Sweden, consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, lives life based on a simple principle: lagom.
Lagom, pronounced lar-gohm, translates directly as “moderate.” The idea behind lagom is balancing each aspect of your life to create more happiness.
So how do we begin to live life more moderately?
Keep your home clean and organized
In the United States, we often associate high social status with large houses full of stuff. Lagom embraces something resembling minimalism – keep the things you need and the things that bring you joy. For example, do you have a cabinet in your kitchen overflowing with baking sheets or appliances you don’t use? Get rid of what you don’t need. Less clutter is equal to less stress in the world of lagom.
Make coffee breaks real breaks
Instead of hurrying to the coffee shop down the street or rushing to fill up your cup before your next meeting, take an actual coffee break. Take your time walking to the coffee shop and notice the things around you. Just walking to your kitchen for another cup? Take a break to pet your dog on the way. Sit with your coffee and listen to some of your favorite music or your favorite podcast. Taking a break can actually make you more productive.
Reduce food waste
In the United States somewhere between 30% and 40% of the total food supply becomes food waste. You can help drive this number down by eating leftovers, and buying only the groceries you need. Need some inspiration to spruce up your leftovers? Look no further. Need help know what groceries to buy and in what quantity? Consider learning the art of meal-prep, planning meals on your calendar, or using a meal-kit service
Perform Random Acts of Kindness
Drop a meal off for a friend who just had a baby, compliment at least 3 people every day, send someone a hand-written card just because, hold the door for someone, or buy a coffee for the person behind you in the drive-through. Performing acts of kindness like this can increase your happiness, strengthen your relationships, lower your blood pressure, and may help improve anxiety and depression.
Listen
All too often we find ourselves in conversations simply waiting for our turn to speak. Instead of thinking about what you’ll say next or how your friend can fix a problem they’re experiencing, simply listen and process what others in the conversation have to say.
