The Lost Art of Doing Nothing

January 11, 2021
Journalist Willems (From Now On Everything Will Get Better) and illustrator Aalders (Bullet Journaling) encourage readers to take it easy in this charming handbook. Niksen, a concept originating in the Netherlands, is the “absence of any other activity” and can be achieved with three simple things: time, a calm mind, and solitude. The authors define it as “suddenly, in an unguarded moment, having nothing to do and not finding something new to do” or canceling a planned activity “and replacing it with absolutely nothing at all.” While the authors address similar tactics in other cultures—like the Japanese practice of “forest bathing” or the Finnish Pantsdrunk (drinking at home, alone, and in one’s underwear)—they argue the Dutch art of niksen has a special appeal: “If it’s totally meaningless, it’s niksen.... And no, three hours of aimless scrolling doesn’t qualify.” For the Dutch, the authors write, niksen is the cure for stress, burnout, and overstimulation. They also briefly explain how niksen can benefit heart health, improve energy levels, and counteract work fatigue while keeping scientific explanations light. This pleasant, effortless work will be perfect for any busybody.