© Shutterstock

One of the happiest countries in the world -

The Netherlands is regularly placed in polls as one of the top five happiest countries in the world. It makes you wonder: is there something they do differently?

© Shutterstock

One of the happiest countries in the world -

While there are numerous cultural norms and social incentives that contribute towards this sense of well-being, one concept is surprisingly simple.

© Shutterstock

Embracing life's breaks -

Could it be because in the Netherlands the culture leans towards embracing life's breaks, allowing themselves to be happier and more relaxed?

© Shutterstock

"Niksen" means nothing -

"Niksen" is a Dutch word that means doing nothing. It can mean completing a task without a purpose or goal in mind, but the outcome is simple: there isn't one.

© Shutterstock

"Niksen" means nothing -

It literally means doing something for the sake of doing it. There is no goal or purpose in mind; you can simply just be in the moment.

© Shutterstock

Examples of niksen -

Staring out the window at what's happening below, people watching, listening to music, or going to the beach to watch the waves are all examples of niksen.

© Shutterstock

Examples of niksen -

These activities might not add something tangible or material to your life, but by engaging with niksen you can reach a state of calm or tranquility.

© Shutterstock

Getting back in tune with life -

By taking a break from your daily struggles to allow yourself time to do nothing, you can get back in tune with the rhythm of life that exists outside your own mind and worries.

© Shutterstock

A break from burnout -

Burnout and stress culture with their incessant demands leave a sense of no matter how hard you work, it's "never enough."

© Shutterstock

A break from burnout -

Continually striving and hitting a brick wall of more to do, without a sense of satisfaction or progress, is what leads to feeling burnt out.

© Shutterstock

Managing stress -

The more you do, the more there is to do. This can lead to feelings of despair. In order to help manage this stress, why not carve out time to do something for no reason at all?

© Shutterstock

Differences with mindfulness -

Where mindfulness is about being present in the current moment, niksen is about carving out time to just be, letting your mind wander rather than trying to focus.

© Shutterstock

Relaxation -

Moments of relaxation, or relaxation combined with a semi-automatic activity such as knitting, singing, dancing, or playing with pets are also examples of embracing niksen.

© Shutterstock

Creativity boosting -

One of the big benefits of embracing niksen is the huge boost it can provide to our creativity. Relaxation allows us to get into a flow state.

© Shutterstock

Creativity boosting -

In order for new ideas and creative solutions to emerge in our minds, they need space. Burnout is the opposite of the flow state, where creativity prospers.

© Shutterstock

Problem solving -

Even when our mind is at rest, it's processing information. The space created by niksen allows the brain to use its available processing power to solve problems.

© Shutterstock

Problem solving -

Research has shown that doing simple tasks allows the mind to wander, helping people become more inspired. This is why you might hear of someone having a breakthrough in the shower or on a walk.

© Shutterstock

Historically dismissed -

In the Netherlands, niksen wasn't always popular. In fact, historically it was dismissed as laziness or the opposite of being productive.

© Shutterstock

Wellness culture -

However, the health impacts of stress are becoming increasingly more apparent and are being recognized by the medical community. With this, there is a shift towards embracing wellness.

© Shutterstock

Health benefits -

Research is strong when it comes to the health benefits of slowing down. It has emotional perks, such as fighting anxiety.

© Shutterstock

Health benefits -

But it has physical benefits, too, which include slowing down the aging process and strengthening the body's immune system.

© Shutterstock

How to begin -

If you're used to constantly filling your time with goal-reaching activities, it might feel uneasy to practice niksen at first.

© Shutterstock

Dare to be idle -

Start small and build up your time spent embracing niksen. Push through the initial discomfort and dare to be idle to reap the benefits.

© Shutterstock

Proceed with caution -

It's unwise to go into niksen for the wrong reasons, thinking it will solve all your productivity and creative blocks. Remember the point of it is to not have an outcome or goal.

© Shutterstock

Starting small -

Perhaps a good 'gateway' to niksen is by writing a gratitude list, letting your mind wander as you complete it, or taking a short walk in nature.

© Shutterstock

Too much of a good thing -

Like everything, niksen should be practiced in moderation. Too much rest can be demotivating, leading to a lack of direction and achievement.

© Shutterstock

Beware of rumination -

If you let your mind wander for far too long, you can get caught up in ruminations and thinking about the past, which doesn't leave anyone feeling refreshed.

© Shutterstock

Balance -

As with all things in life, there's a fine balance to be struck between doing nothing for the sake of it, and working to achieve goals.

© Shutterstock

Happiness and productivity -

There's a link between productivity, happiness, and relaxation. Practicing idle time between bursts of activity can help your overall well-being and creativity to flourish.

Sources: (Time) (The Guardian) (DutchReview) (BBC Travel)

© Shutterstock