Remember desktop computers and the inactive mode, when the mouse pointer would float aimlessly on the screen? That’s a fairly accurate analogy of what Niksen, the Dutch concept of ‘doing nothing at all,’ feels like. Or, at least think of it as doing something to relax – but  without a productivity objective attached. 

Opinion makers argue that this makes Niksen more attractive than any ‘self-love’ activity, which, after a time (let’s be honest) reminds us we’re not at peak health or productivity levels. 

BUT FIRST…..WHAT ABOUT THOSE OTHER JAPANDI WELLNESS TRENDS?

Amongst them, ‘Boketto’ is a close Japanese sibling of Niksen. It describes the (art?) of staring into the distance without a single thought. The Danish Hygge is easily interchanged with Niksen. However, Hygge brings with it the awareness of creating cosy satisfaction. Niksen frees us from the need to attach any mindfulness related commitment.

WHY SHOULD I MAKE SPACE & TIME FOR NIKSEN AT HOME?

Granted, it’s not that easy to ‘do nothing at all.’ But, Niksen is embraced as a stress and burnout relief measure. Considering that the World Health Organisation has accepted burnout as an ‘occupational phenomenon,’ Niksen is a very human and instinctual return to centre. It’s more about focusing on the proverbial blank slate, instead of on what’s going to be ‘chalked out’ on it after it’s been wiped clean.

TAKE A FEW MINUTES MORE TO ENJOY THAT CANDLE FLAME.. OR YOUR COFFEE MUG

Anywhere between 5-15 minutes of Niksen is a relatable enough ‘trial and error’ method, if you’re new to it and want to get used to it. 

When you wake up, you might like to – and come to enjoy – the clean ‘emptiness’ of those minutes, as you stare comfortably into the flame of your favourite scented candle; or hang on to the last sips of your first coffee of the day; or peer out the window at your special outdoor spot.

Observe – and leave it at that. No intellectualisation, no creative potpourri of thoughts. 

You could try the same in the winter afternoon lull, as family leave the living room or dining table, and ‘hibernate’ in their own rooms.

AND THAT’S WHY WE HAVE MODULAR FURNITURE….

To create mood zones, of course. It’s easier to use ‘segmented’ sofas, and solitary lounge chairs for ‘spaces within spaces.’ You can move into Niksen and still be hiding in plain sight, if the festive banter being shared by everyone around you  is overwhelming.

DIVIDER SCREENS AND SHEERS FOR NIKSEN NIGHTS

The lightness of sheers reflects their silent appeal. You can either watch them floating about for as long as you like, or disappear behind them if no one understands your talent for, ‘thinking about nothing right now.’

Some of us are lucky to have true antique pieces in their home. Dividers are a graceful way of setting personal boundaries. They can be dressed up or down as you wish; and they can be folded up for use anywhere else, within minutes.

ABSTRACT ART WALLS

Have you been second-guessing that decision to make a statement with abstract details on walls?

Niksen calls for  that sense of liberation in their freestyle interpretations, though. There’s no pressure to process anything, least of all according to any typical parameters.