Niksen: The Dutch Art of Doing Nothing

by Annette Lavrijsen

First there was hygge, now there’s niksen – a simple Dutch philosophy for anyone looking to slow down, relax and daydream.
 
'Time is money. Stop being lazy. Do something.'

Everyday we’re told to get up, take action and be productive: if you work hard, you’ll make it. But your body is desperate for you to stop, your frantic mind craves a timeout, and your friends and family are finding you more moody and stressed than ever. It’s time for some Dutch wisdom: find out when, how and why to do nothing with niksen, the Dutch ‘be idle’ philosophy that is taking the world by storm. 

Niksen literally means to do nothing, but it's not the same thing as boredom or laziness. Niksen helps to free you from the daily grind of work, family demands and social pressure, to destress and just… stop. In this book, Dutch mindfulness expert Annette Lavrijsen shows you how, through daily practice, and by following the exercises within, you will grow comfortable with yourself, with silence and will reap niksen’s countless rewards.
 
Using this book to cultivate niksen you can:
Find new ways to relax, slow down and combat burnout
Bust I’m-too-busy, nothingness-is-laziness myths
Honestly communicate boundaries and reset your priorities


Create a zen sanctuary that’s all yours
Master the work-life balance

Boost your creativity, mood and even productivity
Raise a happy family and be a better friend


Niksen is about the enjoyment of life’s little pauses. It's not the easiest thing to commit to at first; we are used to having our attention and diaries consumed, and doing nothing doesn't come to us naturally. But with some sensible scheduling and a smart mindset it’s easy to fit into your day, and soon will become your essential daily pick-me-up. Stop worrying about you have to do next or over analysing every thought. Instead, use your timeout to let your mind recuperate and take a moment to yourself.

Turn to this niksen manual whenever you want to declutter your mind.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology, Personal Development, Lifestyle, Cozy

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Krystelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting little book about how us Dutch people like to live in the absence of everything at given junctures, I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't, however, particularly fussed on the idea of the doing nothing- considering the nothing was really actually something. The book encourages essentially picking up hobbies, which is delightful, but there's nothing overly Dutch about it. Something that was very Dutch, however, was the segment on people watching, which I found to be an absolute delight and a very realistic reflection of how we live our lives (I come from a family of avid people watchers). The illustrations in this book are also very sweet and cosy, and it makes for an adorable addition to a collection if you have any other books in similar veins, such as any on Hygge.

[Radwa · Rating 2 out of 5]

English Review Below.

لم يكن الكتاب سيئا ولكنه لم يضف لي أي جديد. فكرة الكتاب هي فكرة "نكسن" المشتقة من الكلمة الهولندية، وهو أسلوب حياة. معنى الكلمة هو ألا تفعل شيئا، والكتاب يحفزك على اقتطاع فترة من يومك كل يوم ولا تفعل فيها شيئا لإعادة شحن طاقتك في يومنا المنشغل. ويمكن بصراحة تلخيص الكتاب في جمل قصيرة: خصصوا وقت راحة يومي لأنفسكم بعيدا عن كل شيء ولتكن عادة بعيدا عن العمل والبيت والأولاد. هذه فحوى الكتاب ووجدتني أفعل الكثير من نصائحه بالفعل، ولاحظت أنه لا يأخذ في الاعتبار الفريلانسرز ويركز فقط على من يعملون في مكتب ومواعيد ثابتة. لا أجدني أرشح دفع المال في هذا الكتاب، إن اتبعتم هذه النصيحة فقط، خصصوا ساعة راحة كل يوم تفعلون فيها شيئا لا يوتركم وليست له أي علاقة بعملكم أو مهام منزلكم وستجدون حياتكم أفضل.

This is more like 2.5. It wasn't a bad book at all, more like I didn't feel like I got that much out of it. It can be summarized in a couple of sentences: Give yourself daily breaks to avoid burnout, make it a routine, it has to be something mostly mindless and consistent. That's the whole book, and it doesn't even consider freelancers and people with flexible work schedules, it seems like they only address those with offices and set work time. I find that I apply these in my daily life, and when I don't, I do feel the burnout, but it didn't provide anything else I wasn't doing.

