Hygge in the Hundred Acre Wood: 5 Cozy Living Tips Inspired by Pooh

Photo by Anastasiia Romanska on Unsplash

On this first day of November, nestled in the corner of a quiet coffee shop, I find myself daydreaming of Pooh Corner.

Why, might you ask, this place of all places?

Maybe it’s that time of year again…something about autumn always stirs within me thoughts of childhood. As the air outside turns crisp and the leaves crimson, nostalgia wraps itself around me like an old, familiar blanket. A sentimental yearning tugs at my soul, and I’m overcome with the fleeting nature of it all.

What better season than fall to teach us about the human condition?

And who more eloquent than the trees, whose fiery shed speaks to our own fragility?

Walking along the cobblestone streets of Brooklyn, under a canopy of color, I can’t help but feel humbled. Life is so delicate, and nothing lasts. I’d like to believe, it’s that very impermanence that lends a peculiar magic to these golden days.

While the autumn months fill me with bittersweet emotion, they forever remain my favorite—not only for their breathtaking foliage, but for the cozy rituals they inspire. In the brisk span between September and December, we become like bears withdrawing from the cold. Instinctively, we retreat indoors, in search of warmth, connection, and comfort. This feeling aligns perfectly with “hygge,” the popular Danish practice of finding coziness in the simple and mundane. It’s an idea I came across when I studied abroad in Copenhagen, and, over the years, it’s woven itself into my cold-weather vocabulary.  

And few embody hygge quite like Winnie-the-Pooh. Without trying, A. A. Milne’s beloved bear brings warmth to all he says and does. This is apparent in how he keeps his home, and the way he treats his friends. His affection for the little things and ability to perceive beauty in the everyday make him a master practitioner of the Scandinavian concept.

Illustration by E. H. Shepard

Curious how to cultivate hygge in your own life? Here are five tips, approved by Pooh—just for you!

1. Tend to and Nourish Your Friendships

Imagine stepping into the Hundred Acre Wood, where every nook teems with the sweet scent of honey and a soft, dappled light filters through the trees. It’s a place where friendship reigns supreme, and every moment shared with friends is an invitation to partake in the simple joys of life. Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore regularly embark on whimsical adventures, turning the ordinary into the magical and extraordinary.

In this cozy corner of the world, every picnic is a celebration. With a pot of honey at the center and a few scattered sandwiches, they create a feast that’s less about food and more about laughter. It’s in these moments—surrounded by the warmth of good company—that the true essence of hygge emerges. The presence of friendship and love transforms hygge into something more meaningful than any English word could capture.

2. Find Joy in the Little Things

Pooh guides us to appreciate life’s little pleasures. Whether he’s savoring a sticky pawful of honey or lounging in his favorite thinking spot, he reminds us that joy doesn’t have to be grand. In fact, it often resides in the small and unremarkable.

Consider the gentle rhythm of an afternoon spent with friends, doing nothing in particular and discussing everything under the sun. The laughter, unhurried conversation, and feeling of being fully present all culminate in that indescribable bliss we refer to as hygge. Pooh and his friends help us recognize that it’s not the activity itself, but the company we keep, that sustains our happiness.

3. Create Your Own Cozy Corner

We could all stand to benefit from a bit more hygge in our lives. But knowing where to begin might feel overwhelming--and this defeats the purpose entirely!

A good place to start is with a corner! A designated cozy corner in which you can take refuge from the stresses and demands thrown your way. The where matters little--it could be your bedroom, but it could also be just about anywhere in your house. What does matter is that you can count on it when you need it. If you live with others, you might choose a location that is removed from the chaos and noise. Once you've designated a corner, stock it chock full of the tangibles that make you smile: a pile of books, a container of herbal teas, and, perhaps, a small bouquet of fresh flowers. To introduce an added layer of cozy, decorate your spot with all manner of fairy lights, candles, and lamps. The more light, the better!

Don't underestimate the power of details such as these! They can convert even the most lackluster of spaces into the coziest of sanctuaries.

4. Engage in Mindfulness

In the midst of their playful adventures, Pooh and his friends show us what it means to be mindful. They model for us the art of slowing down, as they breathe in the fresh air and soak in their surroundings. Just as Pooh pauses to reflect on the beauty of a honeypot, we too can take a moment to appreciate the sweetness in our lives. Immersed in the here-and-now, we're given an opportunity to unlock the richness of life.

By practicing mindfulness, we can foster a sense of gratitude for the little things that bring us happiness. This therapeutic discipline can come in many shapes and forms: taking the time to feel the sun’s kiss on your skin and enjoy a heaping cup of cocoa—topped with marshmallows, for example.

5. Make Use of (And Befriend) Your Kitchen

If you're inclined to order out and your pots and pans have accumulated dust from lack of use, why not spice things up--both literally and figuratively? From baking cookies and making warm apple cider to preparing a meal with friends, the act of crafting from scratch can enrich any get-together. Invite friends to join you in the kitchen and relish the aroma of your creations filling up the room. Your bellies and hearts will be full and satisfied.

As we journey through life, let us carry the spirit of hygge in our hearts, inspired by Winnie-the-Pooh and his motley crew of companions. In a world that often demands more than we have to give, may we unearth peace and contentment in the warmth of friendship, the beauty of simplicity, and the joy of being present in each moment.

So, the next time you feel burdened by the weight of the world and an endless list of “to-dos," take a cue from sweet, ol' Pooh...  

Below is a curated list of cozy comforts to warm your soul:

Note: these are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. Hover your mouse over the images and click on them--you'll be redirected to Amazon!

Scented Candles

Comfy Throw Blankets

Charming Accents

I'd love to hear how you embrace hygge in your life—please share in the comments!