Principles that have made Sweden the happiest country in the world.
Every country has its own unique laws, but some countries excel in this regard. You might have heard of the Lagom system in Sweden but may not know much about it.Lagom principle.In Sweden, you might have heard of it, but not have information about it. In this section ofSelMagz.We will introduce you to some principles that are followed in the Lagom philosophy, which has made the people of Sweden among the happiest in the world.
Lagom philosophy.
If we analyze the term Lagom linguistically, it means a feeling of wealth. It implies that you have everything and do not suffer from lack or deficiency in anything. This is not only about material possessions. Lagom reflects a balance between work and personal life, an attention to minimalism, and the Swedish style. Lagom entails a desire to do things beyond real needs, which allows us to perform well while letting go of unnecessary distractions that can take away our joy. But how is this philosophy observed in the lives of Swedes?
What makes humans happy?
Apart from security, health, and employment in society, people’s lifestyle has a very significant impact on their sense of happiness andwell-being.A balanced life like that of the Swedish people can be a pathway to their happiness. Therefore, we can also draw inspiration from their lifestyle.
In the Lagom system, balance is key. While in minimalistic lifestyles, the motto “less is more” is often recommended, the Lagom principle emphasizes that everything in life should be just enough: not too weak and not too strong.
For instance, in Indonesia, the standard working hours are usually 8 to 9 hours, whereas in Sweden, the work time is only six hours a day. Interestingly, the productivity of Swedish people is much higher.
Swedes engage in fun and positive activities, gather with close individuals, participate in community events, and always maintain unity. You will get to know more about their life principles as we proceed.
Lagom principle.
Lagom in home decor.
- All furniture, including tables and sofas, should be placed with a specific distance from each other to create breathing space. This way, each item is appreciated in its own right, and the beauty of each does not overshadow the others.
- Instead of paintings and posters, hang pictures of landscapes you wish to visit during yourleisure time.Instead of constantly vacuuming stiff and hard carpets, use soft rugs that are easier to clean. If they wear out quickly, simply replace them with a new one.
- To allow natural light into your home, pull back the curtains for parts of the day and paint the walls in white or light gray.
- When it gets dark outside, light a candle to warm your spirit.
- Lagom in cleaning and organizing the home.
To gradually incorporate some items, try to remove one piece of furniture from each room each week.
- When you purchase something new, let go of two old items.
- When cleaning your closet, take clothes off the hangers. Set aside five items and then organize them based on their importance. Clothes that remain unworn should no longer occupy space in your closet.
- Use the quick organizing rule for papers and documents. Whenever you pick up a document, promptly return it to its place to avoid losing important papers later.
- In such cases, you can place a basket and when it gets full, review the clothes one by one to determine which are usable.
- Lagom in the kitchen.
To save time while cooking, write a meal plan for the week and aim to prepare simple meals on weekends or at least two days a week.
- Freeze meals for future use. You can even freeze drinks and salads.
- Seasonal food ideas: Cook with local ingredients such as vegetables and even honey for meals that are both cheaper and healthier.
- Lagom in the workplace.
Make sure to wake up half an hour earlier to avoid rushing and to take control of your time, which will help you feel
- confident.Every morning, enjoy a cup of tea orherbal tea.
- If allowed at work, try to leave a bit earlier than usual. Knowing you’ll be leaving early will definitely enhance your productivity.In your leisure time,drinking coffee
- can improve your work atmosphere and productivity.
- Lagom and relaxation.Try to go to bed at the same time every night.Taking short evening walks is a great way to relax and get ready for sleep.
Never plan to work during the weekends; allow yourself to regain balance and connect with family members.
- Engage in a handicraft. It doesn’t have to be a big and impressive task like furniture-making; even a simple
- crochet projector sewing a napkin is sufficient.
- Lagom and nature.
- To connect with nature at home, make sure to use natural materials inside like wood, wool, or metal.Buy houseplants. You can take cuttings from plants you’ve seen at family members’ homes and keep them in your place.Decorate your home with fresh flowers, plants, and natural branches.
Plant various herbs and vegetables, take care of them, and later use them in cooking for enjoyment.
- Walking in nature is a fantastic way to relax the mind. Try to take walks outdoors in any weather. Purchase beautiful, comfortable, and high-quality items.
- Lagom and life perspective.
- Instead of asking yourself, “Am I happy?”, try asking “Am I satisfied with my life?” Sometimes pursuing happiness without purpose can lead to disappointment.
- Take care of yourself. Without considering it selfish, prioritize rest, alone time, and self-care. As mentioned in previous SelMagz articles, all these are acts that are never selfish.
- Accept that a slight imbalance exists in everyone’s life. Sometimes you need to work more, while other times you might not have time at all. So, stop trying to control everything. Just relax.
Clear your mind of negativity and seek new experiences. Limit online time and read newspapers instead. Avoid excessive television watching.
- Prioritize quality of relationships over quantity. Try to replace social media interactions with personal meetings with friends and family in the real world.
- Take time to do something you truly enjoy. This could be cooking,
- home decoration,
- singing, or anything that brings you joy and sparks your creativity.
- Lagom principle.
- Balance in the Lagom principle.Being happy.The reason for human happiness.
