Fika (noun & verb): The Swedish word for coffee break; it’s an important word to know when you visit the country. The Swedes take their coffee very seriously. You’ll walk down a street with a row of coffee shops and turn the corner only to find a dozen more greeting you with the smell of deliciously steamed cappuccinos. The outdoor areas are crowded with groups of friends and co-works who are taking their daily fika. For the Swedish culture, drinking coffee is more than a quick trip to Starbucks before work. Normally taken as a midmorning, mid-afternoon, or evening break, fika allows people to pause and step away from their busy schedules. Fika acts as a communion for sharing time with friend and family in a café while sipping coffee.
Before I traveled to Sweden, I researched the country’s history and culture to find ideas of what to see/do/eat/etc. Every article I read explained the importance of fika to the Swedish culture. As a coffee enthusiast, I had no problem trying this cultural tradition. After an early morning of exploring the cobbled street of Gamla Stan (Old Town), my family and I stopped at a café. After ordering a cappuccino and a kanelbullar—basically a cinnamon bun but 10 times better—we sat on the outside patio and watched people pass by. Dog walkers, tourists, children with their moms and business men/women walked in every direction as I watched them in a brief moment on their busy daily lives. I had nothing to do but sit in Stockholm and drink coffee. It was oddly calming to watch people move about with their lives, I think because it reminded me that I had a moment to relax and not rush around somewhere. It was nice to know I could take a step back and take in the culture of a different country.
I understand why the Swedish population takes time out of their day to sit in a café and drink coffee. Not only is the caffeine necessary, but people around keep everything into perspective. Most people live their lives never stopping until they’re exhausted, usually as they lay down to sleep. Fika proves to be the rejuvenation of energy to use for the rest of the day and a great way to catch up with people in your life.
As nice as it is to catch up with someone over coffee, sharing stories and experiences with one another, it’s nothing like a Swedish coffee break. Fika gives people the chance to incorporate the positive people in your life into an everyday event and communicate with them regularly. That’s the type of healthy lifestyle I could definitely use! If everyone took a moment to stop, look around and drink some coffee, we’d be better off. You don’t have to be in Sweden to enjoy this tradition. The next time you know you’re going to have a busy day set aside some time for fika. Make the spontaneous decision to find a café and a really good cup of coffee. Take the time to yourself or spend it with friends. If coffee isn’t your thing substitute it for a smoothie; it’s not really about the drink, but about the experience taking time to enjoy the moment.
