Feeling Overworked? Take a "Fika" Break
A short break does more than just fuel our bodies, it strengthens our minds. Our overworked guest tries the Swedish practice of 'Fika' \u2013 taking short coffee breaks throughout the work day.
\n\nLink to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yuj69daf
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Episode summary:
\n\nIn the United States, we\u2019re taught that it\u2019s a good thing to work more, and work harder. But research shows that overworking isn\u2019t just physically and mentally draining, it can also be deadly. One strategy to manage our work culture? Take more breaks. Our guest this week is Mike Heyliger, a music executive and self-described \u201cworkaholic.\u201d He incorporated the Swedish tradition of fika \u2013 taking coffee and snack breaks throughout the day \u2013 into his own life, and found it not only helped him de-stress, it also shifted his mindset and enabled him to connect with others. Later, we look at the scientific benefits of taking microbreaks and hear from Anna Brones, co-author of Fika: The Art of the Swedish Coffee Break.
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Actively choose to take a break during your day. Typically, fika breaks happen twice. Once in the morning and once in the mid-afternoon.
\nTraditionally, fika breaks include a drink, like coffee, and a snack, but this is not required. Often, fika breaks are taken with others.
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Today\u2019s guests:
\n\nMike Heyliger is a music executive and the creator of Detoxicity, a podcast on progressive masculinity.
\n\nLearn more about Mike\u2019s Initiative, \u2018Mindful Vinyl\u2019: https://mindfulvinyl.org/about/
\n\nListen to Mike\u2019s Podcast, \u2018Detoxicity\u2019: https://tinyurl.com/vc72tjn2
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Anna Brones is a Swedish-American writer and artist. She produces the newsletter and podcast, Creative Fuel. Anna is also the co-author of Fika: The Art of the Swedish Coffee Break.
\n\nLearn more about Anna and her work: https://www.annabrones.com/about
\n\nListen to the Creative Fuel Podcast: https://www.creativefuelcollective.com/podcast
\n\nRead Anna\u2019s book on Fika: https://tinyurl.com/yhdzaj2m
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Resources from The Greater Good Science Center:
\n\nFive Reasons to Take a Break from Screens: https://tinyurl.com/333tuvax
\n\nWhy You Should Take More Time Off from Work: https://tinyurl.com/k5brkp46
\n\nTuesday Tip: Take a Break: https://tinyurl.com/5986ste3
\n\nHow to Avoid Burnout \u2013 or a Breakdown: https://tinyurl.com/bddw7cap
\n\nWhy You Should Take a Relaxing Lunch Break: https://tinyurl.com/2p8axdba
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More Resources on Fika:
\n\nNYT - In Sweden, the Fika Experience: \u200b\u200bhttps://tinyurl.com/54wpw8p5
\n\nInsider - A daily habit from Sweden could make you more productive at work: https://tinyurl.com/4exjydrr
\n\nTED - Forget the Pecking Order at Work: https://tinyurl.com/yk68dmzy
\n\nBBC - The Swedish tradition that can make you happier at work: https://tinyurl.com/yx28x2v8
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Have you tried incorporating fika in your life? Tell us how it went. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
\n\nHelp us share The Science of Happiness! Share this episode with a friend: https://tinyurl.com/4uyr2w35
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