Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life

Derived from the Swedish phrase Lagom är bäst, meaning “the right amount is best; in moderation, in balance,” lagom is a deeply held philosophy closely tied to the Swedish cultural and social ideology of fairness and equality. Lagom is believed to have begun with Viking culture: at gatherings, when a bowl of mead was passed around in a circle, it was important that everyone sipped “just enough” or their “fair share” so there was enough to be enjoyed by all.Deeply ingrained in the Swedish psyche, lagom is about enjoying balance in every aspect of life—from work and leisure to family and food and everything in between. Experienced bakers know by touch when dough they’re kneading is lagom—not too moist and not too dry. At the office, professionals who work hard—but not to the detriment of other aspects of their lives—are following the ideal of lagom.In this inviting, inspirational guide, Niki Brantmark explains lagom and how to incorporate it into your own lifestyle:Home—declutter, keep items you love, buy consciouslyWork—take regular coffee breaks away from your desk, Swedish style; learn to “switch off” at homeMoney—more isn’t happiness; live within your means and be thrifty without sacrificing qualityBody and mind—exercise that fits your life and healthy habits that make you feel better, starting with more sleepFood—enjoy that slice of cake, but remember, portions in moderationVacation—make the most of holidays and time offLeisure—get out in nature: take a hike in the woods or a dip in the seaFamily—keep it simple and organizedFriendship—forms bonds that will last a lifetimeIn an interconnected world filled with goal-oriented perfectionists, Lagom reminds us to slow down, to decompress and de-stress, to be mindful of sustainability yet not deny ourselves pleasure. But lagom is not a rigid set of rules—sometimes you need more, sometimes you need less, and that’s fine too! With this beautifully designed, idea-filled guide, you can learn to find greater balance, well-being, and harmony—and most importantly, make time for the things that matter most in life.