Lagom- finding balance!

Since I travel both for business and leisure purposes, I figured out that I am a xenophile and love places, people and their customs. I just finished reading a simple book on the Swedish concept of Lagom meaning "not too much, not too little, just right," emphasizes finding balance and moderation in all aspects of life, promoting a mindful and sustainable lifestyle. 

Lagom translates to "just the right amount" or "not too much, not too little". It's about finding a middle ground, a balance between extremes. Lagom is more than just about possessions; it's a philosophy that encourages a mindful and sustainable approach to living. 

Key Principles:

• Moderation: It promotes living in moderation, avoiding excess and embracing simplicity. 

• Sustainability: Lagom aligns with sustainable living by encouraging mindful consumption and reducing waste. 

• Appreciation: It fosters a sense of appreciation for what one has, rather than constantly striving for more. 

• Balance: Lagom emphasizes finding balance in all areas of life, whether it's work, leisure, relationships, or consumption. 

Lagom promotes work-life balance. If your work circumstances prevent you from achieving a full work-life balance, be clear that there are limits to your working hours and dedicate your free time to other tasks such as sports.

If you suffer from stress, learn to listen to your body and take breaks. Swedes have the fika paus, which involves taking a short break to have a coffee, talk to colleagues and relax.

The lagom approach involves eating a balanced diet, but goes further and advocates sustainable, ethical and local consumption, with fresh and seasonal produce. In addition, you should prioritize eating only to your heart's content because going hungry is just as bad as going overboard: remember, the key is the middle ground. 

Lagom pursues the search for consensus and prioritizes listening toothers. Relationships based on this lifestyle foster loyalty, self-reliance and the ability to respect each individual's space.

Learn to disconnect. From time to time, turn off your phone and enjoy the moment. You don't always have to be available to others: prioritizing being available to yourself will help you reconnect with your inner self. 

Lagom promotes an intimate relationship with nature and encourages awareness of the human role in achieving a more sustainable planet. Recycle, reuse and give a new life to used objects. Avoid the consumption of plastics and non-recyclable materials.

Get rid of everything you don't need. The lagom lifestyle proposes that for every thing that comes into the house, something else goes out. This way, you will only keep practical belongings, tidy and organized by space. This philosophy also encourages painting the walls in soft colors such as white, grey or earth tones to gain light. 

Enjoy a simple, unhurried life and give each task the time it deserves to enjoy life's little pleasures. Keeping your body, mind and spirit in balance helps to set your limits and is achieved by taking care of essential aspects such as food, sleep, basic exercise and social life.