I liked the style and the simple writing style, but I don't think I'll be going back for it for tips or something like that.

I thank Netgalley for the digital ARC.

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an enjoyable read about the Dutch philosophy towards relaxation and the art of doing nothing. A nice reminder to relax for our physical and mental well being. Very nicely illustrated. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Marjolein (UrlPhantomhive) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review to follow!

[Kat Melia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always been drawn to this kind of book, one spouting a single-word philosophy, something that sounds at once a little strange and comfortingly familiar – hyyge, lagom, ikigai. As soon as I saw Niksen by Annette Lavrijsen, I knew it was one for me. I was doubly convinced by the wonderful illustration on the front of a very cosy looking cat (let’s be honest, I’ll read anything with a cat on the cover).

I’m simultaneously hooked by and slightly sceptical of this trend for vaguely ‘foreign’-sounding words that encapsulate some sort of concept or feeling. Hygge is Danish, meaning something along the lines of cosiness, comfort and contentment. Lagom is Swedish and means not too much, not too little – just right. The Japanese ikigai means one’s reason to live, or a reason to jump out of bed in the morning.

For the past few years, books and articles have been popping up all over the place explaining these concepts and supposedly letting us in on the ‘secret’ of how to achieve them. A quick search on Amazon reveals loads of different books on lagom, for example, all with similar subtitles (‘The Swedish Art of Balanced Living’; ‘The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life; The Swedish Secret of Living Well’) and interchangeable covers.

Yet while they all do reek slightly of capitalising on this hollow trend for ‘wellness’, I’ve found a few of these books to be quite delightful. Many are beautifully illustrated, and they’re genuinely lovely books to have around even just for an occasional flick through. Niksen fits the mould perfectly with its cover and subtitle: ‘The Dutch Art of Doing Nothing’.

The concept of niksen, Lavrijsen explains, is that of simply doing nothing. Not because you have nothing to do or feel completely exhausted – just deliberately taking a moment do nothing. In our increasingly frantic, hectic world, being actively encouraged to do nothing feels surprisingly good. Backing it up with the assertion that by taking a break, giving our minds and bodies time to rest and recharge, we will actually be more productive in the long run – well that’s even better!

Nothing in Niksen is particularly mind-blowing. A lot of it reads like common sense, but perhaps that makes it even more important – because sometimes it’s the simplest things that get lost easiest in our fast-paced modern world. Lavrijsen also avoids the pitfall of becoming too preachy or didactic in selling the concept – balance is highlighted, encouraging each reader to discover what niksen looks like for them, acknowledging that we may not all have the same opportunities and affordances.

The book also explores a number of other complementary Dutch phrases and concepts alongside niksen, such as voorpret: ‘the joyful anticipation derived from imagining a future pleasure’, which prevents it becoming too repetitive. As well as simple theories, it suggests a number of exercises and activities, ranging from keeping a happiness journal, to trying out a Viking ritual (yes, really!), to the Pomodoro time-management technique.

A lot of Niksen resonated with me, especially at the moment I read it – at the end of a long day working from home, having spent 8 hours in my home office staring at my laptop screen. The book was a good reminder for lots of small things I’ve let slip lately – getting up from my desk every couple of hours, stretching my legs, not checking my emails as soon as I get up or before I go to bed.

It’s nothing revolutionary, but if you’ve enjoyed books about hygge and lagom or you’re looking for a little more balance in your life, Niksen will be a worthwhile and enjoyable read. Plus, there’s that lovely cat on the cover.

[akiiKOMORI reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this little break from all the serious reading I do.
This feels like something I should read somewhat often to remind myself to do it.

I definitely do some of the things mentioned in this book but definitely not as many as I should.

Living in North America we (as a society) are always on the go, always busy, and we feel like we are wasting time when we are not doing something.

