Standing on the sands of Scheveningen beach, I am immersed in the Dutch practice of niksen—doing absolutely nothing. But the moment I begin contemplating if I am truly doing “nothing,” I find myself slipping into an ironic paradox: Am I doing it right? Should I sit? Does wandering off to eat pancakes count as niksen? Beside me, Olga Mecking—the author of Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing—effortlessly embodies the concept I am struggling to grasp. And herein lies the magic and challenge of niksen: learning to simply be without the need for productivity or purpose.

Olga’s definition resonates deeply. “Niksen is about doing nothing without any outcome in mind,” she explains. “Not scrolling, not watching TV, not exercising for the sake of burning calories. It’s about letting go of outcomes.” And that, my friend, is the heart of niksen. In a world obsessed with achievement, where even relaxation becomes goal-oriented, learning to embrace idleness without guilt is an art form.

The Global Appeal of Doing Nothing

Mecking’s exploration of niksen struck a chord worldwide, beginning with her viral New York Times article in 2019, titled The Case for Doing Nothing. The concept tapped into a growing need for stillness amidst our relentless pace of modern life. By 2020, her book had landed on shelves, inviting readers to embrace moments of intentional nothingness. The pandemic, with its enforced stillness, only accelerated the global fascination with doing less—proving that we weren’t just burnt out, but also starving for moments free from obligations.

Interestingly, niksen has now entered mainstream wellness culture. Fitness clubs in the UK have introduced niksen classes aimed at releasing tension, while new books on the subject continue to emerge. From The Lost Art of Doing Nothing by Maartje Willems to The Power of Doing Nothing by Tess Jansen, authors around the world are riding the niksen wave.

Is Doing Nothing a Dutch Invention?

While niksen has gained recognition as a “Dutch art,” it turns out the concept isn’t inherently Dutch. According to Ruut Veenhoven, an expert on happiness at Erasmus University Rotterdam, niksen may be more of a media construct than an intrinsic Dutch tradition. “Dutch culture is rooted in Calvinist values—hard work, discipline, and productivity,” Veenhoven explains. Historically, Calvinism instilled a sense of guilt in idleness, reinforcing the idea that one must always be doing something useful.

In fact, Mecking herself admits that many Dutch people struggle with doing nothing. They are raised to prioritize usefulness, and any attempt at niksen can feel like a rebellious act against deep-seated cultural norms. Yet, this tension between productivity and idleness seems to be precisely why niksen resonates—not just in the Netherlands, but globally. It offers an antidote to the burnout culture that has taken root in modern society.

Burnout and the Need for Stillness

A 2023 study from the Dutch research organization TNO found that one in five workers in the Netherlands reported symptoms of burnout. This mirrors global trends, where work pressures, gig economies, and an “always-on” culture push people to their limits. However, despite high levels of work-related exhaustion, Dutch employees report lower stress compared to neighboring countries. Perhaps it’s the growing acceptance of niksen—or at least the aspiration toward it—that offers some reprieve.

The allure of niksen lies in the permission it grants to slow down, detach from expectations, and reconnect with oneself. As Jan de Jonge, a Dutch psychologist, explains, “Wellness is essential in today’s hectic life. The Dutch may not inherently practice niksen, but they certainly crave moments of doing nothing to recharge.”

Why We Struggle with Doing Nothing

If doing nothing sounds simple, why do so many of us struggle with it? The answer lies in how deeply ingrained our need for productivity has become. Even leisure activities are often framed around goals—whether it’s reaching a fitness target or curating the perfect vacation. Olga Mecking points out, “When we eat, we think about nutrition. When we walk, we track steps. We have forgotten how to simply enjoy things for what they are.”

The guilt associated with idleness also plays a significant role. Many of us find it difficult to unwind without feeling like we are wasting time. The digital age only adds to this pressure, as social media tempts us with comparisons to others who seem to be doing more or living better lives. The result? A cycle of constant doing, leaving little room for true relaxation.

The Science Behind the Benefits of Idleness

While niksen may seem counterintuitive, research shows that moments of idleness are essential for mental well-being and creativity. A study by Sandi Mann at the University of Central Lancashire found that boredom can actually enhance creative thinking. When the brain isn’t focused on specific tasks, it enters a state called “default mode,” which allows for free-flowing thoughts and creative insights.

Another study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that periods of rest improve cognitive function and emotional regulation. In other words, doing nothing isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for maintaining mental health.

Furthermore, the concept aligns with broader trends in positive psychology, which emphasize the importance of mindfulness, savoring, and presence. Practices like niksen encourage us to be fully present in the moment, free from distractions and future-oriented thinking.

Embracing Niksen: How to Do Nothing (the Right Way)

The beauty of niksen lies in its simplicity, but mastering it requires intentionality. Here are a few tips to help you embrace the art of doing nothing:

Set aside time for idleness: Just as you schedule work or exercise, schedule time to do nothing. It could be 10 minutes in the morning or a quiet evening on the couch.

Disconnect from devices: Put away your phone, close your laptop, and resist the urge to fill every moment with entertainment.

Let go of expectations: Release the need for outcomes. There’s no right way to do niksen—whether you stare at the ceiling or sit on a park bench, it counts.

Be mindful of guilt: If guilt creeps in, acknowledge it without judgment. Remember, doing nothing is a valid and necessary activity.

Find your version of niksen: Whether it’s sitting by the beach, gazing out a window, or sipping tea in silence, find what works for you.

Conclusion: The Power of Being Present

In a world that glorifies busyness, niksen offers a radical act of self-care. It reminds us that we are not defined by our productivity and that it’s okay—essential, even—to pause and breathe. Whether you call it niksen, mindfulness, or simply idling, the art of doing nothing has profound benefits for our well-being.

So the next time you feel overwhelmed by the pressures of modern life, take a moment to embrace niksen. Stand on the sand, sit by the window, or lie on your bed. Let your thoughts wander without direction. There is no wrong way to do nothing—only the gentle joy of being present with yourself, just as you are. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, your definition of nothing will involve pancakes after all.