“Swedish people take their time. They stop, they look, they listen, and they wait. The beauty of slowing down, I’ve learned, is that it helps you be more in the moment and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. And there’s something very relaxing and satisfying about it, too.” – Brantmark
If you found yourself getting lost in that statement, Lagom may be what you’ve been searching for. What is Lagom, you ask? Lagom translates to “not too little, not too much,” aka just right. The Swedes practice Lagom in their pursuit of living a balanced, slower, and stress-free life. There are strategies that you can implement into your daily life that adhere to the practice of Lagom. Here are some of those tips, from Brantmark:
Adopt the morgondopp (or morning dip): It is how it sounds. Most commonly enjoyed during the summer months (May through September), the morgondopp is typically enjoyed first thing in the morning before coffee. The bather will wander down to the local bathing deck and enjoy the lovely morning water. Of course, being close to water helps with this activity. If you’re nowhere near the water, try ending your daily shower with a blast of colder water to enjoy the physiological benefits.
From Brantmark: “The length of time you stay in the water depends on the temperature, which I’ve noticed is something of a national obsession. Bathing piers wouldn’t be complete without a small thermometer bobbing on the end of a string.”
Dare to go alone: Have you ever wished to tackle an activity but couldn’t find anyone to join you? Why didn’t you do dare to go alone? Sometimes we must set aside that fear of being alone, to fully enjoy the feeling of independence. Enjoying those moments of solitude can bring a feeling of liberation and empowerment. Wandering alone is uncommon in the noisy world that surrounds us today – but it can allow you to slow down, switch off the noise, and be alone with your thoughts.
From Brantmark: “It’s in these solitary moments that you appreciate the rustle of the leaves in the wind, the sound of the breaking waves, or the distant melody of a lark.”
Create a capsule wardrobe: What does a capsule wardrobe look like? Minimalistic. Highly practical. Versatile. The process consists of clearing out your closet of unwanted or unused clothes and keeping, or replacing, them with cherished items.
From Brantmark: “Because a capsule wardrobe makes it easy to pick an outfit, you take the stress out of getting dressed and spend less time and energy on shopping and laundry.”
Fika paus: Take breaks! The Swedish believe in taking coffee breaks or running out for a little treat or catching up with a colleague outside of the office. You may even want to take formal team fika. Formal or informal, it’s about taking the time to switch off and enjoy each other as people. There’s no need to feel guilty, because taking care of yourself is crucial in maintaining an effective work-life balance.
From Brantmark: “A study by Emily Hunter and Cindy Wu at Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business found that people who took morning breaks at work reported feeling more energized, more able to concentrate and more motivated, and were less likely to report symptoms like headaches and lower back pain… A recent study found that the most productive people work for 52 minutes and then take a 17-minute break. Of course, not all jobs allow for this, but it’s worth thinking about the frequency—and keeping it in mind!”
Learn the art of listening: Swedes are known to be excellent listeners; they rarely interrupt or talk over someone else. By speaking with an even tone and allowing pauses in speech, conversations are meaningful and intentional. Of course, this may not work in all settings, especially those where small talk is required, like at a cocktail party. In some cultures, including gaps in conversations can be excruciating and awkward. But, like all things Lagom, keeping the conversation fair and equal allows everyone to get the chance to contribute to the discussion.
From Brantmark: “Slow down the discourse. Really listen to others and reflect on what they have to say. Once someone’s finished speaking, take time to reflect (if needed) before giving a meaningful response. Once you get into the slower rhythm, you’ll find it’s so much more relaxing to speak without fear of interruption.”
Perform random acts of kindness: Grand gestures are not the only way to get the attention and appreciation of someone. It’s the small acts of kindness that can create the greatest smiles. Some examples may include dropping off a home cooked meal for new parents, or a running a small errand for a friend because you knew they didn’t have the time. It’s the simple, thoughtful acts that lifts spirits on the hardest days. Often, catching people off-guard with an unexpected act of kindness can leave the most meaningful memory for them.
You’re now well versed in the art of Lagom! Go out and practice, practice, practice – you may find that you’ll appreciate the smaller things in life and worry less about the “big stuff.” Keep it just right.