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Just the right amount -

Not too much, just the right amount—in Sweden, this feeling of equilibrium is recognized by a concept called lagom.

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Finding balance in moderation -

Lagom means knowing when enough is enough. In practicing lagom, you reach a place of balance and moderation, rather than constantly grasping for more.

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Contentment in comfort -

If all your immediate needs are met (i.e. you have a roof over your head, friends you can call, money to get by, etc.), you can feel contentment in this.

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Contentment in comfort -

It's not just about learning to enjoy the simple things, but appreciating what you have with a sense of satisfaction that you don't need more.

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Less is more -

Even if you are satisfied by what you have now and derive comfort from it, it doesn't necessarily mean more of it will make you any happier.

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A balanced approach to life -

But more than that, as well as inner balance it means finding balance in all areas of your life, including in your relationships with others and the environment.

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Fair share -

It's a display of social awareness. If you take more than your fair share, there won't be enough for everyone else.

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Social awareness -

It recognizes that what we do affects other people. If you grab everything you can and hoard it, everyone is worse off.

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Better for all -

Championing what you have, taking only what you need, and leaving enough for others is enough to feel good, and is better for everyone else, too.

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Fulfillment -

When life is balanced, you have time for the things that leave you feeling happy and fulfilled. This gives a sense of overall wellness.

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Fulfillment -

Whether it's spending time with family and friends, working, volunteering, exercising, relaxing, or participating in hobbies, everyone needs the "right amount" of the things that give their life a sense of fulfillment.

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Not just for Sweden -

Everyone can develop healthy habits in their daily life to practice lagom; you don't need to be in Sweden to do it! There are several ways to introduce the concept into your life.

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How to practice lagom: take a break -

In Sweden, people break for fika in the mid-afternoon (around 4 pm). This ritual is a time to stop what you're doing and enjoy a coffee and a snack with friends or colleagues.

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How to practice lagom: take a break -

Taking a small break is good for mental health. It's also been linked to better performance at work, showing the importance of keeping a balance between work and rest time.

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How to practice lagom: work-life balance -

Speaking of which, maintaining an overall work-life balance is a practice in lagom. If you've been working a lot, it's time to take a break.

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How to practice lagom: work-life balance -

Whether you decide to cut back on hours or need a change of scenery, achieving work-life balance is associated with greater job and life satisfaction.

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How to practice lagom: enjoy and care for nature -

Lagom encourages an appreciation for the beauty and value of nature and your environment. Spending time in nature is grounding and good for your health.

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How to practice lagom: enjoy and care for nature -

Having a deep appreciation for the role nature plays in our lives can also foster a sense of responsibility and consciousness about how we care for it.

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How to practice lagom: balance positive and negative emotions -

Negative emotions are a natural part of life. Finding a balance between positive and negative emotions will help you establish a sense of calm in your life.

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How to practice lagom: balance positive and negative emotions -

This doesn't mean you have to feel happy all the time, though; it just means learning to process emotions as they arise, so they don't become overwhelming.

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How to practice lagom: balance exercise with rest -

The benefits of exercise are many, but lots of people don't get enough. Still, you can get too much exercise in as well, and it's important to balance this with rest days.

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How to practice lagom: balance exercise with rest -

Overexercising can lead to injury, soreness, and irritability. Listen to your body and make rest an integral part of your training routine.

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How to practice lagom: give and receive -

Giving and receiving physical gifts is linked to experiencing positive emotions. While receiving can be nice, often the giver benefits just as much!

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How to practice lagom: give and receive -

Giving and receiving emotional support has been linked with feeling less negative emotions. Your presence is a gift, too, so give it wisely (and just enough).

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How to practice lagom: active listening -

A conversation should be balanced, with an exchange of verbal and non-verbal cues to let the speaker know that you're listening and engaged. Active listening helps build positive relationships.

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How to practice lagom: eat a moderate diet -

Food is one of the pleasures of life. Enjoying the fresh foods you like is good for your mood and overall sense of well-being.

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How to practice lagom: eat a moderate diet -

You can have treats, too, but in moderation. Have a little bit of something decadent, without going overboard. You won't have instant regret afterwards!

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How to practice lagom: tidy your home -

Keep your space tidy and organized with practical items, and decorated in neutral tones, for a sense of light and minimalism.

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How to practice lagom: consume consciously -

Buy and consume only what you need. Prioritize what you want, and exercise restraint when you buy things. For bigger purchases, choose quality over quantity.

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How to practice lagom: digital detox -

Learn when to turn off your phone and just enjoy the moment. Relax and reconnect with people and yourself, taking a break from being constantly "available."

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How to practice lagom: apply slow living principles -

The more simple and pared back your life, the less stress and hurried you'll feel between tasks. Taking the time to enjoy a little of life's pleasures as you balance your responsibilities, relationships, and basic needs is a practice in lagom.

Sources: (Health.com) (Country and Town House) (Scandification) (Big Think)

See also: Nunchi, the Korean secret to happiness

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