According to the World Happiness Report 2024, the Netherlands is the sixth happiest country in the world. The Dutch social structure and cultural practices ensure a great work-life balance and prevent burnout, leading them toward happiness. The index depends on working hours, lifestyle practices, and community bonding.
While research on their practices shows no extravagant routines or instant political or economic growth effects in their happiness, a simple approach to life is the cause of their improved living standards.
The Art of Doing Nothing (Niksen)
Sometimes, doing nothing is everything needed in life. Niksen is a Dutch culture of purposeful stillness. “Niks” is a Dutch word meaning “doing nothing.” With today’s hustle culture, resting sounds like an excuse for idleness. The concept of hustling is increasing burnout at a rapid rate. But the Dutch culture of doing nothing has become their savior in maintaining contentment.
The concept is simple and effortless—what you have to do is “do nothing.” Unlike meditation, Niksen allows mind-wandering and the freedom to go with the flow. Sitting with coffee without scrolling through social media, simply looking out the window, waiting for someone or a bus, or just watching clouds drift across the sky—everything can be considered Niksen.
We hate waiting in line, for someone, or for a checkup in the doctor’s chamber. But these moments can be transformed into Niksen instead of frustration and considering them a waste of time.
How does Niksen differ from mindfulness and meditation?
Meditation and mindfulness train the mind to stay in the present moment by focusing on breathing or body sensations. The goal is to cultivate awareness. On the contrary, Niksen serves the opposite purpose—it allows the mