pensive grandmother with granddaughter having interesting conversation while cooking together in light modern kitchen

Fika: the Swedish Tradition of Togetherness and Relaxation

In the heart of Scandinavia, nestled among the fjords and forests, lies a cultural tradition that embodies warmth, camaraderie, and relaxation: fika. Originating from Sweden, fika is more than just a coffee break; it’s a cherished ritual that celebrates the simple joys of life and fosters meaningful connections with others. Fika, much like its Danish and Norwegian counterpart hygge, is deeply rooted in the concept … Continue reading Fika: the Swedish Tradition of Togetherness and Relaxation

photo of woman sitting on couch while hugging her child

Exploring Scandinavian Serenity: Hygge, and Fika

Welcome to the first post of the short series exploring the captivating concepts of serenity and well-being from Scandinavian countries. In this series of two, we delve into two distinct yet equally intriguing concepts: hygge from Denmark and Norway, and fika from Sweden. Each concept embodies the essence of mindfulness, relaxation, and connection in its unique way. Last week I delved into the Dutch concept … Continue reading Exploring Scandinavian Serenity: Hygge, and Fika

Physical warmth and interpersonal outcomes

   I came across an interesting experiment about how physical experiences affect our interactions with others. In 2008 Lawrence E. Williams and John A. Bargh found out in their study Experiencing Physical Warmth Promotes Interpersonal Warmth that something as simple as the temperature of a coffee can have an influence on us judging the others. This is how their experiment worked: forty-one students have been … Continue reading Physical warmth and interpersonal outcomes