I found this book to be extremely mindful and eye-opening for me and I would definitely like to try implementing some of these practices in my daily life.
The Dutch definitely have it way more figured out than we do if any of this is to be believed.

But I definitely recommend this very quick read to help everyone relax and take time to do nothing.
Nothing on your phone, not sleeping, but just letting go in nature or in a quiet space.

[Nuttawat Kalapat · Rating 4 out of 5]

เป็นปรัชญา ที่เหมาะมากสำหรับคนขี้เกียจและสบายๆ อย่างเรา55

[Torn Marom · Rating 4 out of 5]

ช่วง 2-3 บทแรก รู้สึกเนือยๆ อาจเป็นเพราะทุกเรื่องมักจะวนกลับมาที่การบอกว่าการพักจากการทำงานมันดีต่อร่างกายและจิตใจนะ แต่หลังจากนั้นหนังสือเริ่มลงลึกถึงวิธีการต่างๆ นอกจากการอยู่เฉยๆ เช่นงานอดิเรกแบบไหนที่ดีต่อการพักผ่อน กิจวัตรประจำวันเล็กๆ น้อยๆ อะไรบ้างที่ปรับเปลี่ยนแล้วดีขึ้น รวมไปถึงวิธีการคิดที่จะทำให้สมองได้พักจริงๆ ซึ่งแต่ละวิธีนั้นน่าทำมาใช้มาก อีกอย่างที่ชอบคือทุกบทจะมีหัวข้อแบบฝึกหัดมาให้เราได้ลองทำกัน แล้วแต่ละอย่างสามารถทำได้เลย (แม้บางเรื่องจะทำไม่ได้เพราะไม่ได้อยู่ในประเทศอย่างยุโรปก็ตาม 555)

[Kirsty · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed books like Niksen in the past, but this did very little for me as a reader. Whilst I liked the way it was set out and interspersed with nice, calming illustrations, it felt like too much of a self-help book, rather than a demonstration of how to find a more calming way of life. I like the general idea behind it, but it just didn't work for me. I do not feel as though there is much, if anything, here which I will be adopting into my daily routine.

[Long Ng. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mỗi nền văn hoá, mỗi vùng đất mà chúng ta từng đi qua hay biết đến từ những trang sách đều có những ý niệm, triết lí sống riêng, chứa đựng nhiều cảm hứng. Nếu bạn luôn thấy phấn chấn tươi mới khi đọc sách lifestyle, đã từng say mê khái niệm Lagom của người Thuỵ Điển hay thực hành liên tục triết lí “tắm rừng” Nhật Bản v.v, thì rất có thể bạn cũng sẽ ngạc nhiên thích thú khi người Hà Lan khuyên bạn: Niksen - “không làm gì cả”.

Trở nên “master” trong việc “không làm gì”, hay diễn giải rõ ràng hơn là “đều đặn cho cơ thể và tâm trí thời gian nghỉ ngơi”, chính là lí do khiến người dân Hà Lan luôn thuộc nhóm hạnh phúc nhất thế giới. Và cuốn sách này là một cẩm nang hữu ích, hướng dẫn bạn một cách chi tiết tỉ mỉ, để có thể đạt được sự cân bằng lành mạnh giống họ.

Sách đơn giản, thiên về hướng dẫn và đưa ra các bài tập thực hành nhiều hơn là giới thiệu, phân tích về văn hoá, lối sống như các cuốn lifestyle khác. Vậy mà hầu như ở trang nào tôi cũng highlight, dán sticker đánh dấu hoặc viết vài dòng note – vì có quá nhiều những gợi mở, ý tưởng hay lời nhắc nhở thú vị từ người Hà Lan cho lối sống cá nhân, cho sự khoẻ mạnh của cả cơ thể và tâm hồn.

