The Lost Art of Doing Nothing

1. Niksen: The Dutch Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing.

Niksen is suddenly, in an unguarded moment, having nothing to do and not finding something new to do.

Defining Niksen simply. At its core, Niksen is the absence of any specific activity or goal. Unlike meditation or mindfulness, which often involve focus or intention, Niksen is simply being without purpose. It's not about achieving a state of relaxation or creativity, but merely allowing yourself to exist in a moment with nothing planned or required.

More than just chilling. While related to relaxation or "chilling," Niksen is distinct because it lacks a defined activity like watching TV, scrolling social media, or reading. These are distractions or ways of "whiling away the time," whereas Niksen is the pure state of having nothing to do and resisting the urge to fill that void. It's the spontaneous moment of staring out a window or sitting still without an agenda.

A simple, yet profound concept. The Dutch word "niks" means "nothing," and "niksen" means "to do nothing." Despite its simple definition, the concept carries negative connotations in Dutch culture, often associated with laziness or being a "good-for-nothing." This societal disapproval highlights the challenge of embracing true idleness without judgment or the need to justify it with benefits.

2. Why Doing Nothing Is So Hard in Our Busy World.

Hardly anybody is good at doing nothing, and no one can keep it up for long.

Constant need for distraction. Modern life bombards us with stimuli and expectations, making it incredibly difficult to simply stop and do nothing. As Pascal noted centuries ago, humans struggle with being at rest because it forces us to confront our own "nothingness" and existential questions, which we quickly seek to escape through activity or distraction. Our phones, media, and endless to-do lists provide readily available escapes.

Societal pressure to be 'on'. We live in a culture that glorifies busyness and productivity. Being constantly occupied is often seen as a sign of success, importance, or virtue. This ingrained belief makes us feel guilty or lazy when we aren't actively doing something "useful," creating an internal resistance to Niksen. Even children are now asked if they are "busy."

The paradox of leisure. Despite having more leisure time than previous generations due to technological advancements and shorter workweeks, we struggle to truly relax or do nothing. Instead, we fill this time with more activities, self-improvement goals, or passive consumption, perpetuating a cycle of busyness that prevents genuine downtime and makes Niksen feel unnatural or even uncomfortable.

3. The Tyranny of Productivity and Fear of Boredom.

To the British psychologist Sandi Mann, who wrote the book The Science of Boredom, it’s “the curse of the twenty-first century; it seems that the more we have to stimulate us, the more stimulation we crave. . . . We are losing the ability to tolerate the routine and repetition of everyday life.”

Boredom as a foe. One of the biggest obstacles to Niksen is the fear of boredom. In a world saturated with entertainment and information, we've lost the capacity to tolerate stillness or lack of external stimulation. When faced with nothing to do, we quickly reach for our devices or find "empty" activities like online shopping to alleviate the discomfort of boredom.

The productivity trap. Our society equates self-worth with productivity and achievement. We feel compelled to constantly optimize our time, learn new skills, pursue goals, and live our "best life," as if following a checklist. This relentless pursuit of self-improvement and external validation leaves little room for aimless wandering or simply existing without a purpose, making Niksen feel like a waste of valuable time.

Perfectionism's role. The drive for perfectionism further fuels the productivity trap. If a job is never truly "done" because it can always be improved, we feel we can never stop or rest. This internal pressure, often driven by fear of judgment or feeling "not good enough," makes it hard to justify doing nothing, as there's always something else that could be done or perfected.

4. Stress, Burnout, and the Physical Cost of Constant Activity.

Our lifestyle is leading to new forms of heart disease.

The body's stress response. While some stress (eustress) is beneficial, chronic stress is detrimental to our health. Our bodies haven't evolved new stress responses in millions of years, yet modern life presents an exponential increase in abstract and chronic stressors, such as constant feelings of falling short. This mismatch leads to physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, irritability, and forgetfulness.

Burnout epidemic. The inability to manage chronic stress and the pressure to be constantly "on" contribute to the rising rates of burnout and mental health issues, even among young people. Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion and feeling powerless, making it impossible to stop and do nothing because the mind is too agitated. It's a vicious cycle where stress leads to reduced capacity, increasing workload for others, and spreading the stress.

