Lagom -The Happiness Formula

Lagom is a Swedish philosophy of life that is deeply rooted in society. It’s in line with the values of Green Earth because it is about mindful action and a respectful approach to nature.

A lot of things are going well in Sweden. Almost 65% of electricity comes from renewable energies, and only about 1% of household waste ends up in landfills. Swedish children and young people achieve above-average results in studies on the education system, corruption is almost non-existent and Sweden ranks third out of 180 countries in terms of press freedom. The country is known for delicious cinnamon rolls, minimalist design, cozy living, and beautiful nature with large plains, mountains, fjords, and numerous lakes where the wonderful stories of Astrid Lindgren and Selma Lagerlöf take place. So it’s no wonder that the Swedes regularly end up in the top ten of the happiest nations in the world –right?

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But there is much more to the term Lagom. It’s an attitude, a conviction, a way of life. Mindfulness, respect, sustainability, fairness, communality, and moderation are central aspects of the Lagom philosophy. In Sweden, it serves as a guideline for social action up to the highest administrative levels of the state. For example, if employees can stay at home with their sick child without any wage deductions, that is in the spirit of Lagom. The attitude can be transferred to all areas of life, both privately and professionally.

The Swedish lifestyle embodies a basic attitude that is supposed to make you happy with simple means.

A Scandinavian formula for happiness every day.

There is no equivalent for the Swedish word “Lagom” in the English language. If you look in the dictionary, you will find the translation “sufficient, adequate, suitable”. But to describe the balanced and contented attitude to life that Lagom stands for in Sweden, these words fall short.

According to legend, the name Lagom goes back to the phrase “laget om”, a Viking custom. Sitting around the campfire, they let a drinking horn circle and everyone was allowed to take a sip – not too much and not too little – so that the contents were enough for everyone.

Lagom refers to the ideal balance, the good middle ground, the conscious and sustainable life – a positive attitude to life in which one does not wait for the great or the special because Lagom also means turning away from the eternal longing for more. What we already have can make us happy! This does not mean mediocrity but the desire for a life in balance. The Swedes take their time, enjoy the moment, and put satisfaction in the foreground.

Lagom is therefore the perfect summary of Swedishness and epitomizes the Swedish lifestyle, which is made up of social awareness, a moderate life, and sustainability. And we can learn a lot from this in many areas of life! Gosh, I wish we would!

Lagom living – Cozy minimalism

If you furnish your home according to the Lagom principle, you will not follow strict minimalism, nor will you clutter your home with too much furniture, accessories, and decoration. In Sweden, the focus is on natural and sustainable materials such as wood or cork and warm, calm colors. When it comes to furnishing, it’s all about quality over quantity. Treat yourself to everything you need to feel good and get rid of all unnecessary furniture or objects. Don’t hang on to every little note someone wrote in the past, keep what has meaning and value, and let go of the rest.

Lagom is the basis of an optimal way of life, in which giving and taking balance each other without destroying the balance between individuality and group dynamics.

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Eating Lagom – Indulgence without gluttony

In Astrid Lindgren’s novel “Michel from Lönneberga,” Michel’s mother answers the question of how she makes her Köttbullar (Swedish meatballs), “Lagom stora, lagom runda och lagom bruna” = exactly as tall, as round and as brown as they need to be. But Lagom is not only important in the preparation. It also means eating just enough to be full –without gluttony and without unnecessary restraint.

When eating, eat just enough to fill you up – don’t overeat, but don’t hold back unnecessarily either.

Enjoyment is just as much a part of the Swedish lifestyle as simplicity and authenticity, the mindful use of resources, and the preparation of healthy, aromatic ingredients from nature.

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“Work-life balance” is more than just a trend in Sweden, because living Lagom also means finding the right balance between work and private life –every day. Concentrated work and relaxed breaks alternate. The joint coffee break, called FIKA in Swedish, is firmly anchored in everyday working life, to ensure that colleagues can enjoy coffee and pastries in peace, talk a little, and relax. Afterward, you return to work rested and motivated.

Overtime is not welcome in most Swedish companies. As a rule, there are no more meetings after 4 p.m. Incidentally, there are also significantly more women working in management positions.

Lagom travel – Sustainable and mindful

Traveling the Lagom way isn’t about getting to your destination as quickly as possible or checking off a list of things to see. The journey itself is part of the experience. Lagom means experiencing every moment with all your senses, collecting authentic travel experiences, and consciously immersing yourself in regional life. And there’s no better place to do that than in Sweden!

The conscious lifestyle in harmony with nature is deeply rooted in Sweden. In the midst of picturesque forests and lonely lakes, tourists can leave their stressful everyday life behind and enjoy the deep peace and balance of Swedish nature. Thanks to the Everyman’s Right, camping is allowed everywhere in Sweden, and berries and mushrooms can also be collected to your heart’s content.

Not too much and not too little – this clever Swedish concept can help us all to be happier in everyday life. Give it a try!

Happiness lives in the middle