What I read: Feeling Burned Out by Friday? Why “Fredagsmys” Is the Cozy Swedish Ritual Everyone’s Embracing
“Rather than filling Friday night with errands or social plans, fredagsmys makes rest the focus. “Fredagsmys, literally ‘cozy Friday,’ is a Swedish tradition of staying in after work on Friday to spend time with friends and family, playing board games, watching TV, and having snacks,” says Eugene Grudnikoff, MD, staff psychiatrist at Radial. “Swedish tacos, blankets, and lit candles create a relaxed atmosphere to end the workweek and mindfully shift into the weekend.”
This weekly ritual in Sweden is especially common during the winter, when people are more inclined to intentionally slow down and stay indoors at the end of the workweek. “You let the lights down, wear comfortable clothes, eat some easy and comforting food, like snacks or take-out,” says Eleni Nicolaou, PhD, art therapist and creative wellness coach at Davincified. According to her, the ritual works because it creates a clear transition from work mode to resting mode that reinforces a sense of predictability and psychological safety.”
My two cents: While I am a big believer (for me, I know it’s not best for everyone) in working when I’m working and taking weekends off, and I like the idea of rituals to mark transitions, this sounds too cozy for me. What am I doing this Friday? Going into the big city for dinner with friends and a concert. Saturday I’ll ride my bike and go to a play. Sunday might be anti-gravity restorative yoga. There will definitely be dog walks. Barring an emergency on campus, there’ll be no work work, though there will be some cleaning and housework. Maybe what this tells me is that I don’t need help shifting into weekend mode. Weekend mode comes pretty naturally. I think if I could pick one summer Friday ritual it might be an after work bike ride and a backyard BBQ with friends after. How about you? What do you think of the cozy Friday idea?
I’m with you. I don’t feel like I need the ritual transition. And something about it is a bit too enforced-cozy. And and, if I want a cozy Friday, then I will do that. I wonder if there’s a difference for people who work at home alone all week, with zoom company, as I do.