Imagine a world where doing absolutely nothing is considered a skill — and a highly desirable one at that. Welcome to the Netherlands, where the Dutch philosophy of niksen, the art of purposeful idleness, is a common practice.
It’s one that’s gaining traction, and it just might be the new hygge. Rooted in a culture that prizes balance and well-being, niksen invites us to let go of productivity and embrace the simple joy of being. “Niksen is downtime, quiet time, finding a moment to unwind and relax, and maybe reflect a little,” writes Olga Mecking in Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing. In many ways, it’s easier to define niksen by describing all of the things it is not. “Niksen isn’t reading books, watching TV, or browsing social media,” explains Olga. Instead, niksen looks more like “gazing out of the window, sitting still, or looking around the room.”
