As August begins to wind down, many of us feel the subtle pressure of what’s ahead. Store shelves fill with back-to-school supplies, calendars become busier, and conversations shift toward upcoming schedules and responsibilities. It’s easy to rush through the final weeks of summer while already thinking about autumn. The Swedish philosophy of lagom invites you to do something different. Rather than racing toward the next season or trying to squeeze every possible activity into the last warm weekends, lagom encourages you to find balance by fully appreciating the current season. It reminds you that a meaningful life isn’t built by doing more, it is built by experiencing more of what truly matters. One of the greatest lessons of lagom is learning to savor the present moment.
In psychology, savoring refers to intentionally noticing and appreciating positive experiences as they happen. Research has shown that savoring can improve mood, reduce stress, increase resilience, and strengthen relationships. It shifts your attention away from what is missing and toward what is already here. In many ways, savoring is gratitude in action.
Summer naturally offers countless opportunities to practice this skill. Instead of rushing through a family barbecue while checking work emails, savor the conversation around the table. Rather than viewing an evening walk as another item on your to-do list, notice the warmth of the sun, the sound of birds, or the smell of freshly cut grass. Instead of thinking about everything you have to accomplish next week, allow yourself to simply enjoy watching a sunset.
These moments may seem ordinary, but they are often the experiences you remember most. Swedish culture embraces this slower pace. Whether it’s gathering outdoors with friends, enjoying a quiet cup of coffee during fika, or spending time in nature, there is an emphasis on mindfulness. The goal isn’t to fill every hour with excitement. It’s to be fully present for the moments that already exist. That perspective can be especially valuable as summer comes to an end.
Many people feel an unspoken pressure to “make the most” of the remaining weeks. You create long lists of places to visit, projects to finish, or events to attend before Labor Day. Ironically, trying to do everything often prevents you from enjoying anything. Lagom offers a healthier alternative. Instead of asking, How can I fit more into the end of summer? ask, What would make these last weeks feel meaningful?
For some, that may be one final beach day with family. For others, it might be an afternoon in the garden, an evening around a fire pit, or reading a book on the deck. The activity itself matters less than the intention behind it. Lagom reminds us that “just enough” is often exactly enough. This philosophy also encourages you to embrace seasonal transitions rather than resist them. Nature doesn’t rush from summer into fall. The days gradually become shorter. The evenings become cooler. Trees slowly prepare for change. There is wisdom in this gentle progression. Our own lives can follow a similar rhythm.
Instead of abruptly shifting from vacation mode into a packed schedule, consider easing into the new season. Begin adjusting your sleep routine. Organize your workspace. Reestablish healthy habits that may have drifted during the summer months. These small, intentional changes create a smoother transition and reduce unnecessary stress.
The end of summer also provides an opportunity for reflection. Ask yourself: What brought me the most joy this summer? When did I feel most connected to others? What helped me feel balanced? Which experiences do I want to carry into the fall? The answers often reveal that your greatest moments weren’t the busiest or most expensive. They were likely simple experiences shared with people you care about. A quiet conversation on the deck. An afternoon hike. Ice cream with your family. Watching the sun go down. These moments nourish both the body and the mind because they invite you to slow down, connect, and be fully present.
As a mental health counselor, I often remind clients that well-being isn’t created by extraordinary experiences alone. It grows from your ability to notice and appreciate ordinary moments. When you intentionally savor life’s simple pleasures, you strengthen emotional resilience, reduce stress, and cultivate a greater sense of contentment. It teaches you that happiness doesn’t require constant achievement or endless activity. Instead, it is often found in balance, moderation, and mindful presence.
As summer draws to a close, resist the urge to rush toward what’s next. There will always be another deadline, another season, and another responsibility waiting just around the corner. For now, linger a little longer at the dinner table. Take one more evening walk. Watch one more sunset. Enjoy one more cup of coffee outdoors. The beauty of summer isn’t measured by how much we accomplish before it ends. It’s measured by how fully you experience the moments you’ve been given.
To learn more about lagom, check out my book Swedish Lagom, your guide to living a well-balanced life, filled with happiness, joy, and positivity.
Kortney Yasenka, LCMHC, is a licensed clinical mental health counselor with over 20 years of experience providing individual, family, and group therapy, along with life coaching services, including specialized support for student athletes. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology from Northeastern University and is certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, integrating both traditional and ecotherapy approaches into her work. Throughout her career, Kortney has worked across community mental health settings, school systems, and private practice. She also has experience supporting veterans and active military personnel. In addition to her clinical work, Kortney is a published author whose titles include The Stoicism Book of Quotes The Marcus Aurelius Book of Quotes, Stoicism Quotes for Mind and Body, and Swedish Lagom. She is also a contributing author in The Resilient Warrior.
