In a world where technology touches every aspect of our lives, Scandinavia stands out with its unique approach to engaging with digital means. The Scandinavian countries, renowned for their hygge and lagom lifestyle, take this to how they engage with technology. Read on and learn more about Scandinavian digital minimalism: How to implement it in life and business.
Inspired by the Scandinavian lifestyle, we delve deeper into the balance between the digital and real worlds and explore how these schools of thought can transform your business and way of life.
The Nordic Concept of Digital Balance Philosophy
Nordic culture is renowned for its ability to strike a balance in all aspects of life, from work processes to personal time. With the age of information overload and notifications galore, the Scandinavians resort to the lagom philosophy — enough — to digital life. It means employing technology for the right purpose, avoiding excesses, and keeping one’s focus on what matters most.
Unlike most countries, where technology devices can be stress-inducing, the Scandinavians view technology as a tool for improving life, rather than an end in itself. For example, most people strive for balanced digital use by limiting the time spent on social media and selecting apps that promote productivity and well-being.
Simple task management software, such as Todoist or Notion, has gained popularity because it can organize the day with minimal visual clutter. It’s similar to choosing plain but functional Scandinavian home décor — nothing more, just what is necessary.
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Decluttering Your Digital Spaces
One of the core principles of Scandinavian digital minimalism is “digital cleaning.” The Scandinavians keep their homes clean, and they also aim to be clean in life digitally. Some of the practical actions based on this principle are:
- Opt-out of spam mail: Regular inbox examination and opting out of unwanted newsletters that are no longer valuable leads to less noise in information.
- App organization: Instead of keeping dozens of applications on the smartphone’s home screen, it is better to categorize them or keep only the essentials.
- Setting digital boundaries: The practice of “digital detox,” where devices are turned off at specific hours to engage with family or nature, is widely practiced.
This approach also applies to business. For teams seeking effective digital presence, it’s crucial to choose advertising platforms like FatAds that align with moderation and mindfulness principles, avoiding excessive and intrusive advertising — a golden balance between efficiency and a thoughtful approach.
Scandinavians, too, surprisingly, like technologies that gracefully integrate themselves into their lives. Instead of fitness trackers with complex features, the majority opt for simple devices such as Fitbit, which provide only the essentials without any extraneous distractions. This is yet another expression of lagom in action — technology is meant to help humans, not distract them.
Scandinavian Digital Minimalism: How to Implement It in Life and Business, article continues below image.
Practical Tips for Embracing Scandinavian Digital Minimalism
If you are keen to incorporate the Scandinavian look into your life and enterprise, here are a couple of suggestions to begin with:
- Review your screen use: Utilize your phone’s built-in features to track how much time you spend on apps and set limits for social media use.
- Quality over quantity: Choose those services and apps that genuinely meet your needs. For example, rather than having a dozen messaging apps, keep at most one or two that are easiest to use.
- Tech-free zones: Take a cue from Danish hygge and find areas in your house where technology is prohibited, such as the dinner table or bedroom.
These simple changes can have a significant impact on your overall well-being. Start small by keeping your phone behind when going for a walk, and rather than your default programs, utilize those that are forms of digital minimalism:
| Tool | Purpose | Key Feature | Availability |
| Todoist | Task Management | Minimalist interface | iOS, Android, Web |
| Headspace | Meditation | Guided sessions for focus | iOS, Android, Web |
| Sleep Cycle | Sleep Tracking | Non-intrusive sleep analysis | iOS, Android |
| Freedom | Distraction Blocking | Block apps and websites | iOS, Android, Web |
These programs help millions of individuals around the world, including those in Scandinavia, stay balanced in their online lives. Utilize them to discover how technology can work with you, rather than for you.
Proven Benefits
The Scandinavian culture of digital minimalism not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also confers real benefits to both mental and physical health. According to the systematic review “Association of Screen Time With Sleep Outcomes in Children and Adolescents,” the use of electronic devices before sleep is associated with delayed sleep onset, decreased sleep duration, and lower sleep quality.
Additionally, in a study titled “Negative Online Content Exposure: A Form of Vicious Cycle Affecting Mental Health” by experts from University College London, it was determined that exposure to harmful online material worsens mood and contributes to a vicious cycle of poor mental health. Researchers emphasize how digital detox helps terminate this cycle.
Hence, Scandinavian digital minimalism guidelines are indeed positive towards improved quality of life and mental health, as verified by empirical evidence.
Final Thoughts: Adopt Digital Hygge
By creating an online world filled with the lagom and hygge spirit, we can strike a balance between our work and life, enriching both. Try to apply these principles today — start small, such as disabling unwanted notifications, and see how your mind frees itself from unnecessary stress while retaining its energy.
Scandinavian Digital Minimalism: How to Implement It in Life and Business, written for Daily Scandinavian by Taylor Reed. Taylor is a writer specializing in lifestyle, technology, and productivity topics, with a focus on how cultural philosophies influence modern living and business practices. Passionate about exploring mindful approaches to digital technology, the author aims to provide practical insights that help readers achieve balance and well-being in an increasingly connected world.
Feature image (top) © Emily Platts “Hygge hus”, College of Design