In a world often driven by excess, the Swedish concept of “lagom” offers a refreshing counterbalance. Pronounced “lah-gom,” the word loosely translates to “not too little, not too much—just right.” Read on and learn more about lagom living: How finding ‘just enough’ enhances Nordic well-being.
Lagom living is more than a philosophy; it’s a way of life that shapes everything from how people work and socialize to how they eat, decorate their homes, and spend their leisure time. While neighboring countries like Denmark have exported the coziness of “hygge” to international acclaim, Sweden’s contribution to the global wellness conversation is quieter but just as impactful. Lagom is about moderation, balance, and sustainability. It promotes living simply, consuming mindfully, and finding joy in sufficiency rather than abundance.
Origins of Lagom
We can trace the roots of lagom back to ancient Norse culture and the idea of sharing resources equally among a group. According to folklore, the phrase “laget om” (meaning “around the team”) was used to describe how people would pass around a communal vessel of mead so that everyone got just enough. Over time, this idea of fairness and balance evolved into the modern Swedish ideal of lagom. Lagom isn’t about self-denial or frugality; it’s about knowing when something is enough. It encourages a Goldilocks approach to life, helping people make choices that align with their well-being without tipping into overindulgence or deprivation.
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Related: Living the Lagom Life in Sweden
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Applying Lagom to Everyday Life
Embracing lagom doesn’t require a total lifestyle overhaul. It’s the small, intentional choices that often have the most significant impact. For example, instead of filling a home with the latest trends, someone living lagom might invest in a few quality items that serve both form and function. Clothing choices might lean toward timeless pieces that last multiple seasons. Mealtime becomes less about fancy ingredients and more about balanced nutrition and satisfaction. Lagom even extends into how people manage their hobbies and indulgences.
In the same way someone might curate their wardrobe or simplify their home decor, they might also approach consumption habits with moderation in mind. For instance, rather than trying every new trend or stocking up excessively, some people prefer to explore thoughtfully chosen vape flavor collections that offer a satisfying experience without overwhelming the senses. It’s about quality over quantity, and pleasure without excess.
Lagom and Mental Health
One of the lesser-discussed benefits of lagom is its positive impact on mental health. When people pursue balance and avoid extremes, they often find greater contentment. Constant striving, whether for success, material wealth, or social recognition, can lead to burnout. Lagom, in contrast, invites people to appreciate what they have and recognize when they already have enough. In daily life, this might look like choosing a shorter workweek to prioritize time with family, limiting social media use to avoid comparison, or enjoying a modest meal without the need for lavish presentation. Each of these choices supports emotional well-being by fostering a sense of control and contentment.
Environmental Consciousness
Lagom also aligns naturally with sustainable living. In Sweden, environmental stewardship is closely linked to national identity. Choosing just enough often means using fewer resources, creating less waste, and making choices that are gentler on the planet. From cycling instead of driving to supporting local producers and reducing food waste, lagom encourages people to live in harmony with nature. Minimalism and eco-consciousness become less about trendiness and more about living a life that’s both fulfilling and responsible.
Social and Workplace Dynamics
In Scandinavian workplaces, lagom influences everything from leadership styles to office culture. Hierarchies are often flat, and people prioritize collaboration over competition. Meetings are structured yet inclusive, allowing everyone to contribute without dominating the conversation. Socially, lagom fosters community cohesion. There’s an unspoken agreement that no one should take more than their fair share—whether it’s food, attention, or resources. This helps maintain a sense of fairness and equity, which in turn builds trust among peers.
Lagom at Home
Bringing lagom into your home doesn’t mean stripping away everything you own. It means creating an environment that supports your well-being. This might involve decluttering your space, introducing natural light, or using calming color palettes. Homes designed with lagom in mind often favor natural materials, functional furniture, and a few well-loved decorative pieces. The goal is comfort and balance, not perfection. Plants, textiles, and soft lighting help make spaces feel welcoming without overwhelming the senses.
Food and Lagom
In the kitchen, lagom encourages balance and simplicity. Meals are often made from scratch, using seasonal and local ingredients. There’s an emphasis on eating mindfully—savoring each bite rather than rushing through a meal. Portions are moderate, and people enjoy treats without guilt. It’s common to enjoy a “fika,” or coffee break, complete with a cinnamon bun or a small pastry. The key is balance—finding satisfaction in modest indulgence, rather than swinging between restriction and overconsumption.
Why Lagom Resonates Globally
As more people search for ways to escape the pressure of “more is better,” the appeal of lagom grows. Its principles are adaptable across cultures, encouraging individuals to redefine success, pleasure, and self-worth on their own terms. For anyone feeling stretched thin or overwhelmed by the pace of modern life, lagom provides a framework for returning to the center. It asks: What do I really need? What truly adds value to my life? And what can I let go of?
Getting Started with Lagom
Incorporating lagom into your life doesn’t require moving to Sweden or undergoing a complete lifestyle transformation. Instead, it begins with small, intentional shifts such as decluttering a single room to experience the calming effect of space, saying no to one commitment to make room for rest, preparing a simple meal and enjoying it without digital distractions, or reassessing your screen time to create more mental clarity. Even practicing mindful buying—pausing to ask if a purchase truly adds value—can invite a sense of ease and alignment. These modest actions embody the essence of lagom: slowing down, simplifying, and savoring life as it is. Rooted in balance, lagom helps us move away from the relentless pursuit of more and toward a life rich with meaning. When we live in a society that glorifies excess, lagom gently reminds us that having enough is not a limitation—but a quiet kind of abundance.
Lagom Living: How Finding ‘Just Enough’ Enhances Nordic Well‑Being, written for Daily Scandinavian by Danika Kimball. Danika is a ten-year veteran of the SEO industry and is based in Boise, Idaho. Outside of working for Resolve Marketing, she enjoys playing video games and podcasting about The Bachelor.
Feature image (top) © Shoppelagom.no