Finals season is approaching. This time is notorious for ample amounts of stress, mental breakdowns, and the sheer hope of passing the semester with flying colors. It’s the hardest to find time for others, let alone yourself. Despite this, there’s hope. Niksen, a Dutch concept, is the perfect thing to counter this stressful period of exams, essays, and projects!
What is Niksen and why is it Important?
Translated literally to “doing nothing,” niksen offers your mind a chance to rest. Think of it like when you’re driving. You can’t always speed. At some point, you’re going to have to use the brake pedal—whether it’s for a few seconds or a few minutes. As stated previously, this concept helps to give your mind a break. Studies show that niksen can help with boosting creativity and concentration. It can also aid in reducing burnouts since doing nothing—as well as not thinking about what’s causing anxiety—can calm the mind.
Ways to Incorporate Niksen:
Listed below are some practical ways that you can integrate niksen into your life!
- Stare Out of a Window
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As you’re studying in the library or at home, take a moment to gaze out the window. Let your mind rest as passerby, nearby buildings, and nature fill your thoughts. Though this may feel like you’re a movie character reminiscing on the past, your mind will thank you.
- Pause at Any Mundane Moment
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Stare at your coffee machine as your coffee drips into your cup. When you’re stopped at a red light, take a chance to look at the leaves on the tree. Breathe in the aroma of your cup of hot chocolate or tea. While you wait in a Starbucks line, study the other customers, look at the décor on the walls, notice what’s in the display rack at the cash register. All of this is to bring your attention away from the stresses of life and to calm the storm by thinking of the simple and seemingly mundane aspects of every-day life.
- Close Your Eyes
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If you don’t feel like staring at anything in particular, closing your eyes is the next best thing. Alongside your brain, you would also be getting the added benefit of giving your eyes some much-needed rest. Just don’t fall asleep in the process!
- Partake in Niksen-Friendly Activities
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Other than staring into space there are other opportunities to bring niksen into your life. Take care of a fish, try your hand at nature photography, people watch. Anything that brings a sense of calm to your life is the perfect way to make niksen a part of your life.
A Word of Caution
Like anything in life, if you want a habit to stick, you incorporate it little by little. The same formula applies to niksen. It may seem like an easy concept to apply to your life, and you may be tempted to go hours and do nothing. Though that sounds wonderful, the key to niksen is to go one step at a time. Lay on the couch in silence for five minutes or listen to jazz or classical music for ten minutes. Though the length of niksen is subjective, doing nothing for too long can potentially have you ruminating on too many thoughts. This could possibly re-invite anxiety into the space of your mind. Incorporate this practice little by little, and before you realize it, you’ll feel more refreshed, inspired, and motivated to continue your studies.