The Dutch concept of “niksen” is EXACTLY what I need in my life

You know when you read an article that’s compelling, you can’t wait to share the shit out of it?

Well, I couldn’t wait to tell you about this one. As in, as soon as I saw the headline, I was like YUP THIS IS WHAT I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR.

“The Dutch have a name for doing nothing. It’s called niksen, and we need more of it.” (Washington Post)

“Niksen” means to “actively engage in doing nothing.” Let me say that again: DOING NOTHING.

Actual examples include staring out the window or looking at your coffee machine while it brews (in my case, I could stare at my tea kettle which actually is really pretty because it’s clear and lights up).

It supposedly has the power to give your brain a rest, increase your creativity, lower your anxiety, and help you feel more relaxed.

The verb is to “niks,” like “I am totally going to niks while I wait for the vegetables to steam” (rather than reading a book or looking at my phone like I normally would.)

This concept is frigging fabulous and EXACTLY what I need right now. I keep trying and failing at mediation, so maybe this is a junior version (or a hidden backdoor version?) that I can actually do?

I am a person who ALWAYS has her phone. (Not just for social media, I should point out. I read a lot of blogs and articles on it, and sometimes even read books on it.)

I am a person who almost always carries a book.

I am a person who, if I don’t have access to the first two, will find a scrap of paper and pen and start manically scribbling lists, reminders, ideas, sketches of things I want to make, etc.

I am a person who thinks it’s “a waste” to just watch TV without also quilting or embroidering or doing something productive with my little handsies.

I am a person who is regularly told to relax, and can’t.

I am a person who lives with anxiety and, therefore, has a mind that races 24/7.

I am ONE HUNDO PER CENT the person who would benefit from niksen.

I have no idea if it’s going to work or not, but it sounds a hell of a lot easier than remembering to turn on a guided meditation that (ironically) seems to shoot my anxiety up.

So watch me niks, niks — watch me nae nae? I guess we’ll see!