You’ve probably been hearing a lot about ‘hygge‘ and ‘lagom‘.

The popular Scandinavian antidotes to stress have been doing the rounds, with little regard for the fact that most countries have higher rates of stress because our health care, welfare and economy aren’t as great as that of Scandinavian countries.

But sure, let’s make some lifestyle changes. That’ll solve everything.

Rant aside, there are some benefits to taking some time out, and the Scandanavians do seem to do that very well – so for the initiate, here’s The Guardian with a definition of hygge and lagom:

Lagom, a Swedish word, can be translated as “in perfect balance”, or “just right”. Where lagom reigns, all is as it should be. Proportion is maintained: there’s neither too much nor too little… which is where the problem lies. Although lagom encapsulates nearly all aspects of a well-lived life, its puritanism isn’t compatible with the realities of the modern world.

The problem with lagom is that it relies too heavily on being a good person, which sounds like a lot of work, moral negotiation and philosophical thinking when not being an asshole works just as well.

Moving on to hygge:

Denmark, meanwhile, is renowned for its hygge – embracing ambience and luxuriating in leisureliness. Hygge is a mug of hot chocolate sipped near an open fire, soft woollen blankets and a row of leather-bound spines on the bookshelf. It’s those images we see in interior design magazines and on Instagram.

As a side note, these same cashmere-wearing coco-drinkers also allow the Faroe Islands get together once a year to beat the hell out hundreds of innocent dolphins and other marine life.

The picture-perfect life presented by hygge can also be more stressful than it’s worth because it’s probably unattainable for most people. It’s expensive for one, and debt isn’t exactly calming.

Luckily, there is an alternative to both hygge and lagom and it’s called kalsarikänni. 

Kalsarikänni [is] a term that literally means “drinking at home, alone, in your underwear”. This may sound fanciful but at the heart of this approach lies a democratic ideal. “Pantsdrunk” doesn’t demand that you deny yourself the little things that make you happy or that you spend a fortune on Instagrammable Scandi furniture and load your house with more altar candles than a Catholic church.

Affordability is its hallmark, offering a realistic remedy to everyday stress. Which is why this lifestyle choice is the antithesis of posing and pretence: one does not post atmospheric images on Instagram whilst pantsdrunk. Pantsdrunk is real. It’s about letting go and being yourself, no affectation and no performance.

It’s become such a hallmark of Scandinavian living that there are even emojis depicting people getting drunk in their underwear.

The liberating effect of this Finnish path to happiness derives from simple elements: comfortable clothes, alcohol imbibed in appropriate amounts and no intention of going out. That’s not to say that pantsdrunk needs to be a solo activity. It can also be enjoyed with a good friend, housemate or perhaps a relative. When practised properly, pantsdrunk with one’s spouse or significant other expands and deepens the relationship.

Here’s how to be a boss at getting ‘pantsdrunk’:

• Have the right materials in stock – your favourite craft beer, crisps, hummus, cheeses and biscuits are all key weapons in the pantsdrunk arsenal.
• Find your most comfortable underwear – the really holey ones where you’ve forgotten their original colour. Perhaps invest in some wool socks, too. Pantsdrunk is not about getting wasted. Make sure you only drink according to your needs and abilities.
• Pantsdrunk does not require expensive furniture and artisanal hot chocolate in the house – just your drink of choice, a comfy sofa and a TV show you’re happy to binge watch.
• It isn’t puritanical. Want to eat two whole sharing bags of crisps? Fine, go for it.
• Lots of lifestyle trends tell you to switch off your phones and get outside. Wouldn’t you rather be inside with a glass of wine, working your way through a series of cat videos?

In South Africa, we even have an app that ensures that you don’t have to leave the house to stock up on booze and snacks.

Finally, a lifestyle trend I can get behind.

[source:guardian]