In the pursuit of happiness and wellness, many people turn to various trends and philosophies to guide their lifestyle. But how does one measure happiness? What are the main aspects you consider when measuring your own happiness? Personal life, relationships with others, work, family, interests and activities, living a meaningful life, finding purpose in your life, stable finances? The list is endless. But what makes one person “happier” than another? And can people learn to be happier? The simple answer is YES, and the Swedes know the secret.
Time and time again Sweden is rated as one of the “happiest” countries in the world. What do they do so differently from other countries that guarantee a happy life? The answer is found in a small yet very powerful word lagom. Lagom is a Swedish word that translates to “just the right amount.” Consider it the Goldilocks life philosophy. Not too much and not too little. Lagom is all about balance and can be applied to every aspect of your life. Finding the right balance is the key to living a happy and successful life. Balance is what keeps you steady and upright. Whether it be physically, emotionally, socially, or spiritually, balance, or rather lagom living is the determining factor of life satisfaction.
This principle has deep roots in Swedish culture and has been instrumental in shaping how the Swedish people approach life, health, and happiness. The good news is you don’t have to be Swedish to reap the benefits of living lagom. The lagom lifestyle can be tailored to many different cultures, backgrounds, and living situations.
One of the main concepts of living lagom is finding joy in just enough, as I laid out in my book Swedish Lagom: Finding Joy in Just Enough. This means acknowledging and appreciating the little things in life. Whether it be a spending time with family or loved ones, a lone walk outdoors, or cozying up by the fire at night, lagom teaches you to be present and find joy in the day-to-day moments. By doing so, you afford yourself the opportunity to be mindful and find purpose in each experience. Whether it be finding balance in work, relationships, personal time, or lifestyle choices, embracing the lagom lifestyle can help decrease stress, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed.
To begin living lagom first ask yourself, “Am I living in balance right now?” Reflect on your current lifestyle choices and daily habits and identify what areas of your life need more balance. Lagom isn’t about perfection or adhering to a strict set of rules. It’s about tuning in to what feels “just right” for you in different areas of life. Try to create a balanced approach to work, where you don’t overwork but also don’t underachieve. Set boundaries with your time and energy so you can be productive while also having time to recharge and enjoy life outside of work.
Finally, just as important as work is rest. Lagom encourages leisurely activities like spending time with loved ones, going for walks, reading, or enjoying nature. All things that can be done daily to help you recharge and help you find balance which will ultimately lead to a joyful and happy life!
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 who provides individual, family, and group therapy, as well as life coaching services. She is certified in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy and has experience working with veterans and active military personnel. She has a Masters in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology from Northeastern University. With over 15 years of experience, Kortney has worked in community mental health, school systems, and private practice while specializing in mood disorders, school and work related issues, life transitions, and self-esteem. Kortney is the co-author of The Stoicism Book of Quotes and wrote the foreword to The Resilient Warrior. Her newest book which she co-writes with her mom is Swedish Lagom.
