Lagom: how to live in moderation and enjoy it

What does the word "lagom" mean?

Lagom is a whole philosophy. Wide, immense, large-scale. A rough translation is moderation in everything. Not too little and not too much. Just right. The balance that's right for you.

Lagom style life is simple, without unnecessary things and tinsel.

Lagom covers all spheres of Swedish life. You can work lag - without overdoing it. The trousers are also lagged - just the way they should. Even the water is lag-warm - at a comfortable temperature.

In every area - work, relationships, interior design, style - the Swedes are guided by the motto lagom är bäst. That is, take exactly as much as you need. Moderation is the key.

Who came up with the lag?

It is believed that the lagom philosophy came from the Viking Age. The word itself comes from the combination "laget om" ("pass in a circle"). The fact is that during gatherings, a ladle or a horn with mead was passed to each other in a circle: each had to drink enough for the others to drink. Equality. Respect. Generosity.

Why Swedes?

Sweden is not the first year among the ten most prosperous countries. Recent polls have also shown that Swedes (along with their Scandinavian neighbors) consider themselves to be happy people. So it's even more interesting to study the lag. And although the idea is Swedish, this approach can be applied anywhere in the world.

Well-known blogger Nicky Brantmark even wrote a book "What is lagom", where she told everything about this amazing philosophy. Niki herself came to Sweden 13 years ago from England. During this time, she radically changed her life, introduced new habits and unique traditions into it. And she found real happiness.

Isn't it boring for them to live like that?

Lagom is not a denial of pleasures at all, but the ability to indulge in them in a moderate and balanced way. Of course, the Swedes also allow themselves to deviate from the plan. Consider at least the incredibly strong Swedish coffee they brew. Or all kinds of sweets - punch-soaked cakes, coconut-wrapped chocolate balls, cinnamon rolls - they love. But after a little indulgence, they do not punish themselves with abstinence, but continue to behave in moderation.

How to equip a lagom-style house?

If we single out the area where the Swedes won a victory, then this is home improvement. The impeccable Scandinavian style is recognized by everyone: it is not overloaded and attracts the eye. But how did the Swedes manage to strike a balance? They have an innate desire for minimalism and absolutely no passion for hoarding. Therefore, in the houses of Swedes, there are no boxes filled with old things: broken phones, a dozen shabby sweaters and jeans that we vow to wear someday.

Here's a little clutter test. Check the boxes for the correct statements:

You have a closet or room for items you never use.
To find the right thing, you need more than five minutes.
You get stressed at the thought that friends will come to visit (without an invitation), because you have a lot of cleaning.
You have things that you don't use or that don't make you happy.

If you have noted more than two points, it's time to think about throwing out the excess.

Here are some ways to get rid of your junk at home:

Spend 10 minutes decluttering daily. Don't try to do everything in one go.
Distribute things in three boxes: leave, give, throw away.
Use the rule "I buy one thing - I get rid of one."
Avoid the emergence of "hot spots" where trash loves to accumulate.
Highlight the toiletry container and folder.
Highlight a box for memorabilia and gifts. For children's drawings, have an accordion folder with files.
With papers, use the one-touch rule: as soon as the document falls into your hands, remove it to the designated place, perform the necessary actions or throw it away.

What, and nature must be loved?

Swedes love to spend time in nature. They can be understood: more than half of the country's territory is covered with forest, around 29 national parks. Nature is an integral part of life.

The state also strongly supports such leisure: in Sweden there is the concept of "allemansratten" - everyone can freely walk, pick mushrooms and berries and put up tents anywhere, if they do not disturb the peace of others. So the Swedes, in any weather, get out of town, have picnics, go sailing, ride dog sleds. By the way, they often spend their holidays in their own country. They leave for the dacha or summer houses, read all day long, swim, play board games and are in no hurry.

In 2016, the Wildlife Fund conducted a study and found that those who regularly travel to nature feel happier and healthier. Other research has also shown that during these “green” trips, we calm down, rehabilitate our psyche and stimulate the desire to be creative.

I want more secrets of happiness

Here are three more little secrets of happiness from the Swedes:

Create a capsule wardrobe … The Swedish wardrobe is minimalistic and functional: a small number of items that go well together. Capsule wardrobe relieves stress: you spend less time and energy shopping, choosing and washing.
Eat a Scandinavian diet … National dishes of Sweden are sill ok potatis (herring and potatoes with lingonberries), schoetbullar honey potatismus (meatballs with mashed potatoes) and pitypanna (diced potatoes, meat and onions with pickled beets). It sounds specific, but it is the Scandinavian diet that is recognized by doctors as one of the healthiest. It lowers cholesterol levels, reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, arthritis and Crohn's disease. It also doesn't hurt the waist!
Make yourself small holidays … There are many traditions in Sweden that are designed to unite friends, colleagues, relatives. For example, the sacred Swedish ritual fika is a coffee break with sweets. Its essence is simplicity: a hot drink, a treat and communication without haste. Or fredagsmus - a cozy Friday when the whole family gathers, watch a movie and eat goodies. It is these little traditions that create unforgettable memories, bring a smile and warm even in a snowy winter.