Finding Joy in Just Enough – It May Just Be All We Need
At just four inches by six, the book Swedish Lagom: Finding Joy in Just Enough is not large by any means, and the page count is less than 125. Yet, the message is mighty, and yet endearingly simple: find the joy in just enough. It’s a Swedish way of life, and it’s called “lagom” (LAW-gom.)
The short definition is “just the right amount.” A longer explanation is “finding enjoyment in the little things in life. It means embracing everything that nature has to offer while surrounding yourself with loved ones in a cozy environment.” Authors Kortney Yasenka and Karen Johnson Yasenka are mother and daughter, with a Swedish heritage and a shared mission.
“Year after year,” they write, “Sweden continues to rank high on the list of the happiest countries in the world.” One of the main reasons is the balanced lifestyle of its residents. That means just the right amount of work, just the right amount of relaxation, the right amount of time with family and friends, not to mention the right amount of time in pursuit of hobbies. By living with this mindset, one feels balanced, in control, and suffers less stress and anxiety. Healthy doses of mindfulness and appreciation, they say, are also part of the positive results.
In the chapter entitled “The Lagom Lifestyle,” the authors list a variety of strategies to incorporate small changes in the daily routine, to set new goals, and start new habits. For instance, “Rise and Shine” speaks to the idea that seeing every morning as a fresh start, and by taking advantage of the morning hours, one can improve mood. Research does show that early risers achieve a higher level of alertness and productivity than those who stay up late.
Next comes “Embracing the Outdoors.” For those who are averse to the cold weather, the Swedes have a phrase for that: there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. It’s common practice, they write, to have babies and infants nap outside which improves the quality and quantity of their sleep, plus exposes them to the outdoors at an early age.
Another phrase they’ve embraced is it is happier to give than to receive, which brings us to the suggestion of getting out in the community and being of service. “According to many Swedes, it is the basic belief that no one is better than anyone else,” which guides their practice of working towards the common and greater good. The authors share stories of their own volunteerism at church, and with community groups that work with those in need, giving them the physical benefits like lowered blood pressure and levels of depression, while increasing self-esteem.
Another chapter focuses on uncluttering the home to create a well-balanced living area. There’s a handy shopping guide with suggestions like soft woven throw blankets, oversized pillows, candles, in-season plants or flowers, and decorating with warm, neutral colors, and comfy fabrics to encourage cozy home/togetherness time.
The recent Covid-19 pandemic was a case in point as to the benefits of living the lagom lifestyle. These habits provided the authors with a way to find joy during that time, being content with what they had, and experiencing a sense of balance and calmness in a time of uncertainty. Even incorporating a few of these suggestions into our lives can help make us better prepared for any unexpected hardships to come.
Swedish Lagom: Finding Joy in Just Enough
Kortney Yasenka and Karen Johnson Yasenka
Top: Kortney Yasenka and Karen Johnson Yasenka (Photo credit: Kortney Yasenka)
Our editors love to read and independently recommend these books. As an Amazon Affiliate, Woman Around Town may receive a small commission from the sale of any book. Thank you for supporting Woman Around Town.
