Singapore Women's Weekly

The Courage To Do Nothing

When someone asks you how you are, is your answer often “busy” or “stressed”? If so, you could require the Dutch practice of niksen.

Niksen is being touted as the answer for those who burn the candle at both ends – and is the latest European well-being fad set to burst onto the world stage. First, the Danish gave us hygge – a sense of cosiness and comfort. Then, the Swedes brought lagom, the idea of everything in moderation. Now, it’s time to bring some niksen into our lives.

Put simply, niksen is the practice of doing nothing or doing something without purpose, such as staring out the window or listening to music. It sounds simple, but for many of us who are

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