Ever wonder how to get that perfect balance between work and life? Look no further than some classic Swedish habits. Our fascination with Scandinavian culture goes way beyond just decking out our homes with IKEA finds. Many of us are embracing the simple joys of life, like the cozy concept of hygge and the restorative ritual of fika—a delightful coffee and pastry break. But there’s one Swedish secret we all need to know: it’s called lagom.
Pronounced as LAW-gum, lagom is much like Sweden’s take on mindfulness, but it encourages a spirit of togetherness and moderation. The term essentially means ‘not too little, not too much’—a motto for balanced living that speaks volumes about finding that sweet spot in life.
Derived from Old Norse, the word lagom refers to the idea of ‘placing limits.’ It emphasizes sustainability and intelligent choices, much like foraging in nature where you only take what you need and leave enough for wildlife. It teaches us that balance can spill over into every facet of life, allowing for harmony in our work lives, personal relationships, and well-being.
It’s clear why Sweden boasts the title of the seventh-happiest country in the world; their commitment to lagom strips away extremes and streamlines decision-making, leading to better life choices and overall satisfaction.
Try These 10 Key Swedish Habits for a Healthier Work-Life Balance:
1. Slow your Roll
The essence of lagom is all about slow living. Next time you find yourself in a rush, take a moment to breathe—and maybe think twice about that manic schedule. Appreciate what you’re doing, whether it’s celebrating a victory or taking a more relaxed approach to your morning.
2. Get Outside
Swedes are serious about their time spent outdoors. In her book Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living, Linnea Dunne highlights the notion of allemansrätten, or ‘freedom to roam,’ indicating that anyone can enjoy nature at their own pace. We don’t need grueling hikes; even a leisurely stroll in the park connects us to Mother Nature.
3. Keep It Simple
While there’s a viral love for minimalism out there, lagom takes a different route. It champions not how little you can live with, but understanding that having enough is essential. Consider developing a capsule wardrobe focused on comfort, functionality, and clearing out clutter around the house.
4. Embrace Fika
Fika is basically just an excuse for a comforting coffee break—so why not indulge? Sharing casual moments over a cup of coffee and a good treat is a core part of Swedish lifestyle and proven to enhance focus. It’s all about connecting, unwinding, and savoring the moment.
5. Think Collective Success
As Dunne notes, Swedish culture values harmony and well-being for all. Practicing lagom helps foster a sense of belonging and purpose within a community. That feeling of being part of something bigger can be incredibly fulfilling—something we could all strive for.
6. Cut Out Dramatic Stuff
Who needs unnecessary drama dragging them down? A lagom lifestyle means recognizing what to trim from your life, freeing yourself from surplus stress and negativity.
7. Shop Mindfully
Today’s online shopping craziness can easily lead us to buy more than we need. Lagom asks for conscious decisions—be intentional about what you bring home and make purchases that resonate with you, rather than simply giving in to impulses.
8. Practice Active Listening
Communication should be an exchange, not one-sided. Being attentive and genuinely listening enhances relationships with everyone around you—family, friends, or partners. Use both verbal and non-verbal cues to signal your interest.
9. Move, Just Don’t Overdo It
Exercise can work wonders for stress relief, but too much can become counterproductive. Aim to move your body but steer clear of overexertion—balance is the key!
10. Share and Welcome
Giving and receiving—be it love, support, or even gifts—aligns perfectly with the lagom philosophy. Research shows that sharing not only decreases stress but also strengthens emotional connections and overall happiness.
Adopting Swedish practices in daily life is more than just a trend; it’s a healthier way of existing. So, consider these habits and invite some lagom into your routine to truly balance your work and life.
Colleen Stinchcombe is a freelance writer who covers travel, health, and outdoor topics. Her work has been recognized in various publications like MSN, Self, and Business Insider.
This piece originally appeared on YourTango.
