“I love the sound of the Scandinavian lifestyle, but tell me the truth… isn’t this lagom lifestyle just a fancy word for doing less? Because in my world, if I slow down, everything piles up—emails, bills, deadlines, laundry. How can balance actually work in real life?”
That question is exactly why lagom has fascinated so many people outside Sweden. It is not just a wellness trend or another Pinterest aesthetic. Lagom is a cultural mindset deeply woven into everyday Swedish life. It means “just the right amount” and is about finding the sweet spot between too much and too little. It is about balance, moderation, and sustainability in how you work, live, eat, and even rest.
If hygge from Denmark is about coziness, lagom is about harmony. And unlike extreme lifestyle trends that ask you to overhaul your life, lagom invites you to adjust the volume rather than change the song completely.
Where Lagom Comes From
The word lagom is believed to come from the Old Norse phrase laget om, meaning “around the team.” Legend has it that in Viking times, a drinking horn filled with mead was passed around the circle. Each person took just enough so that everyone got a fair share. That ancient sense of moderation and collective care still echoes in Sweden’s modern culture.
A Story from Stockholm: The Lagom Way in Action
A friend once told me about her first work trip to Stockholm. She arrived early to impress her new Swedish colleagues. By 4:55 pm, she noticed everyone calmly closing their laptops and putting on coats. At 5 pm sharp, the office was empty. No one stayed behind to “look busy.” The next morning, the same colleagues showed up on time, looking refreshed and focused.
This is lagom at work—literally. In Sweden, overworking is not a badge of honor. People take their full lunch break. Overtime is rare. Work-life balance is not just a buzzword but a shared expectation. It creates a healthier work culture and, according to a 2020 OECD Better Life Index report, contributes to Sweden’s high productivity and life satisfaction scores.
Why Our Brains and Bodies Thrive with Lagom
The lagom lifestyle aligns beautifully with what neuroscience tells us about performance and well-being. Constant overdrive keeps the stress hormone cortisol elevated, which can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even reduced immunity.
Slowing down and working at a sustainable pace allows the parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” mode—to activate. This is when your heart rate lowers, digestion improves, and your brain has space for creative problem-solving. It is like pouring tea into a cup that is half empty instead of one that is already spilling over.
There is also decision fatigue to consider. A balanced approach means fewer unnecessary choices and more mental energy for what really matters. A study on strategic rest found that breaks improve cognitive performance and reduce mental fatigue.
If you want to see how slowing down can benefit your mornings, read our guide on mindful morning routines for a calmer day.
Busting the Myth: Lagom is Not Laziness
One of the biggest misconceptions about the lagom lifestyle is that it is about lowering ambition. In reality, it is about sustaining ambition without self-destruction.
Think of it like marathon training. If you sprint every day without rest, you will burn out before you cross the finish line. Lagom is about running at a steady pace so you can keep going year after year.
Swedes still innovate, build global brands like IKEA and Spotify, and maintain strong economic growth. They simply do so without glorifying exhaustion. Balance, not burnout, is the goal.
Lagom and Sustainability
Lagom is also deeply connected to how Swedes approach sustainability.
Cycling or walking to work is common in cities.
Buying second-hand is a respected choice, not a last resort.
Food waste is minimized through thoughtful meal planning.
If sustainability interests you, you might enjoy our article on financial stability through slow living, which explores how balance applies to money as well as time.
What Lagom Looks Like in Daily Life
Lagom is not a single set of rules but a way of making decisions that create balance. It can be adapted to any lifestyle. Here are a few examples:
1. For a Working Parent
Instead of signing the kids up for every after-school activity, you choose one or two that they truly enjoy. Family dinners become a priority, and weekends include both social plans and downtime at home.
2. For a Creative Entrepreneur
Rather than saying yes to every client or opportunity, you set clear boundaries. You leave time for creative exploration, knowing that inspiration needs breathing room.
3. For Someone Living in a Busy City
You may not be able to slow the city’s pace, but you can walk to work a few days a week, take lunch in the park, and make your home a calm, uncluttered space.
How Lagom Differs From Other Slow Living Ideas
While all slow living concepts overlap, each has its own focus:
Hygge (Denmark): About coziness and comfort.
Ikigai (Japan): About living with purpose.
Lagom (Sweden): About moderation and balance in all areas of life.
Recognizing these differences helps you choose what resonates most with your lifestyle.
Common Challenges When Adopting Lagom Outside Sweden
Introducing lagom into a fast-paced culture can feel tricky. Common barriers include:
Workplace norms that reward overwork.
Social pressure to stay constantly “busy.”
Fear of missing out if you slow down.
A helpful approach is to start with small, non-disruptive changes. For example, block your lunch break on your calendar, or replace one evening of social events with a quiet night in.
How to Bring Lagom Into Your Life Without Moving to Sweden
You do not need to live in Stockholm to live the lagom lifestyle. Start small and build from there:
Practice mindful consumption: Before buying something new, ask yourself if it is truly necessary.
Redefine success: Measure achievements by well-being as much as by productivity.
Schedule real breaks: Step away from your desk during lunch. Take a walk without your phone.
Create balance in your calendar: For every busy day, plan a slower one.
Simplify your surroundings: Keep items that are useful or meaningful, and let go of the rest.
Are You Living Lagom? A Quick Self-Check
Answer yes or no to these:
Do you regularly leave work on time?
Do you have at least one day a week with no major commitments?
Do you make purchases with long-term use in mind?
Do you feel your social life is fulfilling but not overwhelming?
If you answered “yes” to most, you are already bringing lagom into your life. If not, choose one area to adjust this week.
The Takeaway
Lagom is not about living a perfect life. It is about living a sustainable one. It reminds us that balance is not a luxury but a necessity. Whether you are in Sweden or anywhere else in the world, lagom can be your quiet rebellion against burnout.
So maybe the real question is not “Can I afford to slow down?” but “Can I afford not to?”
Your micro-shift challenge this week: Choose one area of your life where you tend to go to extremes—work, socializing, shopping, exercising—and bring it closer to “just right.” Notice how it feels, and let that small balance ripple into other areas.