Tôi đã nhận ra “nhịp điệu” là thứ cần giữ gìn cẩn thận hơn, chứ không phải một điều luôn đương nhiên ở đó khi đọc đoạn này: “Cuộc sống mà chúng ta hoặc bận rộn mỗi giây mỗi phút, hoặc hoàn toàn không làm gì suốt cả ngày, sẽ thiếu đi nhịp điệu thiết yếu. Một bộ não khoẻ mạnh và hoạt động hiệu quả cần cả lúc lên và lúc xuống; sự đối lập giữa làm và không làm. Bạn có thể so sánh nó với nhịp điệu của biển cả, chuyển động lên xuống không ngừng của những con sóng”.

Khái niệm “Moed – lòng cảm đảm để đi theo trực giác, bất chấp việc người khác nói gì, nghĩ gì, hay trông chờ gì ở bạn” thì nhắc nhở t��i, sự quyết đoán của mình có giá trị hơn việc trì hoãn chờ đợi đến lúc mọi thứ trở nên hoàn hảo.

Hay có lúc trước một gợi ý hay về không gian thư giãn, tôi lại viết vào sách: “Mình sẽ đi mua nến!”

Rất nhiều những chi tiết như thế trong sách sẽ làm đầy, tạo cảm hứng cho tâm hồn bạn, hay thậm chí “cảnh cáo” nhẹ, để bạn có những điều chỉnh, thay đổi thích hợp trong lối sống, để nắm chắc hơn chiếc chìa khoá hạnh phúc của riêng mình.

*Thiết kế và hình vẽ minh hoạ của sách rất đẹp. Tạo nên bầu không khí chill, hiền hoà và dễ chịu.
--
Niksen - Sức Mạnh Của Việc Tạm Dừng - Annette Lavrijsen
My rating: 3/5

[Barbaraw - su anobii aussi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ottimo per gli iperattivi ...o per i pigri

Per i primi questa arte di fare niente sarà un traguardo arduo e sicuramente benefico; per i secondi sarà un meraviglioso alibi per perseverare, ma con grazia, sapienza, consapevolezza e un tocco di coccole.
La piacevolezza del libro - estremamente (leggi troppo) semplice - sta nelle deliziose illustrazioni di due disegnatrici che sanno ispirare, respirare, evocare case, paesaggi visti dalla finestra, tisane bevute e fiori raccolti in modo lieve e invogliante.
Io sono grata a questo libro per avermi dato in questi due giorni di riposo forzato un elegante modo di vivere, convinta di essere un poco olandese anch'io, per qualche attimo.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a person living in the neighboring country of the Netherlands, I found it so nice to read this book. I think that because I speak Dutch myself, that added more to the book.
However, I love the concept of ‘niksen’. I think it should be normalized, as every person needs a moment for themselves, to recharge their body, mind, spirit. I think this book gives good tips to start with ‘niksen’. Everything is explained really well and understandable and the book included lovely drawings. I think that a lot of lessons can be learned from the technique this book is about. Let’s get to ‘niksen’!

[Eve Wanus · Rating 4 out of 5]

จุดเด่นของเล่มนี้คือภาพปก และภาพประกอบที่สวยสบายตา ส่งเสริมเนื้อหาให้โดดเด่นมากยิ่งขึ้น ตัวหนังสือน้อยลง เนื้อหาหลักที่ต้องการเน้นแบบฝึกหัด เพราะอยากให้ผู้อ่านได้นำหลักการนี้ไปใช้ในชีวิตประจำวันได้อย่างแท้จริง ทำให้หนังสือน่าอ่านมากขึ้น สำหรับคน productive หรือกำลังหมดไฟ การอ่านเล่มนี้ทำให้เราต้องกลับมาย้อนมองตัวเองว่าควรพักหรือไม่ และสำหรับคนที่ชีวิตชิวชิว สบายๆ ก็ควรกลับมาย้อนมองตัวเองว่า เราพักถูกต้องหรือไม่ สำหรับตัวเราซึ่งเป็นสายชิว หิวการพักมากกว่าการงานอยู่แล้ว ก็ทำให้กลับมามองตัวเองว่าที่คิดว่าพักคือพัก(สมอง) จริงๆ หรือแค่เคลื่อนความเครียดจากจุดหนึ่งมาเครียดกับอีกจุดหนึ่งหรือเปล่า niksen ทำให้เข้าใจ “การพัก” มากขึ้น

