Åh, Sweden—the land of fika, forest hikes, and furniture with names like Björksnäs and Klippan. If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent hours daydreaming about cozy cabins, endless summer nights, and trying to figure out how to pronounce lagom without sounding like you’re coughing up a meatball.
But what if moving or visiting Sweden isn’t on the cards just yet? Don’t worry, my fellow wanderlusters, because I’ve found plenty of ways to live the Swedish dream right where you are. Here’s how you can Sweden your life while still paying rent in Not-Sweden.
1. Master the Art of Fika
Forget your sad desk coffee. Fika is not just a coffee break—it’s a lifestyle. It’s an excuse to sit down with a cinnamon bun (or three), pretend you’re pondering something profound, and spend an unreasonable amount of time with friends or coworkers. Pro tip: Invest in a pair of thick wool socks to complete the vibe. No one fika’s in sneakers.
2. Channel Your Inner Ikea
Why stop at buying Ikea furniture when you can embrace Ikea philosophy? Take minimalism to heart. Toss out everything in your closet except three black sweaters, two striped shirts, and one chunky knit cardigan. Then, spend the next six hours trying to assemble your new Swedish life with a single Allen wrench.
3. Start Using “Hej” for Everything
It means “hello,” but it might as well mean, “I’m effortlessly friendly, chill, and probably on my way to the forest to forage for mushrooms.” Try slipping it into your emails:
“Hey, boss! Hej, I just wanted to follow up on that meeting. P.S. I may or may not be moving to Sweden soon.”
4. Swedish Netflix and Chill
If you’re not watching Young Royals or Bonus Family, are you even trying to be Swedish? Combine this with #1 (fika) for maximum effect. Bonus points if you develop an existential crisis over how effortlessly chic everyone looks in a beanie.
5. Get Outdoorsy (Even if It’s Just for the Gram)
Swedes are all about friluftsliv, or “open-air living,” which is a fancy way of saying, “Go outside and enjoy nature, you weirdo.” Hike, bike, swim in a freezing lake—whatever it takes to convince your followers that you’re now 70% forest elf. Don’t forget to hashtag it #wanderlust.
6. Practice Lagom (or Pretend You Understand It)
Lagom is that elusive Swedish concept of “not too much, not too little—just right.” Kind of like Goldilocks but with more social responsibility and less trespassing. Apply it to everything: your work-life balance, your portion sizes, and your ability to scroll Instagram for hours without falling into an existential spiral. (I’m still working on this one.)
7. Plan Your Escape
Because let’s face it: we all know this is just a warm-up for the real thing. Whether you’re waiting for a visa, saving up for your big move, or trying to figure out how to explain to your family that you’re about to become an honorary Swede, these steps will help you get in the right headspace. (Hint: It’s a cozy, minimalistic headspace with a hint of pine and cinnamon.)
Until then, keep dreaming, keep fika-ing, and remember: wherever you are, there’s always a little bit of Sweden in your heart (or at least in your Ikea catalog).
Skål!
Disclaimer: No Swedes were harmed in the writing of this blog, though several cinnamon buns were consumed.
Swedish Wanderlust 