Fika: What is it and how can it help you?

Fika is a tradition that is popular in Scandinavia, but it is something we should all try to implement into our lives more often.

My degree is online, which means I don't get the everyday interaction with fellow students and tutors that those attending a traditional university do. However, that doesn't mean I don't get to interact with others.

Throughout each month, my university hosts workshops, seminars, and talks, covering various topics. These provide an opportunity to meet students on the same degree pathway, but also students studying something completely different.

This week, I attended a workshop as part of our Student Voice Festival. This workshop lasted for about an hour but there was a task for those who attended to do after the call.

And that's what I want to talk about today.

The workshop was called Fika: Reading for Mindfulness and during the talk, we explored how reading can be beneficial for people.

But we also touched on Fika; what it is and why we should all be doing it.

What is Fika?

Essentially, Fika is a Swedish tradition where people take time out of their working day to enjoy a hot drink and baked goods. Sounds divine, right?

On a deeper level, Fika allows you to have a break from your working routine and socialise with others.

There are no rules when it comes to having a Fika. Just that you have a cup of kaffi (Swedish for coffee), a sweet treat and spend time with colleagues, family or friends to have time away from work to refresh and reframe your mind.

Think of it like a Spanish siesta, but instead of sleeping, you have a coffee break. And instead of being in the afternoon, it can be whatever time of day you please.

You can also spend time in a quiet place with a good book if you'd prefer to have time to yourself to think.

Importance of a Fika

Now you may be thinking, Abby, why are you telling us about this Swedish tradition?

Well, the answer is simply because it has lots of benefits. Completing a Fika as part of your working day can help you in a professional and personal sense.

If you're like me, you'll probably struggle with the concept of taking breaks during your work day but in my uni workshop, whilst learning about Fika, I finally began to realise that having a break, a Fika, or reading, is never a waste of time.

And this is because it can only help you in the long run.

A Fika allows you to sit down, have a rest, and fill up on sustenance. A coffee (or drink of your choosing) paired with some baked goods doesn't exactly sound bad now, does it?

During your Fika, you have time to reflect on your day and your work; you can ask yourself how things are going, is there anything you can do better, or do you need to take breaks more often to avoid burnout.

It can improve your focus and flow (a new term I learnt in the workshop). This basically means that by taking a break, you can reshape your mind so that when you return to work, you'll have a new perspective and be able to tackle tasks in a more focused manner that keeps the flow going, ultimately working smarter, not harder.

But it also allows you to take care of yourself. Mental health is just as important as physical health and a Fika gives you the opportunity to give your mind a rest sometimes and have a moment to relax and embrace the day.

It may seem strange to interrupt your working day, but it does carry benefits. So, the next time you're in the office, or working from home, grab a colleague and have a coffee break or pick up a good book and settle in for a few chapters.

Hopefully, by the end of your Fika, you'll feel refreshed and at the end of your day, you can be proud that you worked hard but also took time to take care of yourself.

Do you fancy having a Fika? If you do, let me know how it goes.

Until next time...