NIKSEN Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing

Would listening to an audiobook, even one as relaxing as this one, count as "niksening"? According to Polish author Olga Mecking, no--to do niks (Dutch for "nothing") is to do nothing at all (think gazing out the window and letting your mind wander). British narrator Lucy Price-Lewis gives a bright and engaged reading of this study of how making time to do nothing can increase energy and creativity and bring balance to a busy life. Mecking, who lives in the Netherlands, argues that the Dutch have perfected this practice, though she also admits that many Dutch people don't recognize what they're doing as niksen. Lewis's narration matches Mecking's friendly tone, and she convincingly delivers quotes from productivity and happiness experts. So listen, and THEN niksen. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2021]