Niksen

Niksen is a dutch stress-reducing practice, which involves… doing nothing. In a society where we work more hours than ever, where laziness is seen as a sin, and productivity is glorified, niksen offers an escape.

How does it work?

In practice, niksen involves enjoying the unproductive moments in life. Daydreaming, for example, fits well with this concept. In addition, it’s shown to lead to more creativity and better problem solving abilities so there's no need to feel guilty about doing "nothing" every once in a while (Sandi Mann*).

Why do we need niksen?

We have been so focused on being productive, that whenever we happen to find ourselves in a situation where we aren’t forced to do something – e.g. riding the elevator – we try to occupy ourselves by checking our phones, for example. Being constantly occupied, however, can lead to burnouts, as we are constantly trying to achieve as much as possible, as fast as possible, without taking a rest.  We are rewarded for being more productive than required, making productivity too big of a priority in our minds. Doing nothing, and being ok with doing nothing could put our mind at ease, and make us feel more refreshed.

Why focus on the present?

Ruminating on the past can lead to depression, while worrying about the future can lead to anxiety. This can be reduced by mindfulness techniques focused on being in the present, such as meditation (Jake van der Born**). Combining niksen with living in the moment might be just what we need after a busy week.

*https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/29/smarter-living/the-case-for-doing-nothing.html

** http://www.jakeshealthsolutions.com/when-thinking-becomes-harmful-rumination-depression-and-anxiety-2724

Read more: Niksen: The Dutch Art of Doing Nothing by Carolien Janssen