*AD: In collaboration with Rekorderlig

Sian Victoria © - Drinking Rekorderlig cider, Dark Horse pub, Moseley, Birmingham

Tips For a Balanced Lifestyle Adopting the Lagom Way of Life

Spring is a time for regeneration and fresh starts. In Sweden, springtime brings milder weather and longer hours of daylight, which inspire people to get outside and embrace the Lagom lifestyle. Swedes love spending time in nature during spring, whether walking in the woods, having a picnic by a peaceful lake or enjoying a refreshing drink in the sun with friends and family.

This article will explore the Swedish approach to spring, covering traditional Swedish spring celebrations, popular springtime foods and drinks, and the benefits of engaging with nature. As someone who appreciates Swedish culture, I was introduced to their midsummer solstice celebrations for the spring equinox through the beloved Rekorderlig cider, a brand from Sweden hoping to inspire us to start spring the Swedish way by adopting the Lagom lifestyle.

This lifestyle, focusing on balance and moderation, is particularly relevant and beneficial during spring when nature is in full bloom and invites us to slow down and appreciate its beauty. So, let's learn more about the Swedish Lagom lifestyle and how to welcome this season of new beginnings.

Sian Victoria © - Burger & Chips and Rekorderlig cider, Dark Horse pub, Moseley, Birmingham

What is Lagom?

At the core of Swedish culture lies the philosophy of Lagom, which embodies the essence of balance and moderation. It's a concept that I find particularly refreshing as it encourages finding the perfect amount in all aspects of life, from work to leisure, consumption to sustainability.

The concept of Lagom can be applied to our everyday lives regardless of where we are. It's all about finding a balance and being content with what we have. Many people go to extremes or deprive themselves of things they enjoy, but Lagom teaches us to appreciate everything in moderation. I learned about Lagom from a university friend who introduced me to this beautiful concept, which has helped me find more peace and happiness.

Lagom encourages us to appreciate the smaller moments and find contentment in life's equilibrium. Especially during the vibrant spring season, it reminds us to slow down and appreciate the world without overindulging or overcomplicating our lives, offering a unique perspective on how to enjoy this season of renewal fully.

The philosophy is deeply woven into the Swedish lifestyle, promoting a healthier, more sustainable, and balanced way of living that resonates beyond Sweden's borders. It has taught me the importance of mindfulness in my daily routine, urging me to strike a balance that feels 'just right'. Adopting this mindset as we welcome spring can lead to a more fulfilled and harmonious life, a concept that I'm sure will appeal to you.

Sian Victoria © - Rekorderlig cider, Dark Horse pub, Moseley, Birmingham

1. Decluttering Your Space the Lagom Way

Spring is a great time to tidy up your living space, and by embracing the Lagom method, you can make this task manageable and rewarding. Decluttering not only rejuvenates your home but also refreshes your mindset. This approach is not about creating stark, minimalist spaces but cultivating a balanced, functional environment that feels just right.

To start, focus on one area at a time, making the process less daunting. A helpful trick is to hold each thing and consider whether it genuinely benefits or makes you happy. If not, it's time to say goodbye. This method isn't about stripping your life to the bare essentials but ensuring that everything around you adds value and harmony.

Another crucial aspect is to be mindful of not replacing decluttered items with new purchases. Filling newly emptied spaces is tempting, but Lagom teaches you the beauty of appreciating the space. Doing so creates a more pleasant living environment and adopts a more sustainable lifestyle, staying true to the Lagom ethos of balance and moderation.

Sian Victoria © - Rekorderlig cider, Blossom tree

2. Bringing Nature Indoors

Accepting nature into our homes is an essential aspect of the Lagom lifestyle, especially during the spring season when the world outside begins to bloom. My personal experience with this practice has been highly revitalising. It is about more than simply adding a few indoor house plants here and there; it is a thoughtful process of creating harmony and connecting with the natural world within our living spaces.

I started with simple steps like choosing plants that purify the air and not just beautify the space. Spider plants, peace lilies, and rubber plants became my go-to choices. However, it's not just about greenery; natural materials play a significant role, too. Swapping out synthetic fabrics for linen or cotton and incorporating wooden elements has added an understated, natural elegance to my home.

The trick is not to overdo it. After all, the essence of Lagom is balance. So, instead of renovating my living space into a jungle, I opted for a more restrained approach. A single, carefully chosen plant on a desk or a natural wood ornament can be a focal point, reminding me of the beauty and simplicity of nature without overwhelming the space.

This gentle introduction of nature into our homes enhances our living environment and well-being, fostering a calm atmosphere that perfectly aligns with the rejuvenating spirit of spring.

