Lagom

Introduction

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, the Swedish concept of "lagom" offers a refreshing approach to life. Linnea Dunne's book "Lagom" explores this unique philosophy that has shaped Swedish culture for generations. But what exactly is lagom, and how can it benefit our lives?

Lagom, which roughly translates to "not too little, not too much, just right," is a guiding principle that encourages balance in all aspects of life. It's about finding the sweet spot between excess and deprivation, whether in work, relationships, or personal habits. This concept, deeply rooted in Swedish history and culture, offers valuable insights for anyone seeking a more harmonious and fulfilling existence.

Dunne, who grew up in Sweden and later moved to Dublin, Ireland, shares her personal experiences and observations to illustrate how lagom shapes Swedish society. Through her book, she invites readers to explore this balanced approach to life and consider how it might be applied in their own contexts.

The Origins and Meaning of Lagom

The concept of lagom likely dates back to Viking times, when equal distribution and fairness were crucial for survival. This historical context has shaped lagom into a principle that values moderation, consideration, and community.

It's important to note that lagom isn't about settling for mediocrity or avoiding excellence. Instead, it's about finding the right balance in every situation. This could mean adding just the right amount of milk to your coffee, or taking a thoughtful approach to community responsibilities.

Lagom in the Workplace

One of the most striking applications of lagom is in the Swedish approach to work-life balance. Unlike many cultures where overwork is glorified, Swedish work culture emphasizes efficiency and trust.

Efficient Work Hours

In Sweden, it's common for employees to leave the office as soon as their work hours are over. This isn't seen as lazy or uncommitted; rather, it's an expectation based on the understanding that work should be completed efficiently within designated hours. This approach allows for a clear separation between work and personal life, promoting overall well-being.

Fika: The Art of the Coffee Break

A key element of Swedish work culture is the tradition of fika. This isn't just a quick coffee break, but a cherished time for colleagues to connect over coffee and pastries. Fika serves multiple purposes:

1. It provides a mental break from work, allowing employees to recharge.
2. It fosters social connections among coworkers.
3. It can boost creativity and productivity by allowing for informal discussions.

Regular fika breaks throughout the day contribute to a more relaxed and collaborative work environment.

Inclusive Decision-Making

Swedish workplaces often employ a process called förankringsprocessen, which involves all employees in decision-making. From top executives to new hires, everyone has a voice in this process. This inclusive approach:

1. Builds trust among team members.
2. Ensures diverse perspectives are considered.
3. Creates a sense of shared responsibility for outcomes.

While this process might take longer initially, it often leads to more efficient implementation of decisions and higher employee satisfaction.

Lagom in Family Life

The principle of lagom extends beyond the workplace into family life, shaping policies and cultural norms that support work-life balance.

Generous Parental Leave

Sweden is known for its generous parental leave policies. Parents are given 480 days of leave to share between them, allowing both mothers and fathers to play active roles in childcare. This policy has given rise to terms like "lattepappor" (latte dads) and "lattemammor" (yummy mummies), reflecting the normalcy of seeing parents out with their children during work hours.

Subsidized Childcare

To further support working parents, Sweden offers subsidized childcare for all children over one year old. This ensures that parents can return to work without the financial burden of expensive childcare, promoting gender equality in the workforce.

Fredagsmys: Cozy Friday Evenings

The Swedish tradition of fredagsmys, or cozy Friday evenings, exemplifies the lagom approach to balancing work and relaxation. After a week of work, families come together for simple, comforting activities like enjoying a taco buffet while watching TV. This practice:

1. Marks a clear transition from work to weekend.
2. Encourages quality time with loved ones.
3. Emphasizes relaxation and comfort over elaborate plans.

Lagom in Personal Time

The lagom philosophy recognizes the importance of personal time for mental health, creativity, and overall life satisfaction.

Experimenting with Shorter Work Days

Some Swedish companies are experimenting with six-hour workdays, acknowledging that more time at work doesn't necessarily equate to higher productivity. This approach aims to give employees more time for personal pursuits, hobbies, and relaxation.

Encouraging Creative Pursuits

Sweden's culture promotes engagement in creative and community activities. For children, after-school programs called fritids (meaning "free time") encourage exploration of hobbies and skills beyond academics. This emphasis on diverse interests continues into adulthood, with many Swedes actively participating in clubs and community groups.

Lagom in Swedish Cuisine

The Swedish approach to food and drink beautifully embodies the lagom principle, emphasizing balance, mindfulness, and connection to nature.

The Importance of Fika

While fika is crucial in the workplace, it's equally important in personal life. Weekend fika often involves a spread of open sandwiches, fruit, and various baked goods. The iconic kanelbullar (cinnamon bun) is a staple, its aroma synonymous with comfort and warmth in Swedish homes.

Socializing Through Food

Food plays a central role in Swedish social life. Discussions about recipes, shared meals, and picnics are common ways to connect with others. Picnics, in particular, embody the lagom spirit:

1. They're flexible and economical.
2. They encourage enjoyment of the outdoors.
3. They provide a relaxed setting for socializing.

Foraging and Self-Sufficiency

The Swedish connection to nature is evident in the common practice of foraging. Many Swedes enjoy collecting wild ingredients like elderflowers for homemade cordials. This practice:

1. Connects people with nature.
2. Promotes sustainability.
3. Provides a sense of self-sufficiency.

The New Nordic Cuisine

The New Nordic Cuisine movement aligns perfectly with lagom principles. It emphasizes:

1. Using local, seasonal ingredients.
2. Reducing food waste and food miles.
3. Balancing traditional and innovative cooking techniques.

Home Gardening and Allotments

Many Swedes grow their own produce, whether in home gardens or community allotments. This practice not only provides fresh, healthy food but also offers a respite from urban life and a connection to the growing process.

Practical Approach to Leftovers

The Swedish dish pyttipanna, which transforms leftover meat and vegetables into a new meal, exemplifies the practical, waste-not approach to cooking. This frugality extends even to sweets, with the tradition of lördagsgodis (Saturday sweets) teaching children moderation and self-control.

Lagom and Outdoor Life

The Swedish love for the outdoors is deeply intertwined with the concept of lagom, promoting balance, community, and connection with nature.

Friskis&Svettis: Inclusive Fitness

Friskis&Svettis classes, often held in parks, embody the lagom approach to fitness. These classes are:

1. Affordable and accessible.
2. Welcoming to all fitness levels.
3. Focused on enjoyment rather than intense competition.

Community Exercise

In smaller towns, neighbors often organize outdoor fitness clubs for activities like jogging or casual football games. This communal approach to exercise:

1. Keeps participants motivated.
2. Adds a social element to fitness.
3. Makes exercise feel less like a chore and more like fun.

Lagom Transportation

The Swedish approach to transportation reflects lagom principles. Walking or cycling for errands is seen as an opportunity to:

1. Get exercise.
2. Save money.
3. Reduce environmental impact.
4. Explore and appreciate one's surroundings.

Embracing Friluftsliv

Friluftsliv, the Nordic philosophy of outdoor life, encourages activities like hiking, bird watching, and camping. This concept:

1. Promotes connection with nature.
2. Encourages disconnection from screens and technology.
3. Emphasizes simple pleasures and mindfulness.

Allemansrätten: The Right to Roam

The Swedish right of public access to nature, known as allemansrätten, allows people to swim, cycle, and pick flowers almost anywhere. This freedom:

1. Encourages outdoor exploration.
2. Fosters respect for the environment.
3. Promotes a sense of shared responsibility for nature.

Year-Round Outdoor Activities

Swedes embrace the outdoors in all seasons, from winter sports during sportlov (sports break) to summer barbecues and outdoor yoga. This year-round engagement with nature:

1. Promotes physical health.
2. Provides opportunities for social connection.
3. Encourages appreciation for changing seasons.

Lagom and Emotional Well-being

The lagom approach to emotions and mental health emphasizes balance and mindfulness.

Balanced Emotional Expression

Swedish culture encourages acknowledging all emotions without overemphasizing any single one. This balanced approach:

1. Helps raise well-adjusted children.
2. Promotes emotional intelligence.
3. Reduces stigma around mental health.

Mindfulness and Stress Management

Techniques like box breathing and mindfulness are used to maintain emotional balance. These practices:

1. Help manage stress.
2. Promote present-moment awareness.
3. Improve overall mental well-being.

Lagom and Social Bonding

The lagom approach to social interactions fosters genuine connections and a trusting society.

Direct Communication

Swedish culture values honesty and directness in communication. This approach:

1. Reduces misunderstandings.
2. Builds trust in relationships.
3. Makes silences feel natural rather than awkward.

Home Gatherings

Swedes prefer socializing at home rather than in bars or clubs. These gatherings:

1. Emphasize comfort and simplicity.
2. Are often more affordable than going out.
3. Allow for more intimate and meaningful interactions.

Club Membership

Joining clubs is a common way for Swedes to socialize. This practice:

1. Fosters connections based on shared interests.
2. Emphasizes collective enjoyment over individual achievement.
3. Provides regular opportunities for social interaction.

Neighborly Trust

In Swedish apartment blocks, often organized as cooperative housing associations, there's a strong emphasis on neighborly trust and shared responsibility. This approach:

1. Creates a sense of community.
2. Encourages collective problem-solving.
3. Contributes to overall happiness and well-being.

Lagom and Sustainable Living

The lagom principle naturally aligns with sustainable living practices, encouraging mindful consumption and environmental consciousness.

Efficient Recycling

Recycling is deeply ingrained in Swedish culture. The country's efficient system ensures that:

1. Only 1% of household waste ends up in landfills.
2. Recycling feels rewarding through deposit return schemes.
3. Sorting waste becomes a habitual practice.

Sustainable Transportation

The use of public transport and bicycles is widespread in Sweden. This collective effort:

1. Reduces carbon emissions.
2. Promotes physical activity.
3. Fosters a sense of shared responsibility for the environment.

Mindful Consumption

Swedish culture promotes mindful consumption through practices like:

1. Köpstopp: Committing to not buying anything for a set period.
2. Plastbanta: Gradually reducing plastic use.
3. Buying secondhand items to reduce waste and add character to homes.

Energy Efficiency

Simple energy-saving practices are common in Swedish homes, such as:

1. Lowering thermostats slightly to reduce heating bills.
2. Using LED bulbs for lighting.
3. Choosing energy-efficient appliances.

Sustainable Food Choices

Many Swedes are adopting more plant-based diets, recognizing the environmental benefits of reducing meat consumption.

Upcycling and Repurposing

Creative reuse of items is encouraged, turning old objects into new treasures and reducing waste.

Minimalism

The lagom approach naturally aligns with minimalist principles, focusing on:

1. Keeping only what's necessary and meaningful.
2. Creating clutter-free spaces for mental clarity.
3. Valuing experiences over possessions.

Final Thoughts

The Swedish concept of lagom offers a refreshing perspective on life in our often chaotic and excessive world. By embracing this principle of "not too little, not too much, just right," we can create more balance in our lives, from our work habits to our social interactions and consumption patterns.

Lagom isn't about perfection or deprivation; it's about finding contentment and sustainability in all aspects of life. It encourages us to:

1. Value efficiency and trust in the workplace.
2. Prioritize work-life balance and family time.
3. Connect with nature and embrace outdoor activities.
4. Foster genuine social connections.
5. Approach consumption and living habits with mindfulness and sustainability.

While lagom is deeply rooted in Swedish culture, its principles can be adapted to various cultural contexts. By incorporating elements of lagom into our lives, we can work towards creating more harmonious, fulfilling, and sustainable lifestyles.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the lagom approach reminds us to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves: Is this too much? Too little? Or just right? In finding that balance, we may discover a more contented and meaningful way of living.