Looking for some ‘me’ time or trying to get the balance back into your life? Well, taking note of Lagom, the Swedish philosophy for living with less and being happy could be the key. Read on to find out all that Lagom has to offer.
The concept of Lagom is based on a proud opposition to excess and on a rejection of originality at all costs, hence, the first fundamental advice that the Swedish lifestyle provides us with: balance as a true goal, the “enough” as the ultimate goal, to dispel the myth of being satisfied as a negative trend.
Technology today has enabled the growth of a new era. Because of the pandemic, the world which was at a stand-still is now growing at an incredible speed and we’re making strides towards a growth that was predicted to occur 10 years from now. In this fast-paced modern life, it has become extremely easy to lose yourself.
Our lives can get incredibly busy, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take some time to focus on ourselves. There are many cultures and values systems in this world and out of all those, according to me, Lagom seems to be right on track when it comes to balancing our lives.
Lagom in the Swedish language literally means not too much, not too little, the right amount, and is a philosophy that aims to balance, in every area and juncture of everyday life
In short, Lagom is the secret that explains a lifestyle based on social awareness, moderation, and sustainability. We can apply Lagom in our daily lives to ensure we enjoy the life for which we work so hard.
First and foremost, it’s very important to Be Positive. The concept of Lagom is based on a proud opposition to excess and on a rejection of originality at all costs, hence, the first fundamental advice that the Swedish lifestyle provides us with: balance as a true goal, the “enough” as the ultimate goal, to dispel the myth of being satisfied as a negative trend. Knowing how to grasp something positive in every situation, being able to learn from every experience, aspiring to live fairly and in harmony with the world.
The Importance of Exercise and Sleep – Although it is an inner state, the Lagom philosophy is composed of many concrete applications. The second piece of advice it gives us is to find time for both exercise and rest, both activities that purify the mind and help to deal with everyday life in a positive spirit. Finding time to relax, indulge in little joys or carve out a corner of peace to recharge, are all different solutions to get away from the anxieties or worries of work or family. The Lagom lifestyle focuses heavily on the concept of “ritual”, a simple activity that we dedicate to ourselves to try to intercept our deepest needs and live more consciously.
Sustainability and Environment – The third advice, and one of the pillars of the lagom philosophy, is to recognize the importance of recycling: to know how to reuse and give new life to used objects but also to relocate furniture or old things with creativity, imagination, and taste. Everything in the lagom lifestyle is based on sustainability, energy-saving and the use of materials that respect the environment, and this also applies to fashion: how to proceed with a purchase?
There is nothing more frustrating than aspiring to something unattainable. The wonder lies in the middle ground, in the moments of imprecision and imperfection that characterize our lives, in moments of forgetfulness and freedom. Once we have recognized the subjective proportions that allow us to reach a balance, it is only up to us to defend that space by focusing on small steps.
The last piece of advice that Swedish philosophy gives us is to Abandon the (Unattainable) Goal of Perfection: there is nothing more frustrating than aspiring to something unattainable. The wonder lies in the middle ground, in the moments of imprecision and imperfection that characterize our lives, in moments of forgetfulness and freedom. Once we have recognized the subjective proportions that allow us to reach a balance, it is only up to us to defend that space by focusing on small steps. True happiness is knowing how to immerse oneself in one’s life with joy and preserve the strength to face every day with serenity, living and working with harmony, simplicity, and awareness.
Do you spend your free time on things you want to do, or do you find yourself always doing the same thing out of habit or boredom? Are you listening to your voice when it tells you to spend time with friends, read a helpful book, relax and just watch TV, or work on a new hobby? Your body uses these activities to get energy and it’s important not to overlook this area of your life.
Your free time is where you have a chance to discover who you are and what truly inspires you. Maybe you have a bucket list you never get to because you’re binge-watching the latest TV craze, or you find yourself out with friends every night, so you never get to discover who you are without them. By letting the voice guide you in your free time, you can discover your passions while balancing the energy your body needs. You may be amazed by who you really are and what you want to do!
As you look at each of these areas of your life, take a moment before making decisions to listen for the voice. It will tell you what it needs in the form of a thought, impulse, intuition, or as a nudge from your physical body through tiredness or restlessness. Try to listen to where your body needs energy from and use one of these four areas as your stepping stone. Every time you listen to the voice it grows stronger and you grow stronger since you’re giving your body exactly what it needs. Each time you listen, it will get easier to hear and your intuition will grow.
Balance is healthy, and your body knows the balance you need each day. This balance looks different for everyone, so stop comparing, and always listen to yourself!
Remember, the voice inside is you, telling you what you need to succeed each day. It is the truth, and its goal is to make you into that incredible, powerful, talented individual it knows you can be. Be vulnerable, open, and courageous enough to listen to yourself. Always trust your gut!
