Here’s a concept that comes from the north, straight from the Netherlands: niksen, the art of doing nothing. The idea is simple: put your phone away, grant yourself a moment of disconnection, a pause, without guilt.
Niksen, the Art of Doing Nothing, a Concept Essential in These Turbulent Times
Are you familiar with hygge and lagom? But what about niksen? It’s another Nordic concept, built on one of the simplest ideas: just doing nothing.
In these days of burnout and other intense stress, where disconnecting is overlooked, this current that celebrates effortless idleness is gaining popularity. “Ah! How sweet it is to do nothing – when everything around …,” wrote Michel Carré. It seems he has been heard…
But what exactly is this art of not doing anything? “For the Dutch, watching people pass by from the window or heading to the sea to fix the waves for a moment is considered niksen,” explains Ionela Bărbuță in Dutch Review. She adds: “And by doing so, they reach a state of calm and tranquility that is appreciable.”
To De-stress, Give Yourself Time, a Break, Idle Time Without Guilt
Today, even reading, exhibitions, films, or TV series are consumed in a binge-like fashion.
Niksen is a “slow life” concept that helps you reclaim your time and give your brain a moment of rest. You could translate it as the well-known Italian farniente, the American chill, or the French glande, but without any pejorative undertone.
It isn’t the first concept to come from the North. There’s the hygge, from Denmark, which promoted the art of cocooning at home: creating a warm and comforting atmosphere. The Swedish lagom urged a balanced lifestyle, moderating consumption. Niksen, by contrast, should allow for a moment of idleness, without a phone and without a book. And above all, without any guilt! So, why not take advantage of the summer to give it a try?
A Tiny Guide to Adopting Niksen
- Take time to do nothing
Set aside moments in the day when you grant yourself permission to have no specific activities, goals, or tasks to complete.
- Be present in the moment
Focus on the here and now without letting future worries or past memories pull you away.
- Embrace idleness
Accept that idleness can be beneficial and productive. Allow the mind to wander and to rest.
- Listen to your body
Pay attention to physical and mental needs. Stop when you feel tired, stressed, or overwhelmed.
- Create a conducive environment
Find a comfortable, peaceful spot where you can unwind without interruption. It could be at home, in a park, or even a quiet cafe.
- Let go of guilt
Let go of the notion that you must always be productive or active. Understand that rest and doing nothing have intrinsic value for mental and physical health.
- Foster spontaneity
Let niksen moments arise spontaneously, without rigid planning. Seize opportunities to unwind when they present themselves.
- Integrate niksen into your daily routine
Make niksen a regular part of your lifestyle, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
These principles encourage embracing rest and relaxation as essential elements for a healthy life balance and better stress management.
