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Living La Vida Lagom

By Sinem Bilen-Onabanjo
28 January 2017   |   3:16 am
Over the hygge hype already? It’s just been a week since we discussed how to indulge in the Danish art of seizing the soul out of your moments, but for some hygge is already so 2016. After all, it is a brand new year...

relaxing

Over the hygge hype already? It’s just been a week since we discussed how to indulge in the Danish art of seizing the soul out of your moments, but for some hygge is already so 2016. After all, it is a brand new year, and if we must need a new Scandinavian word of the year, it has got to be Lagom.

Lagom simply embodies the concept of the “golden mean” – everything in moderation; pronounced ‘lar-gohm’, the Scandinavian term that means ‘just the right amount’. Rather than trying to fit some Hygge into your day, Lagom is a more general approach to achieving a thriftier and balanced lifestyle.

If you feel your freshly found resolve at the start of January waning and flailing slowly, Lagom may just be what you need. Keeping spending habits in check, being less stressed out and pursuing healthier and more satisfying hobbies all fit into the Lagom lifestyle.

Reduce Your Environmental Impact
An important part of Lagom is leading the sort of lifestyle so that you are doing your bit for the environment and living in moderation. Part of this is mundane little things we take for granted: recycle, reuse, repair where you can, conserve energy, and as tempting as it is jumping on a plane at every opportunity to a far-flung corner of the world, try to reduce your carbon footprint.

Stress Less
Following a lifestyle that is centered around balance and moderation is one of the best ways to keep your stress levels in check.If you start to feel a little bit overwhelmed remember that it’s okay to pair back your commitments. Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading nutritionist and author of ‘Natural Alternatives to Sugar’ (Amazon, £7.17) says, “If you feel the symptoms of stress coming on, learn to get your priorities right. There is nothing in your life right now more important than your health. Learn to say no if you feel that you have taken on too much.”

Moderate Your Portions
Need to streamline your proportions? Then it is time to streamline your portions. If you’re looking to bring Lagom into your kitchen, one of the easiest ways to achieve moderation is through correct portion sizes.
Nutritionist and weight loss expert, Lily Soutter (lilysoutternutrition.com) recommends cooking just the right amount or putting away the leftovers straight away:

“Having just the right amount of food for each meal instantly eliminates any possibility of over eating. ‘Seconds’ can be hard to resist when serving pots of food are left on dining table. Minimise temptation by placing the serving pot back on the stove, or clearing the kitchen space immediately after cooking.”

Give Your Skin What It Needs
Nourish your skin with products that it needs by getting back to natural skincare products. Make sure you always read the labels before buying products and look for organic ingredients that will clean not clog your skin! Look for ingredients like Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil and Plantolin for balms and gels that can naturally soothe your skin.

Dr Roger Henderson, GP with a special interest in dermatology, explains:
“With so many skin products on the market, it pays to know exactly what you are putting on your skin. A natural skincare solution has many advantages over products containing potential toxins such as parabens, PEG compounds, Coal Tar Dyes, DEA and formaldehyde to name but a few.”Why not buy Nigerian with brands like Namaste Organics and Olori Cosmetics, both completely free of any nasty toxins and full of organic goodness?

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