It's easy for all of us to get caught up in a hurry with busy lives. We are all guilty. Maybe it's grabbing a coffee at the coffee shop in the morning on the way to work or a colleague getting up from their desk to walk over to the break room to quickly refill their coffee mug before returning to work without taking a moment to relax. We forget to take a moment to relax. How do we take a break to relax in our busy lives? That's when "fika" comes in.
What is fika?
According to Dictionary.com, Fika (fee-ka) is a wonderfully simple Swedish custom. It's a break from activity during which people drink coffee, eat cakes or other light snacks, and relax with others.
The word fika came from kaffi, which means coffee in Swedish. Over time, fika became a slang term. Swedes first began the ritual of fika during the 19th century. To Swedes, it's more than just a coffee break. Fika is about slowing down and savoring the moment with a cup of coffee or tea, a plate of sweet or savory treats, and basking in the joy of relaxing with family or friends.
How do we do fika?
We can all enjoy "fika" no matter where we are. Whether at home with our family, at our favorite local coffee shop with friends, or taking a 15-minute coffee break with colleagues in the office kitchen (also known as the break room). Fika is a practice that transcends borders and can be enjoyed anywhere - on our comfy couch in front of the fireplace, sitting in our favorite rocking chairs on the porch looking at the ocean, mountain, or front yard/backyard, having a picnic in the park, or hanging out with our favorite people by the fire pit, accompanied by a cup of coffee (or tea!) and sweet treats.
Before I was familiar with the term 'fika,' I didn't know I was already practicing it. I would relax at my favorite local coffee shop, sipping on a warm cup of coffee (or tea), indulging in a cinnamon bun (or brownie) for a snack, and engaging in lively conversations with baristas, regulars, and friends. It was my own little fika, and now, I invite you to join me in this delightful practice!
About the Blogger
Kelly Mercer enjoys writing about the beach, hygge, and home decor. She lives with her family in Wilmington, North Carolina.
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