[Rachel Zilkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel as though this is more of a ‘coffee table’ book, but has some good reminders for us to slow down. It was soothing to read! Also, very pretty! It was an aesthetically pleasing book.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved to sit and stare out the window like a cat, or lay back and watch the clouds go by. Now I see I’m not lazy, I’m enlightened. I embrace doing nothing, several times a day. It is lovely.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

somewhere between 2-3 stars

[Elisewin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carino. Nulla di eccezionale, ma è piacevole vedere che si sta spingendo affinché le persone prendano più consapevolezza del loro tempo e di quanto questo valga.

[Alicia Paauwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tips and information on how to do nothing. Beautiful illustrations as well

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I requested a copy of this book on Netgalley for two reasons:
I love the concept of hygge and the idea of niksen sounded interesting too
The cute little cartoon kitty on the cover

I was received an early ebook edition.
My comments regarding the pictures in the book might be different in the physical book.

I can definitely support the idea of niksen because I recently realized that I felt guilty when I was doing nothing. I’m a chronic pain sufferer and sometimes it’s very important for me to do nothing, but that’s easier said than done, isn’t it? Can you sit down and watch tv when you have a sink full of dishes? It can be hard to do, even when it’s what you actually should be doing. It took a pain doctor to tell me that. I hope other people can learn that by reading about niksen.

There’s good ideas in this book but the illustrations need work.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for my copy of Niksen The Dutch Art of Doing Nothing by Annette Lavrijsen in exchange for an honest review. It published September 29, 2020.
This was a fun book with beautiful illustrations, much like the Hygge books! I found the book itself to be a great conversation starter and would be a perfect addition to anyone's coffee table, and it would definitely make a great gift!
I personally found this idea to be hard to fathom, you're not truly doing nothing if it feels productive to you. My "doing nothing" is reading, but it feels productive to me. I don't think I personally could practice Niksen, however, I think there are a lot of great principles and practices to glean from this. In fact, this morning I even took the time to watch the sunrise as inspired by this book.

[Bea (beansbookshelves) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley.

"This sanity-saving book will show you the path to contentment." This book was written in order to help you prioritise yourself and improve your life. It contains extremely helpful information on how to lead a happier and healthier life and several exercises throughout the chapters. It is a must read for all the "The Book of Hygge" fans. The only downside I can find are the illustrations, which don't seem to be very professional. Rating: 4/5 stars.

[Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, the cover alone pretty much guaranteed four stars from me. I love the idea of reframing what we look at as "nothing", because in American culture what we call nothing is actually something. I am hoping to incorporate some of the ideas into my own life and move away from every moment needing to feel mega-productive to have value.

This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.75. Hard to tell when getting an ebook, but this was basically a pamphlet? I wanted more information about how the Dutch culture developed this, how it affects society, but really it was a collection of self-care tips. They weren’t bad tips, I liked the illustrations and the practical exercises, but I think I was expecting something much different.

[Jorin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid short read, can be repetitive but would be great as a book for your coffee table. Love the concept and would really helpful for someone a lot more productive then I am. :)

Cat on the cover looks my cat which is awesome.

Have a great day!

