Lagom (pronounced lah-gom), is a way of life, and it could be argued that it’s the single most famous expression in the Swedish vernacular. “A good way to describe it would be, everything in moderation, not too much, not too little, just the right amount.” 

One example of using lagom in a sentence, is as simple as ordering coffee at a café. “Say you take cream in your coffee, and the server asks how much cream you’d like. You would just say lagom. That’s it, lagom. And it’s just understood—not too much cream, not too little, just the perfect amount.”

The Swedes apply lagom to every aspect of life so you can work a lagom amount, you can eat a lagom amount, you can dress a lagom amount. It’s all about maintaining an equilibrium.” While lagom is an expressly Swedish philosophy not to be confused as a trend or passing phase, it can be applied to anyone, no matter the country code.

So, with a new year, here are just a few of the ways you can bring a little lagom into your life in 2018.

Keep  a Tidy Home

Lagom is all about maintaining the perfect balance, and keeping a clean and organized home is the key to kicking the year off right. Get rid of junk and clutter. Keeping a minimalistic home is really helpful in staying organized.  Another piece of home advice ? Never wear shoes indoors. “In schools, and in people’s homes in Sweden, you are expected to take your shoes off. It keeps the house cleaner and tidier, which brings it back to the idea of staying organized. One typically Swedish thing to do, especially in the country, is to keep a basket of slippers or woolly socks for your guests.

Leave Your Desk for Lunch

This is something we’ve all been guilty of at one time or another, but it’s integral to maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. In Sweden, the term fika means to take a break and enjoy a small treat. It’s a concept as much as a daily way of life. It could be with a colleague, your entire team, by yourself, with your dog. The idea is to just take some time away from your work and recharge. Nobody has the ability to focus for 10 hours straight, so by allowing yourself to recover a little bit, you’ll find you become so much more efficient. Sometimes you have to force yourself to do it. Maybe you have to set a timer or a reminder to take a break. The important thing is that you do it every day.

Walk as often as you can

Surround yourself with nature. That can be as simple as going for an old-fashioned walk in the park. It’s so important to maintain a sense of stillness, especially when you’re living in a big city. There comes a point when you’re working so many hours in the week, you become way less efficient. Walking is one of the really simple things you can do that can help recharge you. Walking reduces stress, cheers you up and increases self-esteem.

Cozy up the Bedroom, and Leave your Phone outside

It’s so important to make your bedroom like your sanctuary. You really should strive for it to be a calm environment, and as digital-free as possible. “One thing Swedes do is they have two duvets, not one, on a double bed. So if you’re sharing your bed with your partner, you each have your own duvet. It means you can choose one that’s personal to you, and you’re not fighting over the duvet at night. This is a very Swedish thing, and the result means everyone gets a better night’s sleep.”