Lagom

Lagom? Is that some kind of buddhist chant?

Lagom is a Swedish word with no direct English translation. Roughly, it means ‘‘the middle’’ or ‘‘just the right amount’’.

And why do I need to know about it?

Lagom is a philosophy of life, supposedly the secret to the Swedish contentment and success. It’s been hotly tipped as the lifestyle trend of the year. Wait, wasn’t that hygge? Do keep up. Hygge is Danish, and is all about taking time for moments of comfort and indulgence. The Swedes take a more long-term view, and apply their philosophy to all aspects of life. Lagom is for life, not just for Christmas.

So what does it mean?

Lagom is about balance: not too little, and not too much. It rejects excess and embraces simplicity. It’s reflected in attitudes to work (put in effort, but leave the office on time), play (have fun, but don’t make a fool of yourself) and even design (be stylish, but remain practical and minimalistic). It also embodies ideas of sustainability and responsibility towards the planet.

That all sounds pretty joyless. What about the cinnamon buns?

Fear not, Lagom is not about denying yourself treats, just regulating them. One of the most important elements of the philosophy is Fika. Swedes promote the idea of regularly taking time in the day to relax and talk with friends over a coffee and cake.