Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life

by Niki Brantmark Narrated by Ana Clements

Overview

Derived from the Swedish phrase Lagom är bäst, meaning ""the right amount is best; in moderation, in balance,"" langom is a deeply held philosophy closely tied to the Swedish cultural and social ideology of fairness and equality. Lagom is believed to have begun with Viking culture: at gatherings, when a bowl of mead was passed around in a circle, it was important that everyone sipped “just enough” or their “fair share” so there was enough to be enjoyed by all. Deeply ingrained in the Swedish psyche, lagom is about enjoying balance in every aspect of life-from work and leisure to family and food and everything in between. Experienced bakers know by touch when dough they're kneading is “lagom”-not too moist and not too dry.

At the office, professionals who work hard-but not to the detriment of other aspects of their lives-are following the ideal of “lagom.” In this inviting, inspirational illustrated guide, Niki Brantmark explains lagom and explains how to incorporate it into your own lifestyle, including: Home: declutter, keep items you love; buy consciously; Work: take regular coffee breaks away from your desk, Swedish style; learn to “switch off” at home; Money: more isn't happiness-live within your means and be thrifty without sacrificing quality; Body & Mind: exercise that fits your life and healthy habits that make you feel better (starting with more sleep); Food: enjoy that slice of cake, but remember, portions in moderation; Vacation: make the most of holidays and time off; Leisure: get out in nature-take a hike in the woods or a dip in the sea; Family: keep it simple and organized; Friendship: forms bonds that will last a lifetime; And much more.

In an interconnected world filled with goal-oriented perfectionists, Lagom reminds us to slow down, to decompress and de-stress, to be mindful of sustainability yet not deny ourselves pleasure. But lagom is not a rigid set of rules-sometimes you need more, sometimes you need less, and that's fine too! With this idea-filled guide you can learn to find greater balance, well-being, and harmony-and most importantly, make time for the things that matter most in life.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

‘Lagom’ Is the New Hygge, and It’s Pretty Damn Life-Changing — PureWow

PureWow

‘Lagom’ Is the New Hygge, and It’s Pretty Damn Life-Changing

Library Journal

10/15/2017
Following closely on the success of all things hygge, a Danish word connoting "coziness" and popularized in books such as The Little Book of Hygge, comes lagom, the Swedish concept of finding balance in life. Similar titles on this topic include Linnea Dunne's Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living and Lola A. Äkerström's Lagom: The Swedish Secret of Living Well. This latest work from blogger Brantmark (The Scandinavian Home), a British expat living in Sweden, may appeal to those interested in Swedish culture. Readers may also be interested in comparing Brantmark's perspective to Dunne's, originally from Sweden, now residing in Dublin. Many lifestyle practices gaining momentum in the United States—DIY, sustainability, mindfulness, etc.—are covered; thus, the advice is familiar. At the same time, imagining these practices on a national level adds a fresh viewpoint. VERDICT A beautiful book filled with ways to balance life at home with the larger world. Where readers enjoy books on hygge, they will likely appreciate titles on lagom, too.—Meagan Storey, Virginia Beach

NOVEMBER 2017 - AudioFile

This audiobook introduces the concept of LAGOM, the Swedish belief in “not too little, not too much” or “just right.” (There’s no exact translation.) Narrator Ana Clements’s British voice sounds friendly and inviting as she explains that LAGOM is possible in all aspects of life—in one’s personal life and relationships, and in the wider world. Parts of this audiobook seem an odd mash-up of THE LITTLE BOOK OF HYGGE and THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF TIDYING UP—many suggestions and tips don't seem new. Sounding engaged and happy, Clements breathes life into the book’s many lists of suggestions, tips, and descriptions of DIY projects. Clements even paces DIY lists of tools at the tempo you’d need if you were writing them down, also without sounding tedious. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170240210
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	10/03/2017
Edition description:	Unabridged

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