The Nordic countries seem to have a few secrets up their sleeves when it comes to living a happy, content life. The Dutch have hygge, the Norwegians have koselig and as for the Swedes? They have lagom.
Pronounced “lah-gom”, lagom is a Swedish way of living that translates to “not too little, not too much” or “just right”. But lagom is more than just a Goldilocks attitude or perfectly portioning your food. To live lagom is to live balanced, slow and sustainably.
The Swedish proverb “Lagom är bäst”, meaning “The right amount is best”, is underscored by the concept of slow living, where sustainability, mindfulness and purposeful actions pave the way to a content, joyful life. As Niki Brantmark, author of Lagom: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life, writes: “By deliberately seeking a more manageable, comfortable, balanced way of doing things (and finding perfection in imperfection), you’re not just taking the pressure off yourself — you’re taking the pressure off others, too. And you’re gaining more of today’s most precious resource: time.”
Lagom happens to be one of those terms that answers all of life’s questions: How are you? Lagom; What’s the weather like today? Lagom; or perhaps you’re looking for a lagom work–life balance. Think of lagom as the ultimate antidote to the chaotic and clutter of modern life; the key to growth
