Fika, Hygge, Lykke … These popular buzzwords are being talked about all around the world, but what do they actually mean? I’ve been researching these Scandinavian mindsets which are all about improving your life – the way you think, the way you act and the way you feel.
Fika
The Art of Fika according to inhervitality is a Swedish concept and state of mind. Fika is known as a coffee break but it is much more than that! It is to slow down, un plug and be in the moment.
It is to be in touch with your mind and body, to really appreciate everything around you. Fika is dedicating time to understand yourself and your surroundings. The experience of Fika is savouring every bite of food, appreciating the aroma of coffee,
Fika is popular in Swedish offices as it is known to boost creativity, happiness and relieve stress.
In fact in Sweden they often practice Fika 3 times a day!
The Art of Fika can be done in several ways such as taking a break, leaving your desk, pausing and doing something you love such as baking. Additional steps in the Art of Fika include calling a friend, meditating, yoga, taking a bubble bath and cooking.
Fika is all over the world now and has inspired many cafes in countries such as the US, UK, Australia, Canada, China, India and Pakistan.
Hygge
Hygge is self care and roughly translates to comfort and coziness. It is about being nourishing to yourself. Hygge is a Danish mindset about being relaxed and creating beautiful surroundings.
This can be done in several ways to create higgle such as blankets, candles, wearing comfortable clothes, beautiful decorations and relaxing with the people you love.
It is important to remember Hygge isn’t about being materialistic as we see the big companies the market ‘hygge’ products. Hygge starts from within, it is not about how much a product costs.
Did you know, there’s even a word for sweatpants that are Hygge! Hyggebukser is the comfortable pair of pants that you would never wear in public but love to wear at home when relaxing or lounging around the house.
Lykke
The Danes are very well versed in powerful mindsets for self love and self care. Like Hygge, Lykke is Danish and translates to happiness.
Lykke has been turned into a book where it is broken down into 6 pillars of your life: togetherness, money, health, freedom, trust, and kindness. When you improve one of these areas the happiness will flow to other areas of your life too.
Examples of Lykke include choosing experiences over money, eating food with friends and family, acts of kindness and volunteering at your local charity.
In conclusion on these 3 popular and powerful Scandinavian mindsets
These Scandinavian mindsets will help improve your self love, self care and self growth. Try incorporate aspects of these 3 popular Scandinavian philosophies of life and see if they work for you.