WHAT IS LAGOM?
Lagom is the Swedish concept of "Not too little, not too much: just the right amount" that invites us to embrace a lifestyle based on moderation, sustainability and aiming to achieve balance in our daily life. I think it ties in beautifully with the idea of soft living where we engage in healthy routines, hobbies, and personal interests.So much of my retired life now centres around finding ways to feel balanced, rested, and unhurried, and I find I've been unintentionally adding Lagom into my choices. Today I'm sharing a few ideas on how that's come about...
HOW TO INCLUDE LAGOM INTO YOUR LIFE
Lagom slides into so many aspects of our life if we pause for a moment and intentionally look at how we calibrate our days. Here's some of the ways I've been slowly cultivating Lagom (with a few links to posts I've written previously if you're interested in diving a bit deeper).
BALANCE
Keeping my body, mind and spirit in balance by focusing my time and energy on what matters, while managing the essential aspects such as food, sleep, basic exercise, and a manageable social life. Finding that sweet spot where there's time for all that's needed and being able to end the day feeling unstressed and content.REST
Listening to my body and taking breaks when they're needed. The Swedes also have a word "Fika" that's about taking time during the day to slow down and appreciate all that we have, to pause because it refreshes the brain and strengthens our capacity for when we need to do more.
SLOW LIVING
Choosing to approach my day with an unhurried and calm focus. Managing my calendar to include space for breathing and not rushing through, and leaving space for creativity and mindfulness. I'm a big fan of a regular Do Nothing Day to give my mind and spirit space to do whatever feels enjoyable in that moment - no pressure, just quiet enjoyment.
MODERATION
Being intentional in my eating and drinking that includes fresh and seasonal produce, plenty of water, and choosing to not be regularly over indulging or going hungry.
It also includes moderating my online presence by detoxing and curating my online digital diet to avoid spiralling down into unhealthy algorithms and social media traps.
HEALTHY FRIENDSHIPS
Putting my emotional energy into relationships that foster loyalty, kindness, and respecting each other's space. Choosing the people in my social circle who fill my cup and don't drain me dry. Building into my family and friends - creating deep and lasting connections that nurture all parties.
SUSTAINABILITY
Finding that sweet spot that's all about less consumption, restrained buying, less stuff - choosing minimalism in my home and wardrobe. Buying less fast fashion, creating less landfill, shopping secondhand, recycling and repurposing - so good for the environment and for my own eco footprint.
THE BENEFITS OF LAGOM IN RETIREMENT
I think contentment and mindfulness are the key outcomes from choosing Lagom and an unhurried life. It's all about finding a deep sense of peace, fulfilment, and quiet happiness by living with moderation rather than constantly striving after more. I like the idea of moderation being an awareness of our needs and limits - choosing to rest when we're tired, to eat until we're comfortably full, to shop for what we need without over-spending, and focusing on deeper connections with fewer people.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Have you unintentionally included Lagom into your life? Have the Swedes figured out the perfect balance for living life well with Lagom and Fika? Any tips on how you're keeping life balanced in retirement?
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I could be really cheeky and say that Lagom is also the title of one of my (current) fave cookbooks... actually, wait, I just did say that. But yes, it's all about that concept but in a cookbook.
ReplyDeleteHi Jo - it actually sounds like the kind of cooking I could get on board with - simple, uncomplicated, and not overly fussy I'm assuming :)
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