How is Niksen different from meditation?
“A short walk in nature, drinking a cup of tea without distractions, or even just looking out the window for a few minutes can all become a Niksen moment,” he says. Kashish Sharma is a mindfulness coach based in Delhi-NCR. Unlike meditation or mindfulness, Niksen does not require specific techniques or goals. It’s about carving out time to just be present without feeling pressured to be productive. The key is to choose activities that require minimal effort and free you from the constant need to “do it.”
A woman lying down doing nothing (Image: iStock)
Benefits of downtime
- Recharging breaks: Giving your mind a break allows you to recharge your energy reserves.
- Increased focus and creativity: Return to your tasks after a Nixen session with renewed focus and creativity.
- Stress Reduction: A tool that reduces stress by allowing you to be present without the burden of “acting.”
- Pause Button: Helps you press the pause button when you are always busy.
Expanding
origin: The word “niksen” is of Dutch origin. This is a verb that means “do nothing” and comes from the Dutch word “niks”, which means “do nothing”.
According to available information, the first recorded use of “niksen” was around 2010 to 2015. It has become widely recognized in recent years with the publication in 2021 of Olga Mecking’s book Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing.
Incorporate Niksen into your busy lifestyle:
“Nixen isn’t about adding another burden to your schedule. It’s about moments of mindful relaxation throughout the day.” – Kashish Sharma, Delhi-NCR based Mindfulness Coach
“Imagine your mind as a cluttered desk. Using Nixen, you can clear away the clutter in your mind. Taking a break from stimulation creates space for fresh ideas to emerge. It naturally improves your concentration.” Kasturi Subha, a psychologist based in Mumbai
Other wellness concepts:
Danish “Hygge” – creating a cozy atmosphere
Swedish “lagom” – live in moderation.
Japanese “Ikigai” – finding something you are passionate about
Norwegian “frilftsliv” – spending time outdoors
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