[Araya Pichitkul · Rating 4 out of 5]

น้องสาวซื้อเป็นของขวัญให้คุณแม่
ผู้ซึ่ง ไม่รู้จักคำว่าอยู่เฉยๆ ได้อ่าน แต่ คุณแม่ คงยังหาเวลาอ่านไม่ได้ คุณลูกก้อเลยหยิบมาอ่านฆ่าเวลา ในขณะเฝ้าคุณพ่อที่ รพ.
รวมๆ หนังสือบอกเล่าถึง ข้อดีของการอยู่เฉยๆ บ้าง
หัดรู้จักปฏิเสธ ให้ความสำคัญกับความต้องการของตนเอง ฯลฯ

คงต้องลองไปทำดูบ้างและ

[Karin Betten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vooral een goed boek vanwege de herinnering aan jezelf om af en toe tijd voor jezelf te nemen. Met handige tips waarvan je de meeste ook wel weet, maar waarvan het goed is om er weer even aandacht aan te besteden.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoping to carry this Niksen practice with me into the New Year. Similar concept to hygge but more like a pause button. Quick reading with good tips on how to incorporate into your daily life.

[Tyler Dunleavy · Rating 4 out of 5]

YES ouuugh literally a life handbook and super good for a stressed student (hi). Though I didn't feel very Dutch except for when the stroopwafel appeared? Oh well, super whimsical, and I loved the cute pictures that went with it.

[Sonja van der Westhuizen | West Words · Rating 4 out of 5]

By this time of the year we are at the end of our tether after a long year’s work. Add a world-wide pandemic and most of us would embrace the Dutch concept of niksen with open arms. And the beauty of it is that practising niksen takes zero effort – in fact, that’s the whole point – to idle in a low gear, reserve your energy and recharge.

Easier said than done. In our age of always being available thanks to technology, combined with the perception that business equates productivity, the almost unheard of practice of doing nothing will most certainly be frowned upon. Unless, of course, you ignore your inner voice, your guilty conscience, your persistent friends and judgemental family.

Full review: https://westwordsreviews.wordpress.co...

[Ferna · Rating 3 out of 5]

อ่านเล่มนี้เวอร์ชั่นภาษาไทย เป็นหนังสือที่เหมาะสำหรับคนที่จีดการตัวเองไม่ได้ เวลาทำงานและชีวิตส่วนตัวแทบจะแยกกันไม่ออก หนังสือเล่มนี้จะเหมาะกับคุณ
.
ส่วนตัวเราค่อนข้างรู้จักตัวเอง และจัดการกับเวลาของตัวเองได้ มีช่วงเวลาความสุขให้กับตัวเองโดยตัดการใช้โซเชียลมีเดียออกไป เมื่อก่อนทำไม่ได้ แต่พอทำได้ก็รู้สึกว่าการให้เวลากับตัวเองนั้น เป็นสิ่งที่ดีที่สุดไปเลย อย่างที่บอกในหนังสือว่า เวลาผ่านมาครั้งเดียว แต่การที่เราต้องบีซี่และยุ่งตลอดเวลานี้นดูจะไกลห่างกับนิกเซนมากทีเดียว
.
แต่ก้ออย่างว่าประเทศเนเธอแลนด์ก็เป็นอีกหนึ่งประเทศที่ติดโผว่าประชากรค่อนข้างมีความสุขมากๆ และมีเสถียรภาพทางการเมืองซึ่งมอบสิทธิ์ในการตัดสินใจเรื่องต่างๆ ในชีวิตให้แก่พลเมือง ซึ่งมีส่วนในการรักษาความร่าเริงแจ่มใสให้กับพลเมืองของเค้า
.
ตัดภาพมาที่บ้านเรา ที่แรงงานขั้นต่ำวันละ 300 บาท คงจะไม่ต้องคิดถึง นิกเซน หรือการไม่ทำอะไรเลยในแต่ละวันได้ยาก เพราะเมื่อประเทศไม่ได้มอบสิทธิขั้นพื้นฐานให้พลเมือง พลเมืองเห็นจะต้องใช้เวลาทุกนาทีหาเลี้ยงตัวเองเพื่อให้ประทังความหิวในแต่ละวัน มิพักเพื่อเอาไว้เป็นค่ารักษาพยาบาลยามแก่เฒ่า
.
นิกเซน ในภาพของเรา จึงเป็นได้เพียงนามธรรมหรือรูปธรรมสำหรับชนชั้นนำในสังคมเท่านั้น
.