Author(s): Lona Alders, Maartje Willems

Philosophy

Sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves is nothing.

The Dutch have a word for this form of active rest: niksen (which translates closely to "doing nothing"). It is a state of non-productivity - staring out a window, lying on the grass, closing our eyes, or listening to music - that can help decrease stress, improve health, inspire creativity, and more. But it's harder than you think, and by no means a holy grail.

In this fast-paced world our brains are not easily switched off. And for the Dutch, the word implies that you don't just stand there empty-handed, but do something and live your best life!

In this charmingly illustrated guide, Dutch journalist Maartje Willems draws on a pool of interviews, studies, books, and films to teach us exactly how niksen can lead to a healthier way of living.

Following on the tail of hygge and lagom, the global phenomenon of niksen could be misunderstood as yet another promise for a better life. But niksen shows us that all this doing only adds up to more stress about why these so-called easy tools have not led to lasting happiness.

This book reveals the lost art of a word that has been around for centuries, and helps us find a less stressful and more easygoing world.