How to Practice Niksen: The Dutch Concept That Reduces Stress and Boosts Creativity

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Let’s be honest—doing nothing sounds lazy, right? Like you’re wasting time, slacking off, or failing to “live your best life.” But, what if doing nothing is exactly what we need more of?

Niksen literally means “doing nothing,” and yes, that includes sitting around, staring into space, and letting your brain drift without a purpose.

And weirdly enough? It works. It calms your nervous system, boosts creativity, and makes room for thoughts you didn’t even know you were suppressing.

If you’re someone who struggles to sit still without checking your phone (same), this beginner’s guide will walk you through what Niksen actually is, why it matters, and how to do it without feeling like a guilty blob. Spoiler: it’s harder than it sounds, but also way more rewarding.

Let’s dig in. Or… not dig. You know what I mean.

What Is Niksen?

Niksen is the Dutch word for doing nothing. Not chilling with Netflix. Not scrolling TikTok. Not reading a book while sipping something fancy. I mean literally doing nothing—without a purpose, without a plan, without trying to optimize your rest.

It’s basically the opposite of how most of us live. And that’s exactly the point.

Niksen is what happens when you stare out the window and let your brain wander. When you sit on a park bench with no podcast in your ears. When you lie on the couch and resist the urge to “just check one thing.” It’s intentional idleness—not laziness, not avoidance. You’re not being passive. You’re actively choosing to not do for a bit.

The Dutch treat Niksen as a mental breather. A reset. And let’s be real—we could all use one of those, especially in a culture obsessed with hustle and “making the most of every minute.” Niksen is about letting go of the idea that every moment has to be productive.

So no, you’re not failing if you’re not multitasking. You’re practicing Niksen. And it’s about time we normalize it.

Why Doing Nothing Is Good for You

Here’s the thing: your brain wasn’t designed to run on 24/7 “go” mode. Constant stimulation? Endless multitasking? That’s a one-way ticket to burnout. Enter Niksen—the gloriously unproductive practice that gives your brain room to breathe.

1. Your mind needs downtime.
When you’re doing nothing, your brain slips into what scientists call the default mode network—basically the backstage crew of your thoughts. This is where creativity brews, connections form, and random-but-genius ideas pop up (like that time you solved a problem in the shower without trying). Niksen gives your brain permission to do its thing, without the pressure.

2. It lowers stress—without an app or a plan.
Studies show that doing nothing can calm the nervous system, slow your heart rate, and actually reduce cortisol levels. And unlike meditation, you don’t have to focus on your breath or force your thoughts to disappear. Niksen doesn’t ask you to do anything—it’s anti-effort.

3. You get your bandwidth back.
When you stop overstimulating yourself 24/7, your attention span and mental clarity come crawling back like, “Hey, remember me?” Turns out, rest isn’t laziness—it’s how your brain resets and gets sharper.

4. Doing nothing helps you feel more like… you.
In the stillness, you get reacquainted with your own thoughts (the ones you don’t usually hear over the noise). And no, it’s not always comfortable—but it’s worth it. Niksen helps you reconnect with what’s actually going on inside, not just what your calendar says you should care about.

Bottom line? Doing nothing isn’t a waste of time. It’s a full-on nervous system reboot—and probably the most rebellious form of self-care we’ve got.

Niksen vs. Mindfulness vs. Laziness

Let’s clear something up real quick: Niksen is not meditation, and it’s definitely not laziness. It lives in its own little no-pressure bubble, and once you get the difference, it totally clicks.

Here’s the breakdown:

Niksen is a conscious choice, not a lack of motivation. You’re not avoiding anything—you’re just choosing to not fill every gap in your day with something “useful.” It doesn’t require focus like mindfulness, and it’s not about changing your thoughts or breathing patterns.

Think of mindfulness as focused stillness. Niksen is unfocused stillness. And laziness? That’s just when you haven’t taken out the trash for three days.

On the surface, these three might look similar—after all, you’re not doing much in any of them. But the mindset behind each one is completely different. Understanding how they work helps you lean into Niksen without second-guessing yourself.

Let’s break it down:

Niksen = Doing Nothing… On Purpose

This is intentional idleness. You’re not trying to achieve anything. You’re not “recharging” with the goal of coming back stronger. You’re simply allowing your mind to wander, rest, or zone out—without guilt, and without an agenda.

