I have a thing for extremes.
One day Im up, the next day Im down.
I go all in, or I dont go at all.
IRYNA KAZLOVA/Getty Images
Im not even going to tell you how manycrystalsI own.
The Swedish population is consistently ranked among thehappieston the globe, and I wanted in on their secrets.
Lo and behold, a life of lagom basically represents the opposite of mine.
I really enjoyed those chocolate chip cookies, but my mom baked ‘em. (Thanks Mom!)
I read up on all things lagom to find out if I could use it to become more balanced.
So, I dedicated myself to the lagom life for a full 30 days, no excuses.
(I mean, how lagom is that, am I right?
I didn’t say capsule clothing had to ever be folded impeccably, though.
No, seriously,am I right??)
But one of the keys to a lagom home is minimalism.
Translation: It was clear I needed to do some serious excavation.
The lagom way has left my home far neater andmore organizedthan I would have imagined.
(I now have both.)
I really enjoyed those chocolate chip cookies, but my mom baked ‘em.
(Thanks Mom!)
But it also means so much more than that.
Its a moment to relax and catch up with others away from the stresses and strains of everyday life.
I blame this on working from home as a writer and my laserlike focus.
Yet Brantmark is quick to point out that the beauty of fika is in its simplicity.
The beauty of fika is how uncomplicated it is.
The combination of giving my brain some downtime and that bit of aerobic exercise is just what I need.
And yet Sweden ranks sixth in the global competitiveness index.
Could coffee breaks be partly to credit here?
Of course, not all jobs allow for this.
And honestly, that was a diversion from how I usually act.
Living lagom is all about not being wasteful with all things, food included.
Specifically, lagom adherents never letgood leftoversgo to waste.
No matter how semi-homemade.
I used my desire to partake in all things lagom to rationalize ordering McDonalds for dinner.
I didn’t say capsule clothing had to ever be folded impeccably, though.
Its also more economical, and those who try it say it makes them feel happier.
The idea of creating a mix-and-match capsule seemed daunting but feasible if I really was thoughtful about it.
Huh, so its that balance, mindfulness thing again.
And I have to say, thatworked.
However, Dunne warns of passing on too much too quickly.
You might rediscover an old skirt and discover it now works perfectly, she writes.
This would be a no-no under Kondo rules, but lagom let me have this one.
And my GOD has it made my life easier.
Im talking like, hours of my life back.
My hair is also way healthier thanks to the lack of styling products, tools, and toiling.
Scrape your hair together and pull it straight up over your head.
Twist it downwards towards the crown, stopping an inch above your head.
Wrap the hair around itself to form a loose bun.
Use as many hair ties and/or bobby pins as you need for a secure hold.
(This, of course, Im working on with my therapist.)
