We have heard of Hygge as a popular lifestyle concept but the Swedish concept of Lagom is another wonderful lifestyle practice. Sweden has often been known as the happiest country on earth and is always resting among the top 10. It’s easy to understand why, since they spend a lot of time focusing on living a happy life.
The concept of Lagom focuses on living a simpler lifestyle. The meaning of the word “Lagom” is ‘just the right amount’ – ‘not too much, not too little’. The concept of Lagom is about having ‘just enough’ (the right amount) and not too much or too little of anything.
It is about embracing minimalism, avoiding unnecessary clutter and only buying things mindfully, such as essentials and genuinely useful things. It can mean working less hours in the week, if you work long hours. It can be about buying a smaller home to live in, one that satisfies your needs rather than having a large house that is unnecessary. The idea that less, is in fact, more, is the general meaning.
The concept of Lagom is about finding fulfilment and satisfaction in less material things. It is more about leading a balanced life. Having too many things to do, too much work or too many material items can be a burden. Lagom promotes the idea of peacefulness, relaxation and a mindful life. It is also about living within your means and not over-spending, over-working, or doing anything that involves unnecessary pressure.
As the saying goes 'Lagom är bäst' in Swedish, it translates as 'The right amount is best' or 'Enough is as good as a feast'. Click To TweetThe whole idea invites you to ask yourself, do you really need all those things, are they purposeful in your life, do they put pressure on you, is it over-indulgent, are you over-committing yourself? Some people push their boundaries too far. Ideals and ambition are all fine, but are you putting yourself under too much pressure to achieve your goals? The idea of leading a relaxing, slower paced life that serves you sufficiently and humbly is much more relaxing and leads you to live a more serene and present lifestyle.
Lagom involves finding pleasure in the simpler things in life. It focuses a lot on de-cluttering. Having mounds of meaningless clutter is useless. Hoarding is pointless and having lots of useless things lying around your house is a waste of space. You should consider giving away, donating things or selling them on if they no longer serve a purpose. This will free up space in your home, giving a feeling of Lagom, which in theory helps de-clutter your mind.
Remember to be mindful of your self talk. Setting your own standards high can lead to disappointment and a feeling of failure if you fail to live up to your own high standard. Give yourself a break and remember that you are good enough. Good enough, not too much or too little. You are neither belittling yourself or setting your standards too high to achieve. Living in the now and accepting yourself as you are is a true sense of Lagom.
One way to adapt to the concept of Lagom would be to de-clutter your wardrobe. By getting rid of the clothes you no longer wear or enjoy, you are making your choice simpler and better. Creating a capsule wardrobe is a great idea. Having a few stylish and versatile classic items that are functional, useful and practical for work, lounging, casual wear and evening wear means you get to choose pieces you really love and enjoy wearing. No more rooting through piles of old, out of date clutter and a nice clean and stylish, easily matched capsule wardrobe lets you save time, hassle and stress!
Leading a minimal life can be extremely satisfying and also mindful of the planet. Living life to the excess and constantly wanting for material goods that get discarded easily is wasteful and bad for the environment. It also brings a sense of meaninglessness. Having the novelty wear off things so quickly will always leave you wanting more. Nothing will ever be enough if you are always wanting ‘the next big thing’.
Enjoying simple pleasures is good for the soul. By enjoying the simple things like going for a nature walk, taking a swim in a lake, enjoying a nice home cooked meal, sipping a mug of tea and all those little things we often overlook are some of lifes greatest pleasures. Being mindful and grateful for the little things in life helps focus on Lagom. To not be always looking to live the ‘high life’ but being happy in our current life is a nice balance.
The feeling of contentment that comes from the Swedish concept of Lagom, comes from being present, enjoying the present and feeling fulfilled with having ‘enough’. Having a bicycle instead of a car, or having a little hatchback instead of a Rolls Royce and feeling fine about it is another way to look at it. We naturally wish for the better things in life but Lagom teaches us to accept what we have and be content with it!
We are familiar with the saying “Everything in moderation”. This is another way to look at living the Lagom lifestyle. Eating too much food results in excess weight, which often leads to feelings of unhappiness, guilt and discontentment. The same goes for alcohol consumption. Drinking too much leads to hangovers, bad feelings and even alcoholism. Eat just the right amount and drink in moderation.
Excess is discouraged when transitioning to a Lagom lifestyle. Modesty is favoured over lavishness, pretentiousness is frowned upon and a more down-to-earth approach is necessary. No more “keeping up with the Joneses” or constantly pushing your boundaries. Remember what the whole meaning of Lagom is. It is a more subdued and slower pace of life. More about living in the present than striving to the future.
Ahhh, I love the idea of a Lagom lifestyle. It just sounds so incredibly relaxing. Like a breath of fresh air. No more pressure to do better than everyone else and have more of everything.
What do you think of the Swedish concept of Lagom? Is it your kind of lifestyle or something you would never consider? I love hearing your thoughts. Let me know in the comments!
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Lauri
September 10, 2018 at 8:12 amI love this concept! Like you said it sounds so refreshing and relaxing! Thanks for doing the research on it ☺️ It also definitely fits into a more mindful way of living!
blognewser
September 12, 2018 at 11:55 amYeah it is definitely a lifestyle worth considering! Thanks