lagom: pursuing a balanced life

Scandinavian style is based around a pride in tradition, heritage and a huge environmental awareness

The concept of lagom is essential to the Swedish identity, permeating through every aspect of daily life. One could even argue that the Swedish model of economics and social policies was influenced by the philosophy of lagom, as it combines elements of both capitalism and socialism.

Common to many Scandinavian countries is the informal rule known as ‘Jantelagen’, or the ‘law of Jante’. This is a societal code that is primarily based around the principle that nobody is better than anyone else. People do not show off their social status or boast about their achievements because the focus of Jante is on everyone being equal. This applies to all levels of society. Perhaps it is no surprise, then, that Sweden is a world leader in gender equality, with almost half of its representatives in parliament being women.

lagom and Scandi living

Through lagom we could improve so many parts of our daily lives. By embracing lagom and taking a step back from unsustainable consumerism, you can reassess your priorities. A 2019 survey by Barclaycard reported that one in three British people think that they would be happier if they earned more money. However, by spending on what we really need (rather than everything we want) and trying to save a little each month, we could all take a leaf out of the Swedes’ book. By taking ‘lagom mycket’ (what we need and nothing more), we may be able to reduce our financial worries by treating our earnings more responsibly. Changing what we perceive to be wealth can help to improve our own happiness. Lagom really is a rare example of moderation and modesty in a world that is forever craving more.

The core belief of lagom runs through the Swedish identity. Not taking more than your share, not dominating a conversation, and allowing others to have their turn without interruption. The Swedish take pride in knowing when to say enough, the ideal state being reached when there is a clear balance between wants and needs. Having more is not always better and does not always lead to a happier outcome.

practical ways to achieve lagom in the home

Living minimally and without excess clutter can make your life less stressful. A clean and minimalist home is easy to achieve. By having fewer possessions you will also appreciate what you do have, plus you will create room for more breathing space. Focus on high-quality, meaningful pieces that will last. Less really is more, and by steering clear of mass-produced, flimsy, throwaway items, your impact on landfill and the environment is positively impacted as well. For example, over the past 20 years, Sweden has seen a revolution in recycling, with 99% of locally produced waste being either recycled or used to generate energy. A ‘just enough’ approach really lends itself to sustainable living.

A lagom home should be purposeful. Good design can improve both your mental and physical wellbeing. Many Swedish homes are functional, filled with light and muted colours, and have a clean aesthetic throughout. Particularly relevant in today’s throwaway culture, lagom encourages us to think of our planet and buy products made from sustainable materials. It may cost more initially to buy something crafted by a specialist, but in the long run it will last. No more money wasted on replacements when low-quality items break. Upcycling, sourcing second-hand items with a story, and choosing wisely where to spend your money are all key elements of lagom, as is respect for nature and connecting with the environment. We need to appreciate what the world has given us by incorporating lagom in our lives and by not taking too much. We are currently stripping the world bare of resources and leaving nothing for future generations.

Lagom can be applied to every part of your life – even food. When applied to cooking, lagom means embracing food that is good for your body and your soul, eating something that is delicious, but also unfussy and nourishing. Eating healthily is especially important, as is avoiding fad diets and unhealthy body expectations. Keep lagom in mind when you plan your meals. Appropriate portion sizes, storing food correctly, using leftovers and recycling waste are all great ways to reduce your carbon footprint and be content in the here and now.

lagom and hygge

Lagom influences Swedish language, culture and life in a similar way that hygge does in Denmark. No translation really does either of them justice, as they are both so loaded with meaning. The two philosophies complement each other beautifully though. Lagom is about finding happiness and harmonious balance, while hygge focuses on feeling cosy and safe, taking time out and appreciating the small joys in life.

How lagom applies to you entirely depends on how you choose to view it. It is more about a way of life based on balance and fairness, while hygge highlights the importance of moments of reflection or pleasure throughout your day. However, by joining the two together you can create a more proportioned life all round. Enjoy a simpler way of life by living in a more environmentally conscious way while still allowing yourself the small pleasures that make every day rewarding. Lagom is quality over quantity; it is about giving yourself what you actually need. Hygge is that feeling we have all felt before at some point but just did not know the name for it. Embrace the two and you can create the perfect Scandinavian-inspired lifestyle.

the work-life balance

Through news and social media, our own health and happiness are often affected due to the negativity in what we read and see. By setting boundaries on the amount of content we absorb, we can enhance both our mental and physical health. Scheduling time away from our phones and computers to engage in exercise, hobbies or some self-care are also important elements of lagom.

Lagom also translates well to a healthy work-life balance by encouraging people to be more efficient and find ways to work better, not longer. Taking one task at a time and doing it well is what lagom in the workplace is all about. Celebrate each completed task and remember to take regular breaks. Scandinavians are actively encouraged to use all of their allotted holiday time. By taking this time out, you are more productive afterwards. This also reduces stress and in turn benefits your physical and mental health. So take time to stop for fika at work. Even the mighty Volvo plant stops for this, as it is considered an important time of the day to pause, socialise and refresh. You should never be too busy for fika.

Personal time also extends to lunch breaks. Lunch is never taken at your desk, and taking a break of an hour or two is seen as perfectly normal. Similarly, working overtime is not valued and can be seen as evidence of poor time management. Ask how someone’s day was and hopefully they will respond “lagom busy” – busy, but not so busy that they didn’t have time for a coffee. In Sweden, there is a huge emphasis on spending time with family and loved ones, therefore working hours are often flexible. Swedish couples are also entitled to 480 days of paid leave when they have a baby, and this can be shared between both parents.

a lagom way of life

Instinctively we strive to create the best life we think we should have, but there is something intensely freeing about lagom. Step away from wanting the biggest or best of everything, and the unrelenting pressure that attitude to life inevitably puts on us and the environment. Relax and stop striving for unattainable goals that will ultimately leave you unsatisfied. Take time to appreciate the here and now with the philosophy of ‘what I have is enough, and I am appreciative of that’.

Although lagom tends to lean towards the overall wellbeing of a society, it is also important on an individual basis. It is experienced differently by each person. Ultimately, though, it translates as being content with your lot in life. Aspire to moderate. If we better distribute resources, both in our homes and working lives, then there will be more left for later on. Lagom really encapsulates the space between excess and minimalism; living better with less.

So perhaps the next time you are thinking about buying some more cinnamon-scented candles, you should stop and take a moment to consider whether it is too little, too much, or maybe it is just lagom.

Sustainability and lagom go hand in hand. Sweden has some of the best recycling rates in the world