What is Lagom?

You may have heard of “ Hygge ” a few years ago? It was the lifestyle trend from Denmark that consisted of creating a cozy interior and taking the time to live in order to be happy. “Lagom” is its Swedish cousin. This word, which means “Neither too much nor too little”, sums up the Swedish philosophy of clean living based on moderation, awareness of oneself and others, balance in all things and contact with nature. Here are its principles for a happy life every day.

Neither too much nor too little to be happy

The word lagom (pronounced LAAAA – GOM) which has no equivalent in French, sums up the search for “just what it takes”: a way of life that honors moderation and advocates the happy medium in everything. This notion of “less but better” practiced for centuries by the Swedes is said to have its origins in the meetings during which the Vikings passed around a horn of mead, each drinking only a sip, so that there would be enough for everyone. This state of mind is totally anchored in everyday life and the collective unconscious, tinged with minimalism and concern for the environment . The idea: knowing how to be happy with what you have, preferring quality to quantity, experience over possession by being grateful and respectful. A search for balance in all aspects of one’s life that involves valuing the moment, celebrations and conviviality. We cultivate just what is needed to be happy.

Lagom, or the art of being average, Swedish style

The art of being average - WE ARE CLEAN - CLEAN LIVING

In Sweden, people avoid "standing out from the crowd". On the contrary, it is considered good form to do everything like everyone else, no more, no less. Owning a beautiful house, yes, but not the biggest on the street, nor the smallest for that matter: preferably the same as your neighbor's, that way you are sure to be well perceived. Same for the look: it is casual every day and for everyone. It is also said that when people leave for work in the morning in Stockholm, there is no distinction between social classes. Everything is therefore polished and in Swedish social codes, the ideal is that nothing stands out and not to have a word louder than the other. With networks and openness to the world, the Swedes, who may have felt a form of pressure to always have to be moderate, have found an outlet in creation: Swedish design, small fashion or decoration designers, have acquired an international reputation.

Simplicity and Nordic ecology

Nordic Simplicity - WE ARE CLEAN - CLEAN LIVING

This way of life from the north, and therefore from the cold, is the legacy of a valorization of the connection and moderation that were essential at the time to survive the long and harsh winters. Today, lagom teaches us to value simple things and to refocus on the essentials. We do gardening or painting instead of watching TV, and the connection to nature is nourished every day. It must be said that in Sweden, the omnipresent wild nature is extremely respected. We skate on frozen lakes in winter, we go berry picking in summer and we cycle in all seasons. The Swedes, who have an ancestral awareness of their dependence and vulnerability to nature, see ecology flowing through their veins. It is also written in the Swedish constitution that everyone has the right to access nature wherever they are, provided they do not damage anything and respect the fauna and flora. Finally, having a second home is not a luxury in Sweden, most families have one! Indeed, they are often small traditional houses, very simple, whose objective is to be able to be close to nature, without ostentation.

Lagom consumption = responsible consumption

A more conscious way of living (if we exclude the counter-examples of the giants Ikea and H&M, not at all lagom) which invites us to give meaning to life and consumption. A Swede, for example, will prefer to buy a very beautiful piece of quality furniture , with a soul, which will be passed on, rather than multiplying small purchases. Consumption is reasoned but also sustainable: before buying, it is common in Sweden to find out about a brand's commitments, its manufacturing methods and its ethics. Swedish consumers thus exclude fast fashion in favor of small designers, accumulation in favor of quality minimalism. And above all, the Swedes put leisure before consumption. Decoration, DIY, cooking, games are favored over (over)consumption. Here again, centuries of harsh winters and survival explain the unconscious motivations that Swedes have to refocus on their homes where they spend a lot of time when it's cold outside, rather than on shopping sessions. The interiors are thus very cozy, must be comfortable in a "protective cocoon" spirit, and Swedish decor has not finished inspiring us with its natural materials.

Work-life balance

In this search for the happy medium to live happily, we value time spent with family over time spent at work, and lagom includes corporate culture. Indeed, there is no presenteeism in Sweden: leaving late is rather frowned upon, because it is synonymous with inefficiency! But above all, we finish - whatever our position - at a decent time that allows us to pick up our children from school. There are very few nannies because companies integrate the family life of employees: working hours are adapted, each parent is also entitled to three months of paternity AND maternity leave to be able to stay with their loved ones. Rights that everyone takes without having to suffer stigmatization or being put on the shelf. Work thus remains at its place of work. In Sweden, everything is "kids friendly", designed for children. Even in the middle of the day, the cafés are teeming with parents (fathers and mothers) with their babies, high chairs, where they have a "fika", a gourmet coffee around which they chat and meet.

Lagom is a real philosophy of life halfway between slow life , minimalism and mindfulness that inspires us to live better, more serenely. If Swedish laws support this trend, it is possible to make it our own by applying this joyful moderation on a daily basis. Taking care of yourself and your home , not letting yourself be nibbled away by work and buying consciously brings real personal satisfaction and a lot of serenity. A clean vision of life to adopt all the more quickly since the planet also invites us to follow the path of sobriety on a daily basis to preserve it.