Everything You Need to Know About Lagom, The Swedish Principle Of Self-Care

Did you know that on average it takes almost 66 days for a habit to become automatic? That said, making a lifestyle change is never easy. You have to consider each of your daily routines and determine how you can incorporate those lifestyle changes into them so you can make a successful transition to a new way of living. Luckily, when those new habits are simple yet substantial, it can be easier to use them in your everyday life.

So, what is Lagom?

Lagom is the Swedish principle of self-care and contentment which can be used in several ways to help construct a more content lifestyle. In English, lagom translates to “not too little, not too much” and is often compared to the style of minimalism. Minimalism takes what you own into account and how your purchases and items affect the planet around you. For example, minimalism isn’t just about having less stuff. It can include implementing more sustainable practices, like purchasing groceries from a neighborhood co-op to prevent food waste or narrowing down your wardrobe to a few staple pieces to reduce your carbon footprint. But, when it comes down to it, the main difference between minimalism and lagom is that it does not strive for perfection. The main goal in living a life full of lagom is to become satisfied with what you have. By using lagom, you look to find simple, attainable solutions to daily stress ranging from how you live to what you eat, from how you move to how you think.

How can I use it in my everyday life? Want to give lagom a try? The easiest way to integrate it into your everyday life is by taking a personal inventory of your home surroundings as well as both your physical and mental states.

Home

Have you ever walked into your house, only to feel overwhelmed by clutter and disarray? Fostering a tranquil environment for your home can promote your overall health and reduce anxiety or stress. Display your favorite things and colors in your home, like pictures of your family and loved ones. Or you can add a pop of wallpaper among more relaxing hues. Or, try using multipurpose furniture to better organize small spaces and rearrange your living area to feel roomier. If you want to take it one step further, consider investing in sustainable choices. This can range from organic mattresses or couches to less expensive options like reusable food storage containers or even in-home gardens. Another way to get more peace of mind from your home is by assessing your investment. This
includes any money you put into your home to improve the overall look and feel of the space. When asking yourself, “what is my house worth?”, keep in mind that some changes will be worth more than others. Look into where you can sensibly update your home without making too many changes that will lose the resale value over time.

Body

Staying intentionally active and pursuing a balanced diet are both key concepts of lagom. Rather than stuffing yourself to the brim with sweets and fat, think about what makes up the food you eat. While this can be especially difficult during the holiday season, remember the purpose of lagom when you are tempted with indulgences. Pay close attention to your food’s macronutrients, as each of them has a different effect on your body. Furthermore, staying intentionally active is also vital to practicing lagom. You may not be up for that 5-mile run day in and day out — there are times when your body simply needs to rest. Listening to your body is essential to being intentionally active. Rather than pushing yourself to the limit each day, try including active rest days where you leisurely walk through your neighborhood or go through yoga routines that emphasize stability and gratitude instead.

Mind

Since lagom is all about being satisfied with what you have, checking in with yourself is an important part of monitoring your progress. In Sweden, many residents have adopted a much slower lifestyle as a way to live more purposefully. Seeing as though it’s so easy to get caught up in hectic situations, try planning out time specific to your interests and setting aside periods throughout the day to recenter. I definitely noticed this first hand when I visited Stockholm earlier this year. There is a culture of flexible work hours and prioritising spending time with the ones you care for- there was a very calm and relaxing vibe around the whole city.

Midday breaks are a great way to recenter yourself after starting your day. Pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee. Or take a moment for yourself by lighting a candle and grabbing a seat with your favorite book. Journaling and transcribing your thoughts is another great way to keep a note of your mental state. Bullet journaling is quick, easy and allows you to put forth some of your creative energy based on what you would like to monitor. It also helps you be more productive and reach your personal or professional goals — just another added bonus to living more purposefully!

Last thoughts

Lagom is a lifestyle that encompasses many parts of life. From integrating its principles into your home, body and mind, you can reap the many benefits it can provide. First, focusing on your surroundings can be a game-changer to promote creativity and satisfaction with what you have. Altering your home environment can also have a big impact on your body. Whether you’re looking to achieve a more sensible diet or simply trying to get a better night’s sleep, lagom is one of the many ways to become more conscious of daily events.

Finally, staying aware of your mental state is a huge part of practicing lagom. Tracking and documenting your headspace through journaling or talk therapy can help bring balance to your life, reinforcing contentedness with oneself. No matter how you use lagom, your overall goal should be to foster a more meaningful life. By doing this, you can reduce stress levels and manage distractions more easily, allowing you to get more done and find happiness in each and every day.

Will you try to incorporate the principle of Lagom into your daily life? Let me know in the comments below.

Eve x