18 Feb ‘Just enough’: How the Swedish concept of ‘lagom’ can help you find contentment
One of the greatest happiness myths is that more is better.
More, more, more is not always better, better, better.
In fact, sometimes … less is more.
Or as the saying goes, too much of a good thing isn’t always good anymore.
This is very true when it comes to happiness and living a good life where balance is often neglected. And this Swedish idea of “just enough” or “the right amount” is definitely worth considering ….
via Upworthy by Tod Perry
American culture is out of balance. We work too hard, consume too much and live under constant stress. Our culture tells us to get rich or die trying and that resting is laziness. We take very few vacations, spend too much time staring at screens, and our diets are overly reliant on processed foods.
It’s no wonder over 37 million Americans are on antidepressants.
The antidote to this unsustainable lifestyle could come from a Swedish philosophy known as “lagom” (lah-gomm), which translates to “just the right amount.” Living lagom means developing a mindset focused on balance, sustainability and living in the moment. It’s learning to appreciate what we have instead of striving for what we don’t.
Lagom teaches us that we don’t need to live in a penthouse or struggle in a tenement. It’s all about finding a place that is calm and comfortable. It means considering whether to have that second piece of cake for dessert, knowing when to pick your winnings off the table and understanding that it’s ok to say “no.”
It’s choosing to be satisfied instead of over-indulging because the secret is that the lightness of satisfaction is more fulfilling than the burden of indulgence.
Are you looking to live lagom? Here are 7 ways to get started.
1. Know when to take a break
According to research, working at a breakneck speed and refusing to take a break will actually hurt your work performance. Get up, take a walk, have a cup of coffee with a friend or coworker and take a moment for yourself regularly…
… keep reading the full & original article HERE