The Lagom Lifestyle: Balance, Sustainability, and Simplicity
by Kortney Yasenka, LCMHC, New Hampshire
Fear less, hope more; eat less, chew more; whine less, breathe more; talk less, say more; hate less, love more; and all good things are yours. — Swedish Proverb
For a long time, the Swedes have known the secret to a successful, meaningful, purposeful, and joyful life. The key to such a life lies in a small but hugely impactful word: lagom. Simply defined, lagom means “just the right amount.” Not too little, not too much, just right. It’s the Goldilocks philosophy and way of life for Swedes and anyone who wants to live like the Swedish. And who wouldn’t? Sweden is time and time again ranked one of the happiest countries in the world. The Swedish way of life, however, is so much more than just being happy. It goes beyond smiling and laughing all the time. True happiness is found in living lagom, and lagom is finding joy in just enough.
Lagom is the Swedish way of embracing balance, sustainability, and simplicity in everyday life. Whether it’s how you work, eat, decorate your home, or spend your time, lagom invites you to slow down and live more intentionally. It’s the day-to-day interactions with loved ones, the fresh-cut flowers on the kitchen table, the early morning hikes in nature, the enjoyment of Fika—a daily coffee break that reminds you to slow down and connect with others, and the cozy atmospheres you create. Lagom means finding joy and creating joy, not just for you, but also for others.
The Swedish concept of Lagom reminds you to find balance in everything, including your relationships. One of the most powerful ways to live Lagom is through what I call “togetherness time.” Togetherness time isn’t about rushing through moments or filling every second with activity. It’s about slowing down, being present, and investing in genuine connections with those who matter most. Whether it’s enjoying a meal together, a heartfelt conversation, or simply sharing a quiet moment, these are the experiences that nourish our well-being.
The mindset behind this Swedish secret to living well is to acknowledge and appreciate the simple things in life, because sometimes joy is found in just enough. It’s the feeling of contentment and being mindful of your relationships and environment. Lagom living incorporates everything from home décor, family traditions, and community involvement, to healthy lifestyle habits.
Lagom living emphasizes the importance of finding balance in all areas of life such as work, relationships, interests and hobbies, family time, and social connections, to name a few. Balance, after all, is crucial for maintaining stability. Balance and stability, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, maintain overall well-being. Imbalance leads to increased anxiety and stress, a lack of purpose, and can contribute to a life filled with unhealthy habits.
Living lagom promotes a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle that helps you manage your time, your energy, and your stress level. This type of lifestyle affords you the opportunity to be present and allows time for work, family, friends, hobbies, volunteering, exercising, spending time in nature, and relaxing. Truly enjoying your life leads to feeling fulfilled.
The benefits of living lagom are vast and can positively affect most if not all aspects of your life. Having balance in your life is what contributes to a joyful existence. While living lagom may not be in your DNA, the good news is, you don’t have to be Swedish to reap the benefits. Anyone and everyone is capable of living lagom and finding joy in just enough.
Another wonderful concept of lagom is that everyone’s “just enough” can be different. Lagom living allows you to incorporate the lifestyle habits and routines, along with family traditions and togetherness time, that best fit you and your family’s needs. Finding the balance that works for you is what makes lagom so universal and effective. There is no one size fits all or a correct way to live lagom.
If you are looking for a way to reduce stress, increase mindfulness, appreciate life’s simple pleasures, and achieve greater happiness and well-being, start living lagom. Not only will it help you achieve a deeper level of joy and balance, but it will also help you establish and maintain stronger relationships with loved ones.
Adopting lagom can improve your life by achieving more balance, which helps you avoid extremes and focus on moderation. It can increase your mindfulness by encouraging you to slow down and savor the moment while also shifting your mindset from excess to appreciating what you have. Living lagom practices sustainability and promotes conscious consumption and a simpler, more eco-friendly lifestyle. In short, lagom can lead to less stress and greater happiness.
In a world that is ever-changing and becoming increasingly chaotic, lagom offers a powerful antidote to stress, overconsumption, and burnout. Lagom encourages a return to balance and intentional living. It promotes mental well-being by helping people set healthy boundaries, embrace simplicity, and find contentment in moderation. Environmentally, it aligns with sustainable habits, reducing waste and encouraging mindful consumption. Socially, it fosters humility, fairness, and empathy, qualities that are essential in a world often divided by competition and comparison. By embracing lagom, you can lead a more grounded and fulfilled life, one rooted in what truly matters.
Kortney Yasenka is a NH licensed clinical mental health counselor and has a Masters in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology from Northeastern University. Kortney has worked in community mental health, school systems, and private practice. She is the author of Swedish Lagom: Finding Joy in Just Enough, The Stoicism Book of Quotes, and The Marcus Aurelius Book of Quotes. In her free time, she enjoys running, spending time with family, cheering on the Cleveland Guardians and Cleveland Browns, and vacationing on the beautiful island of St. John.
Kortney Yasenka is a NH licensed clinical mental health counselor and has a Masters in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology from Northeastern University. Kortney has worked in community mental health, school systems, and private practice. She is the author of Swedish Lagom: Finding Joy in Just Enough, The Stoicism Book of Quotes, and The Marcus Aurelius Book of Quotes. In her free time, she enjoys running, spending time with family, cheering on the Cleveland Guardians and Cleveland Browns, and vacationing on the beautiful island of St. John.
