged by plugging into any device. Many, like this one, have additional safety features of automatically shutting off after a number of seconds. There are also a wide variety of candle warmers that remove the necessity of a live flame altogether while still allowing you to enjoy your scented candle with ease and safety at the push of the button. Simple hot-plate design candle warmers can be used to melt the wax for any glass jar candle and release the scent without lighting the wick. (And bonus, these can also be used to heat your cup of coffee!) There is also a wide variety of décor-inspired, aesthetically pleasing candle warmers designed to look like lamps. We especially love this vintage inspired electric candle lamp, but with so many designs to choose from, you can be sure to find one that perfectly fits your home.

So, snuggle in, cozy up, and use these hacks and products to enjoy your favorite ways to relax at home this winter.

MDA does not endorse specific products or receive compensation for items shared in this article.