Learn how to incorporate Swedish coffee breaks into your daily routine to help you relax more and to improve your performance at work. Discover why the Swedish Fika is such an important daily routine to have!
I used to have a friend in university who I would only meet at coffee shops.
We had no classes together, no shared sports teams or social events to meet at, and no joint projects to work on.
But one day a week, we would arrange to meet at a local coffee shop and chat about our lives over a coffee and a cinnamon roll.
Looking back at those years, the memory of our coffee talks consistently brings me feelings of warmth and joy.
In fact, so many of my favourite memories involve simple conversations and a warm drink.
Now imagine my jealousy when I discovered that, in Sweden, they create this experience at least twice a day!
What is Fika?
This tradition of sitting with a friend over coffee and a sweet treat is famously called Fika, and it is a Swedish tradition that is carefully guarded and honoured.
Many Swedish businesses will schedule Fika at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm each day.
Now, the thing that makes these Swedish coffee breaks unique is that they are not about just guzzling down some caffeine to give you energy for the day. It is about slowing down with a friend and intentionally enjoying a delicious drink and a sweet treat.
It is a practice in mindfulness, not just a simple coffee break.
What is the purpose of Fika?
Fika is not simply intended as a break from work. This physical break is meant to help with mental health, as well.
The main purpose of Swedish coffee breaks is to promote well-being and productivity.
It gives people a break so that they can work more effectively afterward and also gives people a moment in their day to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
The remarkable magic of Fika makes me wish that people all around the world enforced it. But alas, as this is not the reality of the situation, I wanted to share with you some ideas about how you can slow down the Swedish way, by enjoying a traditional Swedish Fika wherever you happen to live!
How to have your own Swedish coffee breaks
There are three things you need in order to enjoy Swedish coffee breaks: a cozy atmosphere, a coffee and a sweet, and some pleasant company.
Step 1: Get Cozy
You will not be able to fully enjoy the traditional Swedish Fika if you cannot create an atmosphere in which you are comfortable.
Try your best to make sure that all of your senses are satisfied by your surroundings.
Your sense of smell and taste will certainly be satisfied with the food and drink, so you really only need to focus on sight, sound, and feeling.
Cozy sights
- Soft or dim lights
- Candles
- A window with a pretty view
- A nicely decorated room
- Aesthetically-pleasing table settings and dishware
Cozy sounds
- Soft, pleasant music
- The murmur of other people chatting
- The sound of rain on a window
- Cafe soundscapes
Cozy feelings
- A warm sweater
- A knit hat
- Comfortable chairs or sofas
- A comfortably heated room
- A mug that is satisfying to hold
- Thick blankets
By creating an atmosphere that is pleasing for every one of the senses, you will be guaranteed to feel cozy and ready for delicious treats!
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Step 2: Get a Warm Drink and a Sweet Treat
Once you’ve got the right atmosphere for Fika, you need to get the right food and drink to go with it!
Food Suggestions for Swedish Coffee Breaks
To prepare for a traditional Swedish Fika, it is common for people to prepare one baked good that they can take with them to work each day for the whole week.
If you want to save money, this is a great way to approach it! Alternatively, you could get your sweets from a local cafe or grocery store.
If you want to make your own treats, here are some Swedish favourites:
Drink Suggestions for Swedish Coffee Breaks
Coffee is the most common choice for a traditional Swedish Fika, but it is not necessary.
For those who don’t like coffee, there are still lots of options!
If you want to save money, you can prepare your own beverage from home and take it with you to work, or you can buy it while you’re out. Neither option detracts from the experience.
Here are some drink options that you can pair with your Swedish coffee break:
- Soda
- Hot Chocolate
- Tea (my favourite is a London Fog)
- Coffee
- Juice
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Step 3: Find Pleasant Company
The last thing you need in order to slow down the Swedish way is a friend or family member that makes you feel comfortable and inspired.
The traditional Swedish Fika is intended to be a social event that gives you a chance to deepen friendships and enjoy the simpler things in life.
You should not have your phone with you or have any television playing at that time. Instead, all your attention should go to the delicious food and drinks and the wonderful company that you have with you.
Take an interest in how they are doing and share your thoughts and ideas in a respectful manner.
You can’t enjoy these Swedish coffee breaks if you refuse to engage in the experience in front of you.
Try your best to live in the moment, and leave the work behind you for the time being.
There will be plenty of time to return to it afterwards, but this moment is for you to enjoy at a slow pace, free from the outside world!
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Remember, life is not just about how much you get done in a day. It’s important to enjoy the simple pleasures that each day has for us. Swedish coffee breaks are a great daily routine to help you enjoy something small and mindful.
Related Post: How to Enjoy Life’s Simple Pleasures
What kinds of daily routines do you do to enjoy the simple pleasures of life?
I love this idea! It’s so simple yet perfect at the same time! Coffee breaks and sweet treats are my favorite. 🙂
Mine, too! I always look forward to a cozy afternoon coffee break 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
I had no idea that on my best mornings, I have been practicing FIKA. Great details of ways to enjoy my coffee breaks even more. It’s the best way to enjoy my day and get started with a little soft music, no lights but the low morning light filtering in, and a cup of coffee (sometimes a sweet treat) before everyone wakes up.
Portia, that’s great! You have absolutely been practicing Fika! It really does make such a difference in your day when you start it with something so pleasant and relaxing. Thanks for sharing how you already use Fika in your life 🙂
I’M FEELING THE FIKA JUST READING YOUR POST! WHAT A SIMPLE YET BRILLIANT WAY TO ENJOY THE DAY. MINE WOULD BE A TEA BREAK BUT IT’S PERFECT JUST THE SAME.
Tea is 100% acceptable for Fika, as well! I love coffee and tea in equal measure, so I often switch it up for Fika 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
What a fun and cozy idea to break up the work day! Love the idea of bringing my own baked good too!
I’m glad you liked it! I fell in love with the idea when I first heard about it 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
We have a local coffee shop called Fika, I had no idea wat the name meant! Thank you for educating me, not that it was intentional! =)
That is so cool! I love it when I happen upon information that makes other things in my life make more sense haha. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Oh, I love this! Everyday would be awesome, but I think striving for at least once a week is doable. Mindful eating/drinking and mindful connections — what could be better?
Yes, I’m a little jealous that some jobs have Fika as a daily requirement for its employees, but it’s nice that we still have the choice to make our own cozy Fika wherever we are in the world! Thanks for commenting! 🙂
This is absolutely something I want to add to my daily routine. I think fika goes hand-in-hand with the hygge lifestyle, which is what I’ve been trying to master for a bit of time now. I love the concept of this so much. I already utilize those café ambiance videos all the time and love them!
I’ve been on a hygge journey myself! There is something so nice about its simplicity and easy comfort. Best of luck adding this to your routine, and thanks for commenting! 🙂
I loved this so much! I’ve always been fascinated with Swedish culture and I’ve never heard of this before. I love the concept. I always drink my coffee when I’m working and busy, and this really made me think about how I should take the time to drink a coffee and relax during the day.
That’s exactly how I used to drink my coffee, too! I always viewed it as a productivity drink, but I like this Swedish approach better. It’s much more relaxing. Thanks for the comment! 🙂