May 4th, 2019
We've all heard of "hygge" at this point.
According to dictionary.com, the Danish term is defined as "a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being".
But have you heard of "niksen"?
According to Carolien Hamming, a coach at anti-burnout organization CRS Centrum, it is a Dutch word that means "doing something without a purpose, like staring out the window, hanging out, or listening to music."
In today's culture of stress, overwhelm, and constant go-go-go - and culture that celebrates sleep deprivation and values maximization over sustainability, the practice of doing nothing and being idle can be a challenge.
But it is also necessary.
Just like mindfulness, practicing niksen allows us to be present - to our five senses, our thoughts, our emotions, and our bodies. It allows us to unplug to recharge. It allows us to cultivate self-compassion, perspective, and resilience.
So the next time you ask yourself what you should do to be more productive, the best answer might be the least expected one: nothing.
Niksen
We've all heard of "hygge" at this point.
According to dictionary.com, the Danish term is defined as "a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being".
But have you heard of "niksen"?
According to Carolien Hamming, a coach at anti-burnout organization CRS Centrum, it is a Dutch word that means "doing something without a purpose, like staring out the window, hanging out, or listening to music."
In today's culture of stress, overwhelm, and constant go-go-go - and culture that celebrates sleep deprivation and values maximization over sustainability, the practice of doing nothing and being idle can be a challenge.
But it is also necessary.
Just like mindfulness, practicing niksen allows us to be present - to our five senses, our thoughts, our emotions, and our bodies. It allows us to unplug to recharge. It allows us to cultivate self-compassion, perspective, and resilience.
So the next time you ask yourself what you should do to be more productive, the best answer might be the least expected one: nothing.
