Ever felt like your life is a chaotic juggling act of work deadlines, social obligations, and endless Netflix queues, like you’ll never finish? Sweden has a word for you: lagom.
Pronounced lah-gohm (and definitely not like “legume”), lagom roughly translates to “just the right amount.” Not too much, not too little… just a Goldilocks-approved sweet spot of balance. It’s less about having your cake and eating it too and more about just having the perfect slice, paired with a coffee, during fika.
What Is Lagom, Really?
Lagom isn’t just a word – it’s a way of life. It’s about finding balance in everything, from work and relationships to home decor and how many cinnamon buns you consume in one sitting (one is lagom; six… not so much). It’s the quiet middle ground between extremes, the art of knowing when enough is truly enough.
Think of it this way: While Americans are busy chasing “the hustle” and Italians live by the phrase dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing), Swedes are over here nailing life with a humble lagom är bäst—“lagom is best.”
How Lagom Shows Up in Swedish Life
1. In Work-Life Balance
Swedes are the undisputed champions of the 6-hour workday and generous parental leave. They don’t live to work—they work to live. And by “live,” they mean spending time in nature, enjoying fika, or perfecting their minimalist home decor.
2. In Home Decor
Forget flashy colors or oversized furniture. Swedish homes are designed with simplicity, functionality, and lagom in mind. It’s all about cozy spaces with just enough personality (and maybe a few IKEA pieces because, well, Sweden).
3. In Food
Swedes take a balanced approach to eating. Sure, they’ll indulge in sweets (it’s called Lördagsgodis, or “Saturday candy”), but they also love whole grains, fresh fish, and seasonal veggies. It’s all about enjoying a little of everything without overdoing it.
4. In Social Life
Lagom applies to relationships too. Swedes value meaningful conversations over small talk, quality over quantity. Social gatherings are relaxed, intimate affairs—think coffee with a friend rather than a wild party.
Why You Need Lagom in Your Life
If you’re feeling burnt out, overcommitted, or just plain overwhelmed, lagom might be the philosophy you didn’t know you needed. It’s about stepping back from the all-or-nothing mentality and finding contentment in the “just enough.”
Want to adopt lagom? Start small:
• Declutter your home and keep only what sparks joy and serves a purpose.
• Say “no” to things that don’t align with your priorities (without guilt).
• Embrace slow living—walk instead of drive, cook instead of order takeout.
• And for goodness’ sake, make time for fika!
The Lagom Legacy
In a world that glorifies excess, lagom is a gentle reminder to slow down, simplify, and savor life. It’s about finding happiness in balance, contentment in moderation, and beauty in simplicity.
So, maybe the Swedes are onto something. And maybe—just maybe—it’s time to ditch the “go big or go home” mantra and embrace the art of just enough. Because sometimes, the middle ground isn’t boring—it’s lagom.
Swedish Wanderlust 