The Nordic Way of Living

We can all learn from each other and it can be especially interesting to learn how things are done in different cultures.

As a dual citizen of Finland and the US, I am grateful to both of my home countries. However, many aspects of my Finnish upbringing are ingrained in me and it took me moving away from Finland to see this.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Nordic way* of doing things, I can recommend two books:

Lagom: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life by Niki Brantmark

Lagom is Swedish and translates as ‘just right’. Lagom is not too little and not too much. 

The book covers how this principle is used in different areas of life: 

• How people decorate their homes; 

• How they think about their clothing; 

• How people organize parties and celebrations; 

• How people view parenting, work, food, etc.

As I was reading the book I realized this ideology was so rooted in me that I hadn’t understood it to be so unique! But it is. 

The book is well-written and easy to read with practical, real-life examples for individuals and families. 

The Finnish Way: Finding Courage, Wellness, and Happiness Through the Power of Sisu** by Katja Pantzar

Finnish people have been ranked as the happiest people on Earth. 

This book covers what helps people in Nordic countries stay well-rounded, happy, and healthy:

• How people spend time in nature;

• How people use cold (weather or water) and heat (sauna);

• How people incorporate incidental exercise;

• How people take breaks during the day as well as throughout the year;

• How people appreciate good design & quality over quantity.

This is a good book to read at the beginning of a new year when many of us are thinking about starting new habits as the Finnish way can be applied anywhere. 

Simple and sensible is the Finnish way.

* Even though one of the books talks about Finland and the other about neighboring Sweden, all Nordic countries have very similar ways of living.

** Sisu is a Finnish word that doesn’t have a translation but can be described as having inner strength with persistent determination and resolve to continue despite challenges.