Niksen doesn’t ask for effort. You don’t have to focus your breath, silence your thoughts, or stay present. It’s the art of existing without a plan. You give your brain space, and it does what it wants with it. That might be daydreaming. That might be staring at a ceiling crack. There’s no outcome required.

Mindset: “I’m giving myself permission to not do or fix anything right now.”

Mindfulness = Being Fully Present, Intentionally

Mindfulness is more structured. It’s about noticing your thoughts, feelings, and sensations in the moment, without judgment. You might focus on your breath, body, or a sound. Even when it looks like you’re “doing nothing,” your brain is actively paying attention to being present.

Mindfulness requires gentle effort. It’s a skill you build. You don’t let your mind drift—if it does, you bring it back. Niksen? It’s all about the drift.

Mindset: “I’m noticing what’s happening right now, on purpose.”

Laziness = Avoiding Effort When Something Actually Needs Doing

Laziness gets a bad rap—and honestly, sometimes we need a lazy moment. But when people say “doing nothing,” they often confuse it with this. Laziness is passive avoidance. It’s usually accompanied by guilt, and it tends to happen when we’re supposed to be doing something else.

Niksen isn’t procrastination. You’re not dodging responsibilities. You’re choosing, intentionally, to stop for a minute (or ten), without shame. Big difference.

Mindset: “I should be doing something right now, but I’m avoiding it.”

So, if you’re tempted to call yourself lazy for taking a break—don’t. You might just be Dutch at heart.

How to Practice Niksen (Even If You Suck at Sitting Still)

Most of us have trained our brains to crave stimulation—scrolling, checking, planning, optimizing. So yes, Niksen feels awkward at first.

Here’s how to ease into it:

1. Start small. Like, really small.

Set a timer for 5–10 minutes. That’s it. Don’t aim for a full hour of Zen vibes right away—you’re not auditioning for a monastery.

2. Choose a chill spot.

Sit by a window, lie on the couch, or sprawl in the grass like a cat. No screens, no podcasts, no book in your lap “just in case.”

3. Don’t force anything.

Your brain will wander. You’ll think about what to make for dinner or whether sloths know they’re slow. That’s fine. Let your thoughts do their thing. There’s no “right” way to Niksen.

4. Resist the urge to multitask.

This isn’t passive scrolling in sweatpants. This is deliberate nothing. If you catch yourself planning or reaching for your phone, notice it, then gently come back to… not doing anything.

5. Let it feel unproductive.

This is the hard part. Your brain might protest with something like, “You’re wasting time!” Just remind it: I’m allowed to exist without producing something. That’s kind of the whole point.

Niksen is a muscle. The more you practice, the easier it gets.

Making Niksen Work in Real Life

So you’ve got 5 minutes of doing nothing under your belt—and surprise! The world didn’t fall apart. Now let’s make Niksen something you can actually weave into your life without it feeling like another box to check.

Work it into transition moments.

Waiting for your tea to steep? Sitting in the car before going inside? Post-lunch slump? Those weird in-between moments are perfect Niksen territory. Instead of filling the time with scrolling or mentally rehearsing your grocery list, just sit. Let yourself exist in the pause.

Pick a trigger.

Pair Niksen with something you already do. Maybe it’s right after you brush your teeth in the morning. Or the moment you hit “save and close” on a work project. Create a micro-ritual where the next step is… nothing.

Take advantage of boring tasks.

You know that stare-into-space mode your brain enters when you’re folding laundry or rinsing dishes? That’s borderline Niksen. Try skipping the podcast or background noise for once and just let your mind wander while you move.

Use your “blah” days as low-pressure practice.

On days when your motivation is somewhere between “meh” and “nope,” instead of forcing yourself to fake energy, lean into the stillness. Doing nothing on purpose feels way better than feeling guilty about being unproductive.

The trick is not needing a “reason.”

You don’t need to justify it as self-care or slap a wellness label on it. Niksen isn’t about improving yourself. It’s about stepping outside the grind long enough to remember that you’re a human, not a productivity app.

How to Overcome the Guilt of Doing Nothing

Let’s not pretend this is easy. If you’ve been conditioned to believe your worth = your output, doing nothing can feel uncomfortable. Maybe even a little shameful. But guess what? That guilt isn’t a sign you’re doing something wrong. It’s just a leftover habit from hustle culture. Let’s unlearn it.

1. Remind yourself: rest isn’t a reward.

You don’t have to earn stillness. You don’t need to hit Inbox Zero or cross off every task before you take a breather. You’re a person, not a robot with a battery percentage.

