Lagom, a Swedish concept, can be described as a philosophy of life based on sufficiency and moderation. It focuses on achieving balance and harmony, rejecting excess in favor of reasonable consumption. This idea offers a refreshing approach in a world that often promotes overindulgence, and surprisingly, it can be key to overcoming neurosis and leading a fulfilling life. By embracing the idea of “just enough,” Lagom encourages individuals to live in a way that doesn’t prioritize perfection but strives for balance and emotional well-being.

The Origins of Lagom: A Reaction to Scarcity

Historically, the habit of seeking moderation in everything emerged as a response to scarcity. When resources are limited, it makes sense to conserve and use them wisely. This principle resonates strongly in countries that have experienced hardship, such as Russia, where the scarcity of money and time often leads to excessive displays of wealth and status. These actions, driven by deep-seated societal complexes, are attempts to overcome feelings of inadequacy and to prove one's success.

The Swedish approach, in contrast, sought balance rather than excess. This philosophy of moderation not only changed how people consume but also profoundly impacted their mental health. The results are evident in the country’s high ranking in global happiness surveys, where Sweden consistently places near the top. In contrast, many countries, including Russia, struggle with lower happiness rankings. This suggests that the Swedish philosophy of Lagom, which encourages balance, has contributed to a more emotionally stable and fulfilled society.

The Theory of Intelligent Allocation

The concept of Lagom revolves around intelligent allocation—distributing resources effectively across different areas of life. This applies not just to material resources, but also to our time, emotions, and energy. Every resource, from food to emotions, has a limit, and overindulgence in one area leads to imbalance in others.

For instance, while anger can be a powerful motivator, when it becomes excessive, it leads to emotional exhaustion and depletion of other resources. Similarly, fixating on one pursuit, such as work or material possessions, to the exclusion of everything else results in a hollow sense of achievement. It's similar to building a house and dedicating all the materials to one wall—yes, the wall may be impressive, but the house, as a whole, is incomplete.

Many people, driven by the desire to demonstrate success, invest heavily in expensive cars, clothes, or gadgets. They may appear successful on the outside, but this behavior often leads to financial instability, neglect of basic needs, and an inability to prepare for future challenges. The ancient Roman Emperor Nero is a historical example of this type of behavior. His obsession with constructing a grand palace of gold, even at the cost of burning his own city, exemplified the dangers of excessive consumption. Nero's palace, a symbol of extravagance, became a monument to waste, and the emperor, who intended to enjoy it, died before ever stepping foot inside. This serves as a powerful reminder that unchecked indulgence leads to unsustainable outcomes.

Moderation Over Excess: Living with Balance

Lagom teaches that the key to happiness lies in achieving sufficiency and avoiding extremes. It is not about striving for perfection or accumulating wealth or success for its own sake. Instead, it’s about understanding the value of time and effort, recognizing when enough is enough, and finding fulfillment in a well-rounded life.

In practical terms, this means not overworking in pursuit of money or status but balancing work with personal time for family, hobbies, rest, and self-development. Work should not dominate life. A moderate, balanced approach to work and leisure, spending time on things that are personally meaningful, enhances mental and emotional health. People who strive to achieve everything in one direction often experience burnout and frustration, as they neglect other aspects of their lives. This can lead to apathy, dissatisfaction, and even anger when their needs go unmet.

In relationships, Lagom encourages individuals to recognize that material wealth and status are not as important as love, support, and emotional fulfillment. A person who spends their life accumulating money but neglects relationships, hobbies, or personal growth may find themselves rich in material possessions but poor in happiness.

Simplicity and Minimalism: Lessons from Sweden

One of the core tenets of Lagom is simplicity. In Sweden, the minimalist lifestyle is not just a trend but a reflection of the broader cultural values of balance and moderation. Swedes are less likely to indulge in excessive materialism or display wealth ostentatiously. Instead, their homes and possessions reflect a sense of purpose and intentionality. Items are chosen for their usefulness and quality, not for status or appearance.

This minimalist approach is not about deprivation but about eliminating excess to focus on what truly matters. The result is less clutter, both physically and mentally, and a greater appreciation for the things that bring true joy and fulfillment. In this context, the Swedish approach to living—characterized by simplicity and a focus on needs rather than wants—has helped create a culture where people are more satisfied with less.

The practice of minimalism in Sweden can also be seen in their approach to waste. Sweden has become a leader in recycling, with over 99% of its waste being recycled. This sustainable practice, which aligns with the principles of Lagom, reduces environmental strain while promoting more mindful consumption.

Lagom and Nature: A Symbiotic Relationship

Swedes’ respect for nature aligns with the Lagom philosophy of balance. Unlike many countries that exploit natural resources for short-term gain, Sweden has made environmental sustainability a priority. The Swedish approach encourages people to balance work with rest, often by spending time in nature after work. Weekends are frequently spent outdoors, whether at a park, in the countryside, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in nature.

This connection to nature is not just about environmentalism; it is also deeply tied to mental well-being. By spending time outdoors and engaging in physical activities like hiking, cycling, or simply walking in a park, individuals can reduce stress, reconnect with their surroundings, and enjoy the peace that nature offers.

Burnout Prevention: The Importance of Regularity

The pressure to achieve and maintain high levels of success often leads to burnout. Many high achievers experience a false sense of accomplishment by focusing solely on one area, such as their career or personal projects, at the cost of their mental and physical health. This intense drive, often fueled by stress and emotional pressure, leads to exhaustion, frustration, and, ultimately, apathy.

Lagom offers a different path: consistency and regularity over intensity. It teaches that sustainable success comes from maintaining balance, even at a moderate level, rather than burning out in a short period of time. A person who walks briskly every day is more likely to maintain their physical and mental health than someone who pushes themselves too hard for a short burst of time.

In Sweden, the culture of working within reasonable hours and taking time off to rest or enjoy family is a hallmark of the Lagom philosophy. This lifestyle fosters long-term well-being and reduces the risk of emotional burnout, allowing individuals to thrive without sacrificing their health.

Conclusion: The Transformative Power of Lagom

Lagom is more than just a philosophy of moderation; it is a way of living that emphasizes balance, sufficiency, and emotional well-being. By embracing Lagom, individuals can avoid the pitfalls of overindulgence and instead focus on achieving a fulfilling, balanced life. In doing so, they not only reduce the risk of neurosis and burnout but also create stronger, more meaningful relationships and contribute to a sustainable future. Whether in our consumption habits, work-life balance, or personal interactions, adopting Lagom can lead to greater happiness, health, and peace of mind.