How Do We Do Fika, And What Is Fika?
Updated: Jun 8
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 Swedish custom where it is considered 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 enjoying the moment with a cup of coffee or tea, a plate of sweet or savory treats, and relaxing with family or friends.
How do we do fika?
We can fika at home with our family, at our favorite local coffee shop with our friends, or take a 15-minute coffee break with our colleagues in the office kitchen (also known as the break room). We can fika 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 peeps by the fire pit.
Before I was familiar with the term 'fika,' I didn't know I was practicing fika by relaxing at my favorite local coffee shop, drinking coffee (or tea) and eating a cinnamon bun (or brownie) for a snack, and chatting with baristas, regulars, and friends. In the meantime, let's do fika!
About the Blogger
Kelly Mercer enjoys writing topics related to the beach, hygge, and home decor. She currently resides in Wilmington, North Carolina, with her family.