In modern society, it often feels like there is an invisible pressure floating over us. The
pressure to always be doing something. Everywhere we look, we see people hustling,
creating, building, improving. Social media is full of “productivity hacks”, morning routines,
side jobs and endless to-do lists. It is hard not to absorb this energy. Even if we are not
actively working, we might feel guilty for not being productive enough. There seem to be two
kinds of people. Those who constantly feel the need to stay productive and those whose lives
are packed with responsibilities. Demanding jobs, endless tasks and little time to breathe. But
both groups rarely do nothing. And as a result, creativity, mental clarity and a sense of calm
just disappears. This is where the Dutch concept of Niksen comes in. A gentle reminder that
doing nothing can actually be deeply valuable.
Niksen literally means “to do nothing” and it is not laziness. It is not scrolling on your phone
or half-watching a show while multitasking. It‘s the deliberate act of pausing. Sitting by the
window, staring at the ceiling, watching clouds pass, so simply letting your mind float. In
Dutch culture, Niksen has gained attention as a way to counteract stress and burnout. It’s
about making small moments, where nothing is planned. No goals, no productivity, no
expectations.
In psychology, this state is often referred to as mind-wandering. For a long time, it was seen
as a sign of distraction. But research has shown that letting your thoughts wander can actually
benefit the brain in powerful ways. It boosts creativity, as the mind forms unexpected
connections when it is not focused on specific tasks. It supports emotional processing, giving
space for thoughts and feelings to surface naturally. It helps with mental recovery, allowing
the brain to rest and recharge, much like sleep does. In other words, when we stop constantly
filling every moment with activity, our minds get the chance to breathe. This is mostly the
moment, when the best ideas and insights emerge. When was the last time someone told you
to not do anything for a while? For many of us, probably never. From a young age, we are
taught to be productive, to keep ourselves busy or to fill our schedules. The idea of just sitting
without purpose seems almost rebellious. But perhaps that is exactly why it’s so powerful. It
challenges the constant pressure to perform, to produce, to be “on” all the time. The good
news is that Niksen doesn’t require hours of free time or a retreat in the mountains. It can be
as simple as sitting by the window with a cup of tea and not reaching for your phone, lying on
the couch and staring at the ceiling for a few minutes, watching the sky or trees without trying
to analyze anything, or taking a slow walk with no destination, no podcast, no agenda. Start
with just a few minutes a day and let your mind relax without guilt. Think of it as giving
yourself permission to exist without performing. In a world that idolizes activity, doing
nothing can feel strange. But embracing Niksen is not about being pointless, it’s about
reclaiming mental space. When we allow ourselves moments of silence, we create the
conditions for creativity and clarity. Doing nothing is not a waste of time. Sometimes, it’s
exactly what our minds have been needing all along.
Contact information:
Selina Demir
Instagram: selina.demr
E-Mail: selinademir.aut@gmail.com
