MODERN MILLEE: When just enough is plenty

OK – after reading the title you’re probably thinking, “Millee, what are you on about now?”

Well let me tell you, cool?

Remember a couple months back I wrote a column about hygge, a Danish lifestyle all about the culture of coziness and comfort and connections? Well, enter lagom – a Swedish way of living about balance. Loosely translated, lagom means, “not too little, not too much. Just enough,” according to the book by Linnea Dunne “Lagom The Swedish Art of Balanced Living.”

According to Dunne, lagom (still unsure of how to pronounce it – so I’m not going to try) is used to describe something that is “just enough” or “just right.” It’s about more than the material well-being but also about belonging and shared responsibility, i.e. the old proverb, “king and everyone mucks in.”

Now, friends, there is a lot to lagom so it’s important to keep in mind that I’m only touching the surface of it all.

According to Dunne, the benefits of lagom range from physical space to a person’s sense of belonging. Here’s how it breaks down.

Physical space: Moderate, conscious consumption makes decluttering easier and your home and space becomes more peaceful.

Mental space: When you learn to take a step back and stop your spiraling, you can live in a more focused way. It can help you be more present at work and at home.

Improved finances: Don’t we all want this? Since lagom helps a person consume things they need more than want, it’s likely a person will consume less and learn to look after finances and be thrifty with resources.

A sense of belonging: According to Dunne, a lagom attitude can help you feel part of something bigger and provide a sense of purpose.

A Clarified Life

Lagom is about making the good life less complicated (image!) Think of saying stop when you’ve had enough, and not settling for a second-best solution for the sake of keeping things sweet over getting things right.

With this comes thinking outside of the box. Try not to waste time on a job that’s already done well enough, but equally, don’t do a job that’s not up to snuff. “If you do it right, you’ll spend a lagom amount of time on it.”

So, the Danes have hygge, what do the Swedes have? Fredagsmys. That’s right only two vowels in that word. Think of this as cozying up some evening with your favourite snack, super comfy clothes and putting your feet up. Turn off the outside world and embrace the downtime with loved ones.

Speaking of taking a break, who loves a good coffee or tea break during a hectic day? There’s a lagom word for that. Fika, or a break from doing. It’s a way to pause and relax and reconnect.

Now, let’s talk about food. According to Dunne, the lagom way for eating (because it applies) is to eat well throughout the day. Not too little, and not too much. Try to keep blood sugar levels consistent (this is something I think I struggle with) and start the day with a hearty breakfast. Then incorporate a mellis (snack), a cooked lunch, an afternoon mellis and then a cooked supper.

Moving onto to style, Dunne references the old Swedish proverb, “there is no bad clothes, only bad weather.” Dressing in a lagom way is about not only making it easy for yourself and matching it with comfort but also about fitting in. Recently, I’ve realized I like a more neutral pallet, in clothing. Grays, taupes, soft colours, and blacks are in my wheelhouse. This seems similar to the lagom style. Most of the essentials are black basic items with a handful of items that stand out, while nothing is restrictive or uncomfortable (Sign. Me. Up.) Think quality over quantity (something I’m trying to do for everything more than I use to).

Now, who else loves some nifty storage that also looks good? Of course, there’s a lagom way to do it. To save floor space, use your walls by installing shelving. Think sleek shelving units and other mounted options. In this section of the book, Dunne says that a decluttered space can be mood enhancing. It’s a key to minimizing stress.

Health, well-being and socialization

Getting outdoors is a major contributor to happiness the lagom way. Try taking the scenic route to work and don’t just follow a means to an end. Try hiking, kayaking, taking the road less travelled and explore. Even being outside can be recreational. Go for a picnic, have a bonfire with friends, or sit in the hammock hanging and just listen to the leaves rustling in the breeze (I may have done this recently). There is always an activity for any mood in any season.

Now, as someone who would prefer, some days, to be a human burrito and just stay wrapped up in my bed sheets all day, socializing isn’t always my favourite thing. I recently went hermit mode and leaving it after a few days was very hard. Through lagom people will take in what others are saying by learning to be a good listener, that is not only good for the person sharing their feelings but also for those on the receiving end. Language is simplified – what you see is what you get. Give people your undivided and genuine attention.

Lagom and the planet

As someone who is freaking out about the climate emergency, we’re in I found this chapter of the book very interesting. Highlighting habits like recycling and sorting garbage accordingly, there’s a lagom approach that can help the planet. Try purchasing items that can be found loose or in bulk at stores that offer customers to bring their own containers and reduce on plastic consumption. Try committing to köpstopp – or not buying anything for a given period of time and acknowledge if the stuff we actually purchase is a need or a want. Or try a plastic detox and reduce your waste production.

Well, I certainly just gave you a lot to take in. Hopefully it was a lagom amount.

Cheers,

Millicent McKay is a modern girl with an old soul, a Summerside based journalist, a blogger, soap opera lover, tea connoisseur, and cat mom. For more check out www.modernmillee.com or visit her Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/modernmillee/.

MORE FROM MILLICENT McKAY: