Niksenis a stress-reducing practice from the Netherlands that literally means to do nothing, or to be idle.
As Mecking writes, its a welcome reprieve from societal expectations about work and productivity that permeates the culture.
The cultural bias against doing nothing comes across heavily in the Dutch language.
The popular proverb
Niksen
is niks, for instance, means doing nothing is good for nothing.
And another popular Dutch saying,
Doe gewoon normaal,
translates to just be normal.
Above all, it means dont be lazy.
Its a word with a rather negative connotation, Hamming wrote to me in an email.
Butniksenis the exact opposite of that mentality.
Its the chance to deliciously do nothing, as Mecking put it.
Our inner voice says always, Do something useful, Hamming says.
For yourself, your family, the world … soniksenis really hard to do.
Thehyggementality is appealing because its all about comfort.
Butniksenhas its own appeal.
Im more than happy enjoying my own company.
So, given my introverted, quiet nature, Im more drawn toniksen.
I think thatniksenon [a] regular basis is important to stay healthy, Hamming says.
Its a form of mental resting [and] recuperation, while youre awake.
Above all, its not laziness.
As Mecking puts it, its a thorough enjoyment of lifes pauses.
In the wild most animals do nothing two-thirds of their time, Hamming says.
They yawn, look around, sit and wait until a little snack comes by.
Therefore,niksenseems to me a natural state of being.
