I’ve just finished reading Olga Mecking’s wonderfully entertaining, educational, and relaxing book Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing (aff. link). Worry not, I’ll explain in my review how this book is all that and why.

But before I get to what the book is about and my review, let me tell you a bit about Olga and the wonderful concept of niksen.

Olga Mecking & Niksen

Olga Mecking is a Polish journalist, freelance writer, author, and novelist. She’s been living in The Netherlands for 11 years, and she has experienced the culture firsthand. She first wrote about the concept of Niksen for Woolly magazine, but it was her essay for The New York Times’ Smarter Living section that really kicked things off. For more about how the book came to be and how Olga nikses herself, you can read my interview with her.

Niksen is basically doing nothing for the sake of doing nothing. Yes, it is enjoyable and recharges you. And it is a beautiful way to find inspiration and peace of mind in these hectic times.

The Book: Niksen isn’t your average wellness book

For one thing, Olga isn’t fond of wellness trends, especially if they preach their methods work for everyone – when their instructions followed to a t. She finds that these kinds of trends and books cause more stress because they don’t consider your personal circumstances and the culture you live in.

I’m glad Olga takes into account why and when niksen might be good for you, and when you probably shouldn’t attempt or force it.

She talks to many experts in her book, including business psychologists and other authors. One of my favorite experts featured is Gretchen Rubin. Rubin’s book on habits (aff. link) is a life-changer because she views everything through a personality lens, making changing easier and probable.

Back to the book Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing

What the book covers

– What Niksen is,

– Why we should consider practicing it,

– When and how we might implement it into our lives,

– How other cultures have embraced Niksen,

– Potential roadblocks,

– How she experiences it herself,

and more.

Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing is a fast read. And it’s also not.

It’s easy to read this book (aff. link) fast. Olga’s conversational and friendly style can have you devouring it in one cozy setting. But I resisted the urge.

Whenever, there was a cultural, personal, or professional reflection on how much and how we niks, I stopped and thought about my relationship with niksen.

While I am notoriously bad at niksing on a couch, especially if there are electronics or books or notebooks around, I have my own ways. Olga mentions this in the book:

I love going to coffee shops (when there is no pandemic, of course) and working on whatever project there. My favorite shops tend to provide the best atmosphere for niksen: comfortable seating, great (but not-too-loud) music, and a gorgeous view. So, every once in a while, I mentally get lost with my coffee in my hand. It doesn’t take too long before I feel the urge to write something down, but I do it.

I also find it hard to get up in the mornings. Because I don’t usually have to be up by a certain hour, I take my time. I am awake, but I don’t rush. I literally do nothing. My eyes can be open or closed. I just enjoy the moments before another hectic day starts.

As I read the book, I consciously tried to add more niksen to my week.

The benefits appeal to me. I like it when I engage in it. Yet, the concept can sometimes scare me. I was a hyperactive child, and as an anxious/busy adult with a hyperactive mind, I worry I should be doing something. Something worthwhile.

But I am trying to recover from that train of thought. There is a reason a lot of creative ideas (in addition to relaxation) find us in the shower.

I read the book slowly but surely, true to the spirit of niksen.

Recommended for:

I recommend reading Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing to curious minds, anxious professionals, restless souls, and anyone who thinks they need to slow down a bit.

If you find yourself constantly wishing for more time, especially more time to wind down, you should read this book.

Reading it has a soothing effect. It will also show you that you are not alone.

Another thing I love about this book is that it doesn’t claim to be a be-all-end-all for wellness. In fact, both the writer and the book are highly skeptical of trends and one-size-fits-all advice. Olga even features a section detailing who shouldn’t be niksing and why.

As someone who hates standardized advice, this makes the book even more my cup of tea.

Who shouldn’t read Niksen?

I honestly can’t think of many people. But if you are extremely happy with your life, have time management skills and productivity levels you are proud of, and you couldn’t care less about a concept that is about doing nothing on purpose, then you probably shouldn’t read it.

Rest of the world? Give it a shot.