The morning alarm blares, and you're off. First comes the meticulous multi-step skincare routine, followed by a fleeting attempt at stretching, and then climbing into a perfectly coordinated suit all while taking a bite of cold, leftover gluten-free pizza. Fast forward to the office: ceremonial shot of matcha in hand, you stare down 30 new emails and a mounting to-do list. Meanwhile, your phone vibrates with alerts for a meeting in two hours, a networking event at 6:00 p.m., and a text from your partner asking to catch a movie tonight.

You have the career, the apartment, the ambition, and the goals. Yet, at the end of the day, you feel empty and burned out. The world feels like it is moving faster every day, and despite the protein drinks, you don't have the energy to keep up.

For professionals in New York, this is a familiar scene. Many of my patients come to my office complaining of overwhelm, sensory overload, and even "wellness guilt." They are health-minded individuals trying to do everything right, but they never quite hit the mark. Instead, they feel overextended and, ultimately, shut down.

The Swedish Secret to Balance

Being of Swedish descent, I recently found myself discussing the relentless demands of New York life with my cousins in Stockholm. Although we all share demanding jobs and lofty ambitions, they and their colleagues seemed far more grounded and calm. They attributed much of their peace to the Swedish concept of lagom (pronounced LAH-gom), a philosophy that helps mitigate the negative effects of a high-pressure lifestyle. Lagom translates to "not too little, not too much, but just enough," and it is applied to nearly every area of Swedish life.

Monotasking is In, Multitasking is Out

At work, many of us juggle several things at once in a misguided attempt to be more productive. In fact, many people pride themselves on their ability to multitask and actively strive to do more of it. However, the physical and mental toll is steep. Multiple scientific studies show that multitasking actually decreases your ability to focus, drains you emotionally, and causes physical stress.

Chronic multitasking keeps the body in a constant state of fight-or-flight. This neurological strain can trigger elevated heart rates, high blood pressure, chronic tightness in the neck, shoulders, and jaw, gastrointestinal distress, brain fog, insomnia, and overall exhaustion.

The lagom perspective encourages monotasking, taking one task at a time and giving it your full attention. This actually sharpens your focus, increases productivity, and yields better-quality work. This is not a suggestion to do less in your day. Rather, immersing yourself in one task instead of dividing your attention creates greater natural efficiency and a calmer, more centered mind.

The Lesson of the Woodcutter

As my cousins and I discussed the benefits of lagom, I was reminded of an old parable about an ambitious woodcutter. Wanting to maximize his daily sales, he chopped wood for hours without stopping. As time went on, his axe became increasingly dull, making it harder and harder to chop each log. This put immense strain on his muscles, requiring double the effort for half the result. His production dropped, but his physical stress skyrocketed. Sometimes, the most productive thing a woodcutter can do is stop long enough to sharpen the axe.

The philosophy of lagom suggests that taking a short break or making time for a nutritious lunch, instead of scarfing down fast food at your desk, gives your mind and nervous system the reset it needs to boost afternoon productivity. This small pause makes a massive difference in your daily energy. Similarly, a quick five-minute brisk walk through the halls or up the stairs converts mental stress into physical energy, calms your nervous system, and helps you return to your desk with a sharpened axe.

Applying Lagom to Exercise

Lagom can be applied to exercise as well. I have seen many patients come into my clinic injured simply from overextending themselves at the gym or during physical activities. While most of us could benefit from moving more, knowing when to stop before a workout reaches the point of strain or injury is the true lagom way.

Applying Lagom to Socializing

Applying lagom to your social life often means embracing the power of declining invitations. Turning down an event that does not truly appeal to you can bring far more peace and satisfaction than maintaining a packed social calendar. Going out just for the sake of going out can often feel more draining than fulfilling. Conversely, if your social calendar has become too quiet, seek out an activity or event that genuinely interests you. Choosing something uplifting will help counter the stresses of daily life.

Monotasking can also transform our social interactions. Checking your phone or texting during a dinner or social gathering alienates the people around you. Try turning off your notifications and giving your friends, family, or date the same focused attention you would dedicate to an important project at work. Being fully present allows for deeper conversations and more meaningful connections, ultimately leading to happier relationships and a more satisfying life.

Lagom är bäst

There is a Swedish proverb that says, "Lagom är bäst." The literal translation is "The right amount is best," or simply, "Enough is as good as a feast."

When entertaining, aim to make just enough food, not too much and not too little, so you can truly enjoy your evening and your guests. Lowering your stress levels and savoring the company is just as important as feeding your friends, and it drastically reduces hosting anxiety.

Ultimately, a lagom lifestyle means maintaining your ambitions and working hard, but knowing when to step back.

  • Close the laptop at 6:00 p.m. without guilt.
  • Give your friends and family your full, undivided focus.
  • Enjoy socializing, but protect your energy from burnout.
  • Buy less, but choose more thoughtfully.
  • Find joy in "enough" rather than chasing extremes.
  • Choose a quiet walk in the neighborhood over an exhausting, grueling workout.

By giving up the relentless chase for "more," we open up the mental space to appreciate what is already right in front of us. During this season of change, step out of the fast lane, take a deep breath, and remember that you do not need an excess of everything to live a full life. Sometimes, not too little and not too much, but exactly enough, is the greatest luxury of all, and the best thing you can do for both your physical and mental health.

Dr. Beth John

Dr. Beth John is a chiropractor and Functional Nutrition practitioner dedicated to helping patients find their personal version of a lagom life. With over 30 years of clinical experience, she helps patients increase energy, enhance brain function, balance cholesterol and blood sugar, and elevate their overall quality of life. Her individualized nutritional programs complement conventional medical care, while her unique, gentle approach to chiropractic adjustments is "not too hard, and not too gentle." By avoiding heavy cracking, she delivers the exact right amount of care to resolve back pain, melt tension, and bring the body back into alignment. She practices in Farmingdale, New York. Visit: drbethjohn.com