Physical health consequences. Beyond mental exhaustion, constant activity and stress negatively impact physical health. Cardiologists note that modern lifestyles contribute to new forms of heart disease, including cardiac arrhythmias and heart attacks in younger individuals, particularly highly educated women who juggle multiple responsibilities and struggle to "park" their stress. Inactivity, often a consequence of being too stressed or tired to move, is also a major health risk.

5. Creating the Conditions for Niksen: Time, Calm, and Space.

The three essential elements of niksen are: time, a calm mind, and a place where you won’t be hassled.

Time without limits. The first crucial condition for Niksen is having time and, more importantly, letting go of the clock. Niksen cannot be planned or scheduled like another appointment; it loses its spontaneity and essence. You must have the mental space to stop watching the clock, to "lose" time, and allow minutes or even hours to pass without being governed by deadlines or schedules.

Inner calm is key. A calm mind is essential because Niksen involves confronting stillness, which can be difficult if your head is full of ruminations, worries, or distractions. While perfect calm isn't necessary, you need enough inner quiet to avoid being overwhelmed by thoughts or external stimuli. It takes practice to accept that doing nothing is okay and to resist the urge to fill the silence with activity or self-judgment.

A supportive environment. The final condition is being in a place where you feel comfortable doing nothing without judgment or interruption. This could be alone or with others who understand and support your choice to simply sit or stare into space. External disapproval or feeling like you're being "watched" can make Niksen much harder, highlighting the social aspect of this seemingly solitary practice.

6. A Historical Look at Our Resistance to Idleness.

We can’t shake off twenty-five centuries of not knowing what to do with time off.

Medieval dreams of leisure. In the Middle Ages, life was incredibly harsh, marked by hunger, disease, and constant labor. People dreamed of a mythical land called Cockaigne (Luilekkerland in Dutch), a paradise where food was abundant, work was forbidden, and idleness was celebrated. This fantasy served as an escape from the brutal reality and the Church's teaching that work was God's punishment.

The rise of the work ethic. Despite these dreams, a strong work ethic developed early in the Low Countries, fueled by the need to build dikes and engage in trade. This mercantile mentality, often mistakenly attributed solely to Calvinism, prioritized industry and productivity. Proverbs like "Better to lose your labor than your time in idleness" reflect this deep-seated cultural value that views doing nothing negatively.

Leisure as earned reward. Historically, leisure time was seen as something that had to be earned through hard labor, a gift to be grateful for, not a right. This perspective persists, making it difficult for many to embrace Niksen without feeling they've worked hard enough to deserve it. Even as workweeks shortened over centuries, the time gained was often filled with new activities or industries rather than pure idleness.

7. The Attention Economy: The Modern Foe of Niksen.

In a data economy, our attention becomes a commodity, and as a result we’re unable to either fully focus or do nothing.

The battle for attention. We live in an "attention economy" where companies constantly compete for our focus. Technology, particularly smartphones and social media, is designed to be addictive, using psychological principles to keep us engaged. This creates a never-ending stream of stimuli that makes it incredibly difficult to disengage and simply be present without distraction.

Unpaid labor for tech giants. The convenience of technology comes at a cost: our data and attention. Every online search, click, and scroll generates data that tech companies use for advertising and profit. We are effectively doing unpaid work for these platforms, spending hours generating data instead of having genuine free time. This constant engagement prevents both deep focus and aimless Niksen.

Frictionless isn't always better. The push for "frictionless" experiences – easy payments, instant entertainment, seamless communication – removes obstacles but also removes moments of pause or reflection. While seemingly making life easier, this constant ease of access to stimulation makes it harder to resist distraction and embrace doing nothing. The goal of maximizing lounging through technology, as depicted in dystopian visions, doesn't necessarily lead to happiness.

8. The Unexpected Benefits of Embracing Niksen.

Niksen is aimed at nothing in particular and that’s why it’s perceived as an insignificant and inconsequential phenomenon. But perhaps that’s what makes it so amazingly beautiful and interesting: It may seem unremarkable, yet strangely enough niksen truly connects you with everything.