2. Name the guilt when it shows up.

Literally say to yourself: “Oh, hey guilt. Didn’t invite you, but I see you.” Naming the feeling takes away some of its power. It also helps you realize it’s just a thought—not a truth.

3. Flip the story.

Try this mindset shift:

“I’m not being lazy. I’m giving my nervous system a reset.”
or
“This quiet moment is part of my rhythm, not a break from it.”

4. Replace the pressure with presence.

If you catch yourself mentally spiraling (“I should be doing X, Y, or Z…”), gently redirect your focus to something in the moment. The way sunlight is hitting the wall. The sound of a breeze. The weight of your body on the chair. Doesn’t have to be deep. Just real.

5. Track how it actually helps.

After practicing Niksen a few times, you’ll probably notice something: you feel more calm, more creative, maybe even a little more you. Make a quick note. Over time, seeing the benefits in real life helps shut guilt down faster.

Bottom line? Guilt is loud at first—but it doesn’t get the final say. Your nervous system will thank you for ignoring it.

Turning Niksen Into a Daily Ritual

Niksen doesn’t have to be this dramatic. It can be tiny. Casual. Repeatable. The key is consistency over intensity—you’re not trying to master the art of nothingness overnight. You’re just making space for stillness to exist in your life without needing permission.

Here’s how to sneak it in without turning it into another chore:

1. Anchor it to something you already do.

Habit stacking is your friend here. Try:

• After your morning tea or coffee (just sit instead of jumping to the next thing).
• Right after shutting your laptop at the end of the day.
• Before bed, as a buffer between screens and sleep.

Make it a moment of pause between the doing.

2. Set a visual cue.

Place something that reminds you to slow down—a candle, a chair by the window, a cozy nook with a view. When you see it, let it be a trigger for “do nothing mode.” No tech. No tasks. Just a few minutes of you existing.

3. Keep it short—but regular.

This isn’t a 45-minute life retreat (unless you want it to be). 5 minutes is a win. 2 minutes counts. The goal is repetition, not duration. Think of it like watering a plant—not flooding it once a week.

4. Make it low-key enjoyable.

You don’t have to sit cross-legged in silence unless that feels good. Try:

• Staring at the ceiling or sky
• Watching the shadows move across the wall
• Listening to birds, wind, or even distant traffic
• Letting your brain go full daydream mode

No journaling. No reflection. Just be there.

5. Don’t turn it into self-improvement.

Niksen doesn’t need a checklist or a result. You’re not doing it to become more productive or “better at resting.” You’re doing it because being is enough. Let the rest happen naturally.

You can also align Niksen with the seasons. Just like nature shifts its pace, so can we—and Niksen is one of the easiest ways to do that.

Niksen and Seasonal Living: Slowing Down with the Rhythm of Nature

Seasonal living isn’t just about switching out your wardrobe or eating what’s in season—it’s about honoring the natural energy of the time you’re in. Spring invites renewal, summer brings fullness, autumn calls for letting go, and winter? Winter whispers pause.

And this is exactly where Niksen comes in.

Niksen is the practice of doing nothing on purpose—and when you start to align that stillness with the seasons, it becomes a powerful (and wildly underrated) ritual. Nature slows down, and so can you.

In spring, Niksen gives your nervous system space to breathe before launching into “new beginnings.”

Instead of rushing into productivity the minute the days get longer, Niksen helps you stay grounded as you transition. Let your mind wander. Let ideas bloom without pressure.

In summer, Niksen becomes a way to reset from overstimulation.

Even the joy of summer can be loud—social events, travel, full schedules. Practicing Niksen in the heat of it all is like shade for your brain. Take five minutes in the hammock just for yourself.

In autumn, Niksen lets you slow down and reflect.

When the world starts letting go—leaves, light, routines—Niksen gives you space to do the same. It’s a pause button before the pressure of the holiday season kicks in.

In winter, Niksen is a form of restoration.

Shorter days, quieter energy, and more time indoors? That’s an invitation to do less. Niksen lets you soften into the slowness without needing a goal or a reason.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Practicing Niksen

Niksen sounds simple—but doing nothing in a world wired for constant doing? That’s a learning curve. Here’s what tends to trip people up, and how to gently sidestep the chaos:

1. Thinking you’re “doing it wrong” because your brain is loud.

Spoiler: your brain’s gonna chatter. You’ll think about your to-do list, the weird email you forgot to answer, and what’s for dinner. That doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human. Let the thoughts come and go without grabbing onto them.

