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

a slower-paced life and the freedom that comes from enjoying the vastness of nature, without keys or a credit card in your pocket. Head out to the countryside, find a secluded spot and soak up the fresh air and peaceful environment. Not much of a Boy Scout/Girl Guide? Find a ‘glamp’ site near you for camping with a touch of comfort, like a proper bed and a hot-water bottle. You’ll still find the odd spider, though!

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      Five ways to enjoy camping

      Have all the gear and some idea! Make sure you’re properly equipped with everything you need and test it in the garden (or in your sitting room!) before you set off. That way you won’t forget vital items, such as the tent poles (been there, done that!). Likewise, pack suitable clothing for all conditions, a first-aid kit and that all-important mosquito repellent!

      Find an incredible setting The beauty of camping is that you can decide on the view! Set aside some time to research great camping spots before you head off and then choose the perfect place to pitch your tent on arrival, ensuring it’s flat, with good drainage, and has the most stunning view!

      Make the most of what nature has to offer Embrace the simple things in life and enjoy swimming in a lake or the sea, hiking, or just taking in the scenery, followed by an evening under the stars!

      Ensure a good night’s sleep Unless you’re Bear Grylls, you’ll appreciate some home comforts. Pack an inflatable or foam mattress, your pillow and even some ear plugs and an eye mask – and wake up rested and raring to go!

      Treat yourself You may love baked beans – in which case, great! But if you prefer something a little more gourmet, there are many fantastic one-pot recipes out there – and don’t forget the hot chocolate and marshmallows!

The lagom guide to physical happiness

      We can’t all be naturally blessed with a flowing mane of golden hair and a lithe physique, but we can learn a thing or two from Swedes about how to look after our bodies. They take a no-nonsense approach, simply enjoying a balanced diet, neither denying themselves that cinnamon bun nor overdoing the salad. They also naturally incorporate exercise into their day, favouring the bike over a car or public transport, whether there’s sun, rain, wind or snow. So even on the busiest of days, they’ve got their heart pumping.

       EATING IN MODERATION

      It’s safe to say that if you’re not a fan of fish or potatoes, you might struggle in Sweden. No holiday smorgasbord is complete without them. National dishes (or husmanskost) include sill och potatis (a serving of herring and potatoes with lingonberries), köttbullar med potatismos (meatballs and mash) and pyttipanna (a mix of cubed potatoes, meat and onion with a side of pickled beetroot). Joking aside, the Nordic diet is fast being recognized for its health benefits. The average life expectancy in Sweden is 80.3 years for men and 84.1 years for women, which puts the country firmly in the top ten of the World Health Organization’s ranking system.

      Nordic meals are all about balance and eating seasonal produce. In fact, a study by the Nordic Centre of Excellence demonstrated that a healthy Nordic diet can improve cholesterol levels, lower the risk of coronary heart disease and reduce inflammatory conditions (such as arthritis and Crohn’s disease).¹² In other words, it’s good for your heart and waistline!

      Cala Maffia/Unsplash

       Eat the Swedish way

      Herring: Salted, smoked, fried or pickled, there’s evidence to suggest the humble herring has been on the Nordic menu since Neolithic times. This small fish is relatively cheap to buy and easy to store. It’s a great source of vitamin D and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to prevent heart disease, help your brain function and boost your immune system.