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With so many of us travelling over the coming weeks – whether returning “home”, visiting loved ones or beginning a new chapter in another country – it felt like a fitting time to share a few of the ideas that resonated with me most.

Here are three Swedish approaches to wellbeing that I hope might inspire you too.

1. Embracing lagom: the art of “just enough”

One of Sweden’s best-known concepts is lagom. While there isn’t a perfect English translation, it roughly means “not too little, not too much – just enough.” It’s a philosophy that encourages balance over excess and contentment over constant striving.

In many parts of the world, we’re surrounded by messages encouraging us to do more, achieve more and own more. It’s easy to carry that mindset into expat life too, feeling pressure to build the perfect social circle, settle quickly, be successful in our international lives, or make the most of every opportunity. 

Lagom offers a refreshing alternative. Rather than asking, “How can I do more?”, it invites us to ask, “What is enough?”

Enough work.
Enough rest.
Enough socialising.
Enough ambition.
Enough downtime.

A few photos from my time in Sweden, where I found endless inspiration in the country’s deep connection with nature and its gentle approach to wellbeing.

2. Finding calm through nature

Known as skogsbad in Sweden (and shinrin-yoku in Japan), forest bathing means immersing yourself in nature using all your senses. Rather than walking quickly to reach a destination, it’s about slowing down enough to really notice the world around you: the scent of soil, birdsong overhead, sunlight filtering through the leaves or the feeling of the ground beneath your feet.

For expats, nature can become an unexpected source of belonging. When so much else feels unfamiliar – language, routines, friendships or cultural norms – the natural world often offers something constant. Whether it’s a local park, a nearby beach, a forest trail or a mountain path, spending time outdoors can help us reconnect not only with our surroundings but with ourselves.

3. Treating rest as something worth investing in

The third idea is something called sleep tourism: choosing destinations and experiences that prioritise deep rest and restorative sleep rather than packed itineraries. While most holidays focus on seeing and doing as much as possible, this approach recognises that many of us arrive on holiday already exhausted. It’s a reminder that rest isn’t something we have to earn.

For expats especially, periods of transition can be surprisingly draining. Sometimes the most valuable thing we can do is simply allow ourselves to pause. Quality sleep, slower mornings and moments of quiet aren’t indulgences – they’re an investment in our wellbeing.

Small shifts can make a big difference

None of these ideas require dramatic life changes. They aren’t about expensive wellness retreats or rigid routines. Instead, they encourage us to slow down just enough to notice what already supports our wellbeing: balance, nature and rest. These are simple practices, yet they’re often the first things to disappear when life becomes busy or uncertain. Yet we can create small daily rituals like these that help us feel more grounded wherever we happen to call home.

What is one small change you could make this week to create a greater sense of balance and wellbeing, wherever you are in the world?

If you’d like to explore these ideas further, you’ll find a wealth of information at Visit Sweden.

PHOTO: Anastasia Shuraeva/Pexels