Take a fika! [“Lagom (Not too little, not too much): The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life” book by Niki Brantmark]

Greetings all!

I just finished a great book by Niki Brantmark “Lagom: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life.” Initially the cover caught my attention because of the magic words “a balanced, happy life” and a picture of a kettle – it made me want to curl up in an armchair with a cup of tea and a good book. And, of course, as my blog title implies, I am always looking for balance and joy – and lagom loosely means “not too much and not too little!” Isn’t that a definition of balance!?

Google "lagom" and you will get thousands of hits! It seems to be a very popular philosophy nowadays as we search for ways to lead happier and more balanced lives!

In her book, Niki (a Londoner currently living in Sweden) shows how to apply lagom to work, leisure, family and relationships, holidays and celebrations, interior design, and environmentally kind living. I really enjoyed her tips on how to subtly change the daily routine to lead a less stressful life and have more time for the things we love. Take a fika (coffee break) and read about some of the things I found useful (direct quotes from the book, as well as my paraphrasing and interpretation).

HOME: Exercise restraint. Keep it simple. Nothing brash, nothing loud, no bold patters – just calm. Niki quotes William Morris, “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” Declutter is the order of the day. One tip that I particularly like is to keep a basket to accumulate clutter and once it is full, sort through it.

SLEEP: Keep your room clean, calm, and dark. Sleep helps us de-clutter our minds and restore our body and soul. Screen light before bed reduces the quality of sleep (so no to news, Netflix, and Facebook – and yes to a walk, a book, a warm bath, and cuddling up with family and pets).

NATURE: Nature allows you to slow down, switch off and be with your own thoughts. Venture outdoors. Bring nature into your home.

PHYSICAL HAPPINESS: Nordic diet is all over the news – and it is all about balance and eating seasonally. Incorporate exercise into your daily life (walk and talk with friends at lunch!). Create a capsule wardrobe (small, intentional, filled with mix-and-match items) – OK, this one might warrant its own post!

WORK-LIFE BALANCE: Multiple studies have shown that productivity drops after 50 hours a week. Be an early bird (this one is a tough one for me!). Don’t skip lunch! Take a fika! Breaks boost productivity, creativity, energy, concentration, and alertness, as well as help you connect with others! Learn to disconnect after work. Take vacation. Buy consciously.

RELATIONSHIPS: Learn to listen. Be punctual. Enjoy a fika (it pops up again!!). If you are in a relationship, take equal responsibility for all aspects of life. Be kind (to yourself as well, I would add!).

CHILDREN: Children need our time, time to play with friends, and time to be alone. Buy toys that stimulate imaginary play. Allow children to be bored on occasion. Quiet time develops their life skills and taps into their imagination. Ease the pressure (I think this one applies across all ages!).

WORLD: Think of others. Random acts of kindness spread a little happiness. Respect nature. Reduce waste.

I found these concepts lovely:

• Mångata – The glimmering, roadlike reflection the moon creates on water
• Kvällspromenad – An evening walk
• Smultronställe – Place of wild strawberries (a special place discovered, treasured, returned to for solace and relaxation)
• Fikapaus – A break with a coffee and maybe a little treat

My takeaways:

• Be kind and fair
• Keep it simple
• De-clutter and reduce waste in all aspects of your life
• Take a fika!

What did you think? Drop me a line and let’s meet for a fikapaus!