Over fika
The perfect way to share a story.
Fika is the Swedish practice of taking a break over coffee and pastries to relax, socialise and bond over shared experience.
But it's more than a coffee break. It’s a cultural institution deeply so deeply ingrained in Swedish society that even workplaces have fika breaks that are protected by law, albeit, no longer always without a small cost.
Fika reflects the Swedish ideal of slowing down to appreciate life's smaller joys and is believed to improve productivity and enhance wellbeing.
video by Bjorn Nilssen via BBC
Two or more times a day, at home, work or casually with friends, traditional fika involves coffee and a snack bound in a loose etiquette. But the key is always good company and conversation.
An opportunity for people to connect, share ideas and build relationships, fika is a way of promoting work-life balance and overall personal wellbeing. There is even social science to back it up.
Social connection
Taking breaks together, during fika, provides an opportunity for social interaction. Research consistently shows that social connections are vital for mental and emotional well-being. Sharing a break with colleagues, friends, or family members fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens social bonds.
Relaxation
Fika is a time to relax and unwind, which can reduce stress and promote a positive mood. When people are more relaxed, they tend to be more open and receptive to social interactions, leading to deeper connections and conversations.
Shared experience
Sharing food and drink is a universal way for people to bond. When individuals come together to enjoy coffee they are participating in a shared experience. This shared experience creates a sense of unity and camaraderie between parties.
Brain chemistry
Consuming food and beverages together can trigger the release of oxytocin, often known as the ‘bonding hormone’. Oxytocin is associated with social bonding, trust, and empathy. So, enjoying fika together may actually facilitate the release of oxytocin, strengthening social connections.
Productivity and creativity
Taking regular breaks improves productivity and creativity. When people step away from their work they return with renewed focus. This can lead to more effective collaboration and problem-solving within a community or workplace.
Fika is more than a simple coffee break, it is plays an important role in fostering connection.
To finish, while I’m not Swedish, but of Dutch descent, fika seemed like the perfect pitch to founders in return for capturing their story. The closest term I could find in Dutch is gezelligheid - ‘a little like the Danish hygge but without the fairy magic’ according to Michele Hutchison
Meaning ‘good quality time’, gezelligheid has neither the ring to it nor quite the same connotation. Can you imagine? Me to someone I’ve yet to properly meet: ‘would you like to meet me for a good time over coffee’. Not quite the scene I am trying to set!
So enjoy connecting over coffee and a cinnamon bun and I hope you’ll subscribe to the forthcoming founder stories captured over coffee. Next time, I’ll be delving into the history of storytelling and the science behind how good stories deepen connection.
