You may remember some time ago, I wrote a post about the Danish culture of Hygge, a concept centred around celebrating the little things in life, most often associated with staying cosy during the long, winter months and enjoying time with friends and family, but also getting out into the fresh air in the summertime and having picnics or a simple glass of wine in the garden with a good book.
Well, it seems that the Scandinavians have got it right again with the Swedish culture known as ‘Fika’. According to Wikipedia, Fika is:
” a concept in Swedish culture with the basic meaning “to have coffee”, often accompanied with pastries or sandwiches”.
Sounds pretty spot on to me! However, you may be thinking “So what? Everyone can enjoy a cup of coffee”, but there’s much more to it than that. For the Swedes, this is an opportunity to pause your day, share time with friends or colleagues, much like Hygge, but essentially it’s a moment in which to leave the stresses of work behind you, unlike here in Britain or the US, where coffee is a fuel to be taken in short bursts at your desk or on the commute. I think whether you’re at work, in the middle of studying or in between school runs, everyone could do with practising the art of Fika.
And what’s Fika without the right equipment?! It seems many of the homeware retailers out there are embracing the trend, too; Oliver Bonas has dedicated a small collection of tableware entirely to Fika, and you can find an ever-growing number of Fika inspired cups, mugs and teapots in many stores across the country.
Here’s my pick of everything you need to take a little pause in your everyday life and embrace this longstanding Swedish tradition…
1 Sagaform ‘Blossom’ Teapot // £43.99 // Wayfair
2 Fika hot chocolate mug in grey // £8 // Oliver Bonas
3 Fika mug in pink // £6 // Oliver Bonas
4 Fika: The Art of the Swedish Coffee Break by Anna Brones // £12.08 // Amazon
5 HEMTRAKT Cotton Napkins (set of 4) // £4.25 // Ikea
6 Barista & Co Cocoa Shaker in copper // £14.95 // House of Fraser
7 Spear Tray (small 20x30cm) // £49 // Ferm Living
So what are the benefits of Fika? Well, there is a valid reason why the Swedes are some of the least stressed, yet most productive people in the world. Taking a moment out for Fika a couple of times a day gives us time to reflect and mentally refresh, thus counteracting the effects of stress and making us more productive, it nurtures our creativity, encourages social interaction and friendships and (very importantly!) it’s an excuse to drink coffee from a beautiful cup and enjoy a guilt-free, stress-busting, sticky bun!! And why not?!
Image via Expensive Life
I think we can all take a leaf out of the Swedes’ book and be a little healthier in the long run.
Have a good week, everyone.
K x
If you enjoyed reading this post, you may like:
Time to get Cosy the Danish Way: Embrace ‘Hygge’
Ahhh I think I am a Fika type person!!! Loved this Kiera!
Jxx
Janice Armstrong recently posted…elderflower syrup recipe
Me too! Thanks Janice xx
I’m definitely a fan of this too and think i’s a tradition we should also embrace! Lovely accessory picks for a proper coffee break too! x
Yes Philippa, I think it’s something we all could incorporate most days. Thanks for reading! x
I need to do this more! Too often it’s with diary and phone in hand……not how it’s meant to be!
yep, me too! Just replace the diary with a sticky bun!
The Germans are in on this too with their coffee & cake (kaffee & kuchen) breaks too. I love it. Your picks are fab, especially the cups.
#HomeEtc
Thanks Fionnuala, the Northern Europeans certainly know how to make the most of such a simple, yet much needed, daily activity! x #HomeEtc
Lovely inspiration – the items you have chosen and the clean look makes me feel calm and totally in Fika mode! #HomeEtc
Molly recently posted…How to Achieve the Boho Chic Look in your Living Room
Thank you Molly. I’m glad you’re in the right mood for Fika! x #HomeEtc
Aaah clever old Swedes — not only do they give us beautiful design and lovely homeware, they also give fantastic lifestyle advice! :) I LOVE this concept! Thanks for sharing and thanks so much for linking up too! Caro #HomeEtc
Caro | The Twinkle Diaries recently posted…171 weeks | {Siblings June}
I think I want to be Swedish in my next life! I love their way of life and the way they truly embrace the simple things – we could all take a lesson from them! x #HomeEtc
I love fika! I spent a lot of time in Scandinavia in my early 20’s and I adore the coffee culture in Sweden. It’s so nice to be reminded of those times again.
#HomeEct
Oh wow, I would love to visit sometime, even just for the coffee and cinnamon buns :) #HomeEtc
Friday Fika anyone?? Lovely Kiera – great idea!!!!!
oh yes, a name change may be required!!! xx
Superb! Yet again I am always learning new things through blogging. Love this :) Thanks for sharing. Jess xx #HomeEtc
mummyofboygirltwins recently posted…Our bedtime routine
Thanks Jess, though I think it’s going to be tricky enough finding time for Fika with the school holidays looming here…!