Niksen is an increasingly popular Dutch relaxation technique, it’s is a form of mental rest from day to day stress. It is the practice of doing nothing on purpose, without any purpose.
Millennial generation suffers from frequent burnouts caused by expectations of increasing efficiency and production and jumping from one task to another. Burnout leads to total exhaustion of energy physically, mentally and emotionally.
Niksen in Dutch means ‘to do nothing’ and therefore, is the practice to be idle. We think we are idle all the time but no, scrolling through social media or watching some TV series is not Niksen. It is the practice of slowing it all down and experiencing a calm lifestyle.
It is great for people who find meditation and mindfulness frustrating. Meditation demands to concentrate on certain objects in the surrounding whereas, mindfulness demands to be aware of everything happening around you in detail. In contrast, Niksen is to be aware of the surroundings but not do anything and let the mind wander.
Benefits of Niksen:
- It helps reduce stress and chances of burnout
- When sitting idle, insight increases and so does creativity
- It helps in decision making with the help of ‘aha moments’
- Curtails the aging process
- Soothe anxious feelings
- Improves immunity
How to practice Niksen?
We are used to doing some things or the other. Hence, it is not easy for us to practice it and we are uncomfortable when we do so.
It is recommended to take out a few minutes every day and an evening after long workdays without any obligations to do anything and just relax. Allowing life to run its course, free from any obligations for just a moment is a vital part for our mental wellbeing.
To learn more about Dr. Prerna Kohli click here
All images courtesy Pixabay