3. Mindful Eating with Seasonal Produce

In the spirit of adopting Lagom, combining seasonal produce into our diets can help us live in harmony with nature's rhythms, especially during spring. My journey towards mindful eating began with the simple act of choosing locally sourced vegetables and fruits. Not only did they taste fresher, but they also significantly reduced my carbon footprint. The season's first strawberries, with their ripe, juicy flavours, became a moment of celebration in my kitchen.

Cooking with seasonal produce inspired me to get creative and experiment with recipes highlighting each ingredient's natural goodness. One particularly memorable experience was making a spring vegetable tart, bursting with the colours and flavours of asparagus, peas, and new potatoes – a popular dish in Sweden. It wasn't just about eating but appreciating the seasonal bounty and preparing meals that felt nurturing for both the body and soul.

Embracing this approach encouraged me to visit local farmers' markets, a practice that turned into a cherished Saturday morning ritual. Every visit allowed me to learn more about the food I was bringing into my home and establish a connection with the community.

This shift towards mindful eating, aligned with the principles of Lagom, enriched my connection with food and instilled a greater appreciation for nature's cycles, making each meal a reflective and satisfying experience.

4. Embracing the Outdoors in Moderation

During spring, I have found a refreshing change in my routine by embracing outdoor activities while keeping the Lagom principle of moderation in mind. In the past, I used to overbook my weekends with endless activities in Birmingham. Still, now I have learned to appreciate life's simple pleasures, such as a leisurely walk in the park, reading a book under a canopy of newly budded trees or enjoying a homemade picnic with a close friend.

This shift towards a more balanced engagement with the outdoors has improved my physical well-being and mental peace. I have discovered that setting aside time for outdoor activities, without the pressure of making every moment productive, aligns perfectly with the Lagom principle of 'just enough'. It's not about the quantity of time spent outdoors but the quality of the experience, whether it's a morning spent gardening or an afternoon bike ride through quiet country lanes. This measured approach to outdoor activities has helped me appreciate the natural beauty surrounding us during spring.

By adopting the Lagom principle of moderation, I have learned to enjoy the moments, the fresh air, the colourful wildflower meadows filled with bees and butterflies and the joy of light exercise while maintaining a delightful balance between doing too much and too little.

5. Balancing Work and Play the Swedish Way

Balancing work and play is a crucial aspect of the Swedish philosophy of Lagom, and it has significantly changed my approach towards life, especially during the busy spring season. In my experience, this involved reassessing my daily routine to ensure my work responsibilities didn't overshadow my time. Initially, it didn't seem easy, but the answer lay in the simplicity of the Lagom principle itself: moderation.

I began by setting clear boundaries for working on my business with clients. This included committing to more realistic deadlines and ensuring my workspace was organised and conducive to productivity. This allowed me to dedicate my evenings to relaxing and engaging in hobbies without feeling guilty. The alteration wasn't immediate, but gradually, I observed an improvement in my general happiness and stress levels.

Weekends became a time for exploration and indulging in creative projects rather than catching up on work emails. I also prioritised engaging in activities that replenished my energy, like hiking national parks or meeting friends for a spot of alfresco dining in Birmingham to enjoy the occasional vegan burger and chips accompanied by sparkling fruity flavours of passionfruit, wild berries and strawberry-lime drinks.

This balanced approach didn't just improve my work performance; it enriched my appreciation for the smaller moments in life, embodying the true essence of Lagom.

To conclude

When embracing spring through the Swedish philosophy of Lagom, it becomes clear that balance is the key to a happy life. Whether decluttering our homes or spending time outdoors, the essence of Lagom teaches us to appreciate what we have and find joy in moderation.

For many spring seasons in recent years, I have taken the lessons of Lagom to heart by balancing work with pleasure, taking moments of rest amidst productivity, and cherishing simple pleasures like enjoying the refreshing taste of Rekorderlig Cider with friends.

These experiences remind us to slow down, breathe in the fresh spring air, and cherish the moments that truly matter. So, let this be an inspiration to take advantage of the longer days and warmer temperatures, finding your own 'just right' balance that makes life sustainable and thoroughly enjoyable, just like the Swedes do.

*SHOP THE POST

Start your Lagom journey with a few simple finds: a reusable water bottle to cultivate mindful hydration on the go, a cosy throw blanket to indulge in hygge self-care evenings, and Swedish homeware to keep your home beautifully styled yet functional and balanced. To embrace ethical fashion and Lagom's focus on quality over quantity, explore the unique treasures at sustainable clothing stores.