“Cafezinho” Break

I left Brazil before I was old enough to consume coffee. It is no wonder that in my return to Rio last year, as a coffee-requiring adult, I became enamored with the “cafezinho” break. If it invites me to slow down, sit, and mindfully enjoy something I love, I’m in.

☕️ Despite all the coffee consumed, I have never seen someone in Rio carrying a to-go coffee cup. This may be because we are partial to espressos (you wouldn’t carry it very far), but I prefer to think that some things are still sacred, and Cariocas drew a line in the sand at compromising this ritual.

☕️ In case you needed another reason to enjoy your coffee, know that Johns Hopkins Med listed 9 reasons it was good for you including lowering risk for Type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and heart failure. Other studies say coffee is a mood booster, and all I can say is it definitely makes me happy. As with all things, enjoy with moderation, and I’ll share that my personal rule is to cut caffeine after 2pm.

☕️ I miss the social “cafezinho” hour in Rio, but I host my own daily self-care coffee break at home every day. It’s a work pause, a moment away from screens, and a chance to just sit mindfully for a bit. This also coincides with the moment I enjoy my daily therapeutic piece of chocolate (or two). My favorites right now are Pao de Mel and Doce de Leite made by Brazilian chocolatier @missionchocolate, available here in the US in our shop as well as the adorable cloud espresso set and yellow placemat ✨