Lagom, which loosely translates as ‘not too much and not too little’ or ‘just right,’ is a Swedish concept of moderation. It’s a concept that teaches us how to create a balance in every area of life, live with less and in harmony with the world, and focus on moments of joy.
The concept of Lagom can be applied to different areas of life, such as work, family and relationships, celebrations, leisure, holidays, and interior design. And regardless of what area of life you incorporate this concept into, the point is to learn how to live your life based on sustainability and moderation, as this is the key to a happy and balanced life. Living the Lagom lifestyle in the fast-paced society we live in is something that takes practice. It takes practice to learn to live with less and sustainably, focus on the collective well-being, accept life’s imperfections, and find joy in the simple things in life.
So, in what follows, we’ve presented 7 ways you can practice Lagom.
How Do You Live The Lagom Lifestyle?
1. Simplify Your Possessions
In its essence, Lagom favors minimalism over excess. However, the point is not to overly focus on how little you can live with but on having enough. For instance, at home, Lagom encourages you to declutter your home regularly by throwing away or donating things you no longer need, use, or want so that you can create more breathing space. It also encourages you to upcycle and recycle things in your home rather than constantly buying new stuff.
Lagom also encourages you to create a minimalist wardrobe. The point of this method is to simplify your closet by getting rid of unnecessary clothes, i.e., clothes that no longer fit or you no longer want, and only buying comfortable clothes that you know you’ll often wear and make you feel your best.
2. Slow Down
The concept of Lagom emphasizes the importance of living life in the slow lane. Not always rushing around, appreciating nature and our sensory experiences, taking time to enjoy whatever we’re doing, and living in the present moment.
So, even when you have a busy day at work, or you are feeling down in the dumps, remember to slow down, breathe, do things at a leisurely pace, grasp the positive side of every situation, and enjoy the simple things in life. By doing this, you’ll be able to create a more balanced and happier life for yourself.
3. Take Breaks At Work
While in most countries, people have trouble taking a coffee or lunch break at work, in Sweden, these types of breaks are mandatory. (1)
Lagom is about finding a balance in every area of everyday life, including work, and Swedes are most likely the best when it comes to this. Swedes regularly take a 20-minute break in the morning known as fika. This break involves drinking coffee and eating something sweet. This practice enables Swedes to find a balance between all the tasks they have to fulfill at work and their personal space. It enables them to take time for themselves, reset, talk with their co-workers, and forget about all the demands that a typical office day involves. (2)
Science has shown that taking morning breaks regularly at work makes you feel more energized and more motivated. It also helps you be more able to focus on your tasks at work and decreases your likelihood of feeling symptoms such as back pain and headaches. So, if you didn’t know how taking regular morning breaks at work can benefit you, now you know it.
Additionally, Swedes have another one-hour break in the afternoon, during which they go out for lunch.
Moreover, Swedes are highly productive, but they tend to avoid working overtime. They start work at 9 a.m. and finish work at 5 p.m., and they stick to this work schedule.
4. Learn The Art Of Listening
Swedes are highly adept at having a proper conversation because they’re great listeners. If you talk with a Swede, you can’t help but notice that they seldom talk over or interrupt you while talking to them. They also speak in an even and calm tone and make pauses as this gives them time to think of something meaningful they can share with you. (3)
So, the next time you are talking with someone, don’t try to speed the conversation. Instead, let the discourse flow at a slow pace. Don’t talk over or interrupt the other person. Instead, allow them to finish their sentence and show interest in what they have to say. Then, reflect prior to giving them a response. In this way, you’ll make the other person feel heard and understood, and you’ll be able to have a meaningful conversation.
5. Focus On The Success Of The Community
Unfortunately, it seems like we’ve forgotten how we should behave to contribute to the life of those around us. And when it comes to contributing to the collective well-being, Sweden should serve as a role model.
When you let everyone get their fair share, you make others feel respected and appreciated. You make them feel part of something bigger. You give their lives a sense of purpose.
6. Perform Random Acts Of Kindness
To make someone happy, you don’t need to buy them a ludicrously expensive gift or do something extraordinary for them. Performing ordinary, small acts of kindness can put a smile on a person’s face even when they’re feeling down in the dumps. (4)
For instance, making your co-worker a cup of coffee when they’re up to their neck in work can instantly improve their mood and make them forget about all the deadlines, emails, and tasks they need to deal with, even just for a moment. Similarly, telling a friend how smart and capable they are on their first day at work can boost their self-confidence. Indeed, oftentimes, performing a simple and unexpected act of kindness for someone can make their day and make them feel the most respected and most cherished person.
In what follows, we’ve presented a few ordinary acts of kindness that you can do every day.
- Give a co-worker an unexpected compliment.
- Give someone your seat on a crowded bus.
- Write a handwritten letter or an email to a relative or friend you haven’t seen for years.
- Buy a homeless person a warm meal.
- Donate clothes and food to a charity.
- Collect a piece of garbage on the street and throw it out.
- Carry an extra umbrella and give it to a friend or a random stranger stuck in the rain.
7. Dare To Go Alone
Spending time alone in nature can be a truly rewarding and empowering experience. There’s simply something liberating and relaxing about watching the leaves rustle in the wind or listening to the beautiful sounds of a lark.
So, whether you are a nature-lover or not, try going on a day hike or camping on your own deep into the mountains or anywhere in nature. This will help you recharge your batteries, reset, and reconnect with yourself.
Riley Cooper is a professional writer who writes informative and creative articles on topics related to various fields of study. Written with love and enthusiasm, her articles inspire readers to broaden their knowledge of the world, think and get ready to act. If you have a general question or comment please fill out the form and we will get back to you as soon as possible https://curiousmindmagazine.com/contact-us/