Beyond utility. While Niksen's primary characteristic is its lack of purpose, embracing it can have unexpected positive side effects. Unlike goal-oriented activities, Niksen allows the mind to wander freely without pressure, which can lead to increased creativity and inspiration. Ideas that were blocked when actively sought may surface during moments of aimless stillness.

Rest for mind and body. Allowing your thoughts to swirl without trying to control them gives your crowded head a rest, promoting inner calm. Introducing pauses in a hectic day is also good for the body, helping to reduce stress and its physical manifestations. Niksen provides a necessary counterbalance to the constant demands of modern life, even if it's not its explicit goal.

Financial freedom. Niksen is free. It requires no special equipment, location, or expenditure. In fact, by choosing to do nothing, you are actively not spending money on activities, shopping, or entertainment. Embracing Niksen can lead to a shift in perspective, making you less inclined to consume unnecessarily and potentially saving you a significant amount of money over time.

9. Finding Time for Niksen in an Overcrowded Schedule.

If you want time to do nothing, you have to set it aside in your head.

Challenging the busy badge. The first step to finding time for Niksen is to stop glorifying busyness. We often feel compelled to have full schedules, equating busyness with importance. Recognizing that it's okay not to be busy and actively resisting the urge to fill every moment is crucial. Questioning whether every planned activity is truly necessary is a powerful way to create space.

Actively create space. Finding time for Niksen requires conscious effort, especially initially. This might involve deliberately clearing your calendar for a block of time, even just an hour or a half-day, and committing to not filling it with other tasks. It's about removing something from your schedule and replacing it with absolutely nothing, flipping the "off switch" before you reach burnout.

Start small and build. Like learning any new skill, embracing Niksen takes practice. Don't expect immediate, blissful Zen moments. Start with brief moments each day – a few minutes of sitting without doing anything, staring out a window, or simply observing your surroundings without judgment. Gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with stillness and resist the urge to find something "useful" to do.

10. Niksen in Practice: Anywhere, Anytime (Even at Work).

Work is the perfect place for a bit of slacking off, even if you’re a fully booked heart surgeon or hairdresser, or a bus driver who can’t step out from behind the wheel.

Niksen isn't limited. While a calm environment helps, Niksen isn't restricted to specific locations or times. It's a state of mind you can cultivate anywhere. Whether waiting in line, commuting, or even during moments at work, opportunities for brief periods of doing nothing exist if you allow yourself to recognize and embrace them.

Workplace resistance. The idea of Niksen at work might seem counterintuitive in a productivity-focused environment. However, it's impossible to be fully "on" for eight hours straight. Incorporating small moments of aimless downtime can actually boost creativity and prevent exhaustion. This might require creative solutions, like taking a few minutes in a quiet space or simply allowing your mind to wander during less demanding tasks.

Letting go of indispensability. A major barrier to Niksen at work is the feeling of being indispensable. Believing that everything will fall apart if you're not constantly engaged is a sign of stress and a path to burnout. Recognizing that others can handle things and allowing yourself moments of disengagement is essential for long-term sustainability and a healthier perspective on your role.

11. Learning from Boredom and Other Cultures' Approaches.

“But niksen is the sunny side of boredom,” he said.

Boredom's potential. While often seen as negative, boredom can be a gateway to creativity. When external stimuli are removed, the mind is forced inward, leading to daydreaming and new connections. Embracing boredom, rather than immediately alleviating it with distraction, can unlock unexpected insights and ideas, aligning with Nietzsche's view of boredom preceding creative "dancing breezes."

Global quests for calm. Cultures worldwide have developed practices to counter the stresses of life and find moments of peace. Examples include:

• Italy's il dolce far niente ("the sweetness of doing nothing")
• France's laissez-faire ("to leave alone")
• Japan's shinrin-yoku ("forest bathing") and chōwa (balance)
• Finland's pantsdrunk (drinking alone in underwear)

Niksen's unique angle. While related, many of these concepts still involve a degree of intention or activity (enjoying sweetness, being in nature, seeking balance, drinking). Niksen stands out for its pure aimlessness – it's not about achieving a state or following a practice, but simply being without doing. This lack of purpose is both its challenge and its unique beauty.

Last updated: June 25, 2025