The Art of Doing Nothing
The Dutch concept of Niksen - the art of doing nothing - is exactly what it says on the tin. Doing absolutely nothing is the alternative to the fast-paced, burnout culture we are growing accustomed to seeing around us. It may seem slightly counter-intuitive. Reading this article hardly conforms to doing nothing. Writing it is even further from this strange ideal. Learning about this Dutch art, however, may embolden the reader to adopt Niksen into their everyday lives. Doing nothing for the sake of doing nothing.
"Niksen: Embracing the Art of Doing Nothing" book cover.
What is Niksen?
Niksen really does boil down to slowing down your everyday life to take the opportunity to sit, relax, or do anything else that may seem counter-productive. The leading Dutch advocate for Niksen, Olga Mecking, defines Niksen as "to do nothing, without a purpose." This means ignoring outcomes. Sitting by a window watching the world go by, instead of trying to binge one more episode of your favorite TV series. Going for a walk for the pure enjoyment of being in the fresh air, not just to top up your 10,000 steps a day. Mecking's book, "Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing", has now been translated into thirteen languages since it was first published in 2021.
Why Niksen?
Actively placing this deliberate pause throughout the day may seem insignificant and hardly groundbreaking. Yet, offering an iota of resistance against the incessant urge to always be productive is more abstract than you may think. It differs vastly from the trending topic of mindfulness, where you learn to appreciate what is happening in the present moment, without judgment. Niksen, instead, focuses on just 'being' for the sake of 'being'. Giving your brain time to reset throughout the day may lead to decreased stress, increased health, and increased creativity. Problems that appeared overwhelming and complex become easily manageable. Your mood improves, you see life for what it is, and you become happier as a result. All because you took the time to do nothing.
The curiosity surrounding the concept of niksen is due to the vital effect it can have on cognitive function. The mind is a powerful tool, and the ability to control the pressures and complexities of everyday life is a superpower possessed by relatively few. The Dutch have taken their inspiration from further north, following the trends of the Danish hygge (cozy comfort) and Swedish lagom (everything in moderation). Although the Scandinavians (as well as the Dutch) are known for their high standard of living and quality of life, they also have an infallible desire for productivity. Niksen offers the perfect antidote to the risk of burnout, allowing a momentary pause to revive the brain from stress and monotony.
Embracing niksen could be the key to balancing the rigmaroles of life more comfortably. The concept is not inherently complex, and it is not inherently Dutch. It is simply being. There’s no risk of doing nothing incorrectly, either. Doing nothing may feel quite strange when most people are so used to doing 'something' all the time. But if you need a simple way to manage stress, or a flash of brilliance or creative spark, perhaps choose to do nothing.
