Forget Hygge and Lagom: why the Dutch concept of Niksen is the latest wellness buzzword to know

Niksen is all about doing nothing – but is it really the best way to beat stress?
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In 2016 the Danish introduced us to Hygge , and the world became Scandi-obsessives.

The following year we jumped on the band wagon of Swedish wellness concept Lagom and in 2018 our neighbours to the north, Scotland, introduced us to Còsagach.

Now we're falling for the Dutch lifestyle concept of: Niksen.

“Niksen is the art of doing nothing, aimlessly and without the objective of being productive. This can be anything from sitting in silence or listening to music, or even just wandering around the garden,” Helena Lewis, psychotherapist and owner of On Route Health, tells the Standard.

“Niksen is about switching off completely, even from ourselves. Usually, when we take time out, it’s to read, listen to podcasts, and work on our personal development. Niksen removes this aspect of relaxing, and simply requests we do nothing.”

But in a world that’s always switched on, is it really possible to do absolutely nothing?

Lewis suggests starting with 10 to 15 minutes a day, building up to an hour if it’s comfortable for you.

She explains: “Though not always possible, the best times to practice Niksen is when you are experiencing negative energy or emotions, such as being overwhelmed, high anxiety, stress and depression, as this is your body screaming for a refresh and a break. Stepping away during these moments to just switch off will make a huge difference to your mood and the rest of your day.”

Sitting with a coffee and staring out the window is a good place to start, recommends Lewis and, although it may be uncomfortable at first, the more you practice the more you’ll get used to it.

Lewis continues: “I would recommend moving away from stressful or high energy environments such as an office, or a family room as this can be counterproductive as you’ll still be switched on and looking for things to do. And try to avoid being near your phone or computer as this will simply be a distraction and could make you feel more anxious.”

The benefits, Lewis says, are abundant. With burnout named as an official medical condition earlier this year by the World Health Organisation, Niksen is a way for the brain to switch off – something it needs to do every once in a while - but it won't cure burnout on its own.

Pablo Vandenabeele, Clinical Director for Mental Health at Bupa UK tells the Standard: "Burnout is a state of chronic stress that can lead to fatigue, the inability to be successful at work and even anxiety and depression. Whilst doing nothing and switching off can be part of the solution, seeking help is an important first step if you begin to experience symptoms like insomnia or interrupted sleep, a weakened immune system, nausea and headaches, low mood or irritability. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve recovery rates for mental health conditions like burnout, so it’s important to seek support if you need it as soon as possible."

Vandenabeele says there are several other ways to cope with stress and anxiety instead of doing nothing.

"More traditional ways to deal with stress include ensuring you have a healthy diet, and are getting fresh air and regular exercise. Enjoying quality time with your friends and family, and a good night’s sleep is really important too. It’s best to avoid drinking too much alcohol or caffeine as these can increase your stress levels," Vandenabeele explains.

The NHS recommends a number of techniques to help deal with stress - including mindfulness. It suggests taking time to 'notice the everyday', trying something new and being aware of your thoughts. Other ways to deal with stress include breathing exercises, talking to family and friends, taking a holiday, making more time for hobbies, getting enough sleep and regular exercise.

So while doing nothing can certainly help to relieve stress for some people, it's best to find something that works for you - whether it be reading a book, daily exercise or simply sitting with a cup of tea and letting your stress melt away, even for a moment or two.

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