2. Treating it like a productivity hack.

Niksen is not a new way to “optimize your downtime.” If you’re doing it so you can be more productive later… that’s just rest in disguise. Let it be useless. That’s where the magic is.

3. Turning it into a performance.

You don’t need the perfect candle, playlist, chair, or scenic view. This isn’t a vibe curation contest. Niksen is about pausing without the props. No aesthetic necessary.

4. Filling the silence the second it feels awkward.

We’re so used to constant input that stillness can feel itchy. Resist the reflex to grab your phone, clean something, or open another tab. Sit through the itch. It passes.

5. Giving up too soon.

The first few times might feel weird, pointless, even boring. That’s fine. Think of it like learning to sit with yourself again—without the noise. Keep showing up. Let it get easier.

Niksen-Friendly Moments You’re Already Having (and Didn’t Realize Count)

Here’s the best part: chances are, you’ve already been practicing Niksen—without even knowing it. You don’t have to reinvent your routine. You just need to recognize and protect these quiet little windows.

1. Waiting in the car before going into the store.

That moment where you sit for a second, not because you’re planning to—just because your brain needs a beat? That’s Niksen.

2. Sitting on the couch staring at nothing after a long day.

You thought you were zoning out. Plot twist: you were giving your nervous system a break.

3. Watching the sky change colors without checking the time.

Whether it’s sunrise or golden hour—when you catch yourself just watching, you’re doing the thing.

4. Getting lost in a daydream.

Letting your thoughts wander while doing the dishes or brushing your teeth? Full-on Niksen moment.

5. Sipping tea and doing absolutely nothing else.

No screens, no book, no multitasking—just a mug in your hands and some quiet. It counts.

Niksen isn’t a new task—it’s a mindset shift. It’s learning to leave pockets of stillness untouched, instead of rushing to fill them.

Doing Nothing Is a Skill—And You’re Allowed to Practice

In a world that rewards hustle and glorifies exhaustion, choosing to do nothing feels… weird. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to earn rest. You don’t have to justify taking a breath, staring at the ceiling, or letting your brain wander off without a leash.

Niksen isn’t about checking out or giving up. It’s about showing up for yourself in the most stripped-down, human way possible.

And the more you practice it, the more you realize: doing nothing doesn’t mean nothing’s happening. Your mind resets. Your nervous system softens. Your creativity stretches out and yawns. You begin to feel like yourself again.

So try it. Even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Even if your brain protests. Let yourself sit in the quiet. Let your thoughts ramble. Let there be space where there used to be noise.

FAQs About Niksen

Is Niksen the same as boredom?

Not exactly. Boredom is a feeling—usually uncomfortable and unintentional. Niksen is a choice. It’s about allowing yourself to do nothing without trying to escape the stillness. You’re not waiting for something better to happen—you’re letting yourself be in the moment, as it is.

Can I practice Niksen while listening to music?

Yes, as long as you’re not using the music to distract yourself. Think ambient sounds, lo-fi, or instrumental music—something that supports your mental drift rather than filling your attention. The goal is to stay unstructured and unfocused.

How is Niksen different from meditation or mindfulness?

Meditation typically requires focus (on your breath, a mantra, etc.), while Niksen encourages mental wandering. If you find structured meditation stressful or hard to stick with, Niksen might be a more natural way for you to unwind.

Can I do Niksen lying down?

Definitely. You can lie on your bed, couch, or even in a hammock. There are no rules for posture—just don’t turn it into a nap (unless your body really needs that, in which case… go for it).

Is Niksen helpful for anxiety or burnout?

Yes—Niksen can help reduce overstimulation, which plays a big role in both anxiety and burnout. By pausing and letting your nervous system slow down, you create mental space for calm and clarity. Just note: if sitting still feels overwhelming, start small and work up.

How long should I practice Niksen each day?

There’s no “ideal” duration. Even 2–5 minutes counts. Some people build up to 15–20 minutes a day, while others sprinkle in micro-moments throughout their schedule. It’s more about consistency than clock time.

Can Niksen be done outdoors?

Absolutely—nature is one of the best places to practice Niksen. Sit on a park bench, lie in the grass, lean against a tree. Don’t bring a podcast. Just let yourself observe without trying to do anything about it.

Do I need to schedule Niksen or keep it spontaneous?

Either works! If you’re new to slowing down, scheduling a short Niksen break can help you remember it’s allowed. Over time, it’ll feel more natural to lean into Niksen during idle moments without needing a reminder.