move over, Hygge… there’s a new scandi Happiness craze

We embraced the cosiness Danes call hygge last year. But now a new Swedish trend is set to storm the UK – it’s called lagom and it means ‘just the right amount’

pack up your hygge books, P throws and candles, because there’s a new Scandi term in town. Lagom – pronounced “laaaw-gum” – is a lifestyle philosophy that promises to transform the way you live. Although there’s no direct translation, it roughly means “the right amount is best.”

The concept sums up the Swedish psyche of fairness and moderation. It’s not about big changes, but rather making improvements to the small things in all areas of your life, which will in turn bring you contentment.

We spoke to Lola A Åkerström, author of LAGOM: The Swedish Secret Of Living Well, about living a life of simple satisfaction...

What does the LIFESTYLE trend mean to the Swedes?

“It’s a way of living based upon taking care of our core needs – not wants – and making sure they’re met with the best quality we can afford. The idea is that when our needs are well met, it brings contentment.”

how does It Work In the home?

“Your belongings should be either functional or have a sentimental value. Anything that falls outside of this may be considered excess and unnecessary. If you let go of things that don’t fit into either of these two categories, you will feel emotionally more content and your mind will feel less cluttered too.”

how do We practise LAGOM With our diets?

“Lagom is about being aware of what you eat. I explain this using the concept of Goldilocks meals, but you need to find what is not too much and not too little for yourself.”

What About Style?

“Lagom is about not looking too overdone, but also making an effort. Swedish women tend to be groomed but with a natural, not-too-perfect look to them.”

And Work?

“Finding a work-life balance is essential. Lagom in the business sense is about going home on time and accepting some days go well and others don’t. But after work is time to relax.”

Lagom: The Swedish Secret Of Living Well (Headline Home) is out this summer