How Does the Perspective of Lagom Work for Winter? What is Lagom? Simply put, this traditional Swedish concept means: just the right amount – not too much, not too little. The focus is on moderation and balance, and is said to describe the Swedish national psyche, one of consensus and equality. Their proverb neatly demonstrating this: “enough is as good as a feast” or “the right amount is best.” It’s about finding balance in all aspects of life, whether it be work, socialising and relaxation. Another facet of Lagom is social awareness, where we recognise that our actions affect others. This is based on fairness, for example, not eating all the cookies or pushing your way through the supermarket. Not just countering hoarding and consumerism, Lagom is contentment in having and being enough. It seems that traditionally, the Winter season swings between extremes. With December tending to focus on excess (“A third mince pie? Why not, it’s Christmas!”), January inevitably starts with pushing the concept of harshly cutting back (“strict dieting regimes for a new you!”). Lagom offers a refreshing alternative that offers the best of both worlds. For instance, how much better do you feel for not overconsuming? And equally, how does it feel to escape punishing routines in the darkest months? A Little Background The word “Lagom” originates from the word “law” derives from laghum – “according to law”. Not law in the judicial context, but common-sense law: “according to common sense.” The earliest use of Lagom was recorded in 17th century texts. However, the approach that Lagom uses dates much further back – Aristotle championed it in the 4th century BC. It was also a concept used in some form across many ancient philosophies and faiths. There are several theories about its origin. The most popular myth is that in the Viking era (between 8th and 11th centuries) communal horns of mead would be passed around and everyone would sip their fair share – “laget om” being “around the team” and Lagom being an abbreviation. It certainly fits the philosophy but is sadly false! How can Lagom Work for Us? Rooted in simplicity, function and equilibrium, this concept has gained popularity and following worldwide. Lagom can be broken down into positive habits that contribute to a healthier life… Quality Connection Lagom is used to strike the balance between social gatherings and solitude. This could look like choosing quality over quantity in friendships, where it is better for social wellbeing to invest in developing and maintaining deeper connections with fewer people. The focus is on improving social connections by establishing healthy relationships; working on qualities such as loyalty, respecting the individual’s space and self-reliance. The other aspect is feeling pressurised into filling the calendar – December can be too much and January ends up being an anticlimax. Spreading out engagements lends more meaning to each one. It’s also OK to honour the fact that you need downtime, and indeed, make time for activities that recharge and bring joy, such as hobbies or travel. It would be wrong not to mention a digital detox. If we’re honest with ourselves, it takes a good deal of self-awareness to realise that our connection with tech strays into the “too much” category. Allowing intentional pockets of time to disconnect comes with well-known benefits such as improved sleep quality, better productivity and improved relationships. If this causes anxiety, start small! Building up gradually is the Lagom way – after all, it’s all about balance. Work/Life Balance The key to Lagom in this area of life is to maintain boundaries. Having designated work and rest spaces (either physically or in your schedule) avoids the overlap that gets so many of us into trouble. It gives us the opportunity to work hard without burning out, socialise without neglecting responsibilities and downtime without the procrastination. Finding a level of work that allows you to be productive without sacrificing your wellbeing is important. This could look like taking breaks; in keeping with the Swedish theme, coffee breaks – fika paus – or brain breaks, where you momentarily look away from the screen every hour. This could also cover rewarding yourself for completing a tough task or seeking support if needed. People taking breaks have more energy, concentration and motivation, suffering less from headaches and back pain (a 2015 study by Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business in the USA). This crosses over into finding time for both exercise and rest. They encourage mental balance for a more focused way of life. Both benefit the mind and better equip us to cope with the everyday. Finding time for little joys, or a corner of peace, helps to get away from anxieties. Lagom lifestyle focuses on the concept of “ritual” – a simple activity that we dedicate to live more consciously. Home Comforts Famously, Swedish design in interiors and furniture is rooted in the Lagom concept. This shows itself as simplicity, practicality and longevity. Neutral colours are the preferred palette - far from being sterile, they are used in such a way that creates a warm and welcoming environment, evoking serenity and maximising natural light. This can also be optimised by thoughtful placing of furniture, such as placing your desk near a window. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and linen are preferred, while wood is a warm choice of material. When it comes to what we fill our homes with, the idea is to keep only what makes us happy – objects that mean a lot to us, which convey emotions, have history and are important. The rule of thumb is: if something comes into the house, something has to go. After all, it’s well-documented that less clutter reduces anxiety! Plants are an important interior staple. Not only do they create a peaceful atmosphere, but they free the air from polluting substances. Stepping up from this, growing your own food is part of the Lagom lifestyle, if possible. Even the simplicity of freshly grown herbs on the windowsill comes with a sense of reward when adding extra flavour to your cooking. Conscious Choices Another facet of Lagom’s wellbeing benefits is being part of something greater than yourself – and this particularly comes into play when considering environmental aspects. The “enough” principle can look like reusing and giving new life to objects, or relocating used furniture with creativity, imagination and taste. It’s amazing how giving something a new lease of life boosts your problem-solving abilities and the satisfaction of completing a small project! “It is not he who has the most who is happiest, but he who needs the least” is another Lagom-related quote that fits in well with eco-friendly lifestyle switches. Restrained shopping can sound painful; however, it helps you value what you have. And this is especially true when spending more on something long-lasting rather than cheap and poorly made. So, when it comes to fashion, conscious consumption is the way forward – a simple collection of outfits made from sustainable materials that respect the environment. With food, moderation is key for balance and satisfaction. Simplicity is in the form of genuine ingredients and limiting meat intake. Lagom sits with the messages that are becoming more prevalent; sustainable, ethical and local consumption where possible. Conserving resources and saving not only positively impacts the planet, but contributes to our sense of wellbeing. Lagom and Essential Oils How does this concept fit into the world of aromatherapy? Here, we take an overview of understated essential oils that help bring in emotional balance… Frankincense – Calming and boosts focus. The heart note in our Autumn Harmony blend. Bergamot – Uplifting and soothing. Tops our Spring Vitality and Serenity Spa blends. Grapefruit – Refreshing and comforting. Mandarin – Counters irritability and cheering. A top note in our Summer Radiance blend. Lavender – Enhances relaxation and eases anxiety. Neroli – Soothes shock and a busy mind. The heart of our Summer Radiance blend. Basil – Encourages emotional regulation. Clove – Counters mental and physical lethargy. Features as a top note in our Winter Rest blend. Geranium – Cooling and helps calm restlessness. A middle note in our Autumn Harmony and Serenity Spa blends. Clary Sage – Soothing and boosts self-confidence. In a world that pushes for extremes, Lagom is a refreshing perspective. Who doesn’t long for a simple, unhurried life? Living and working in harmony, awareness and simplicity leads to feeling happier. The Swedes famously demonstrate this, performing well in surveys of the happiest countries in the world. At the fresh start of a new year, it might be worth asking yourself: what suits your unique rhythm? The middle path is far from mediocre – it can be the most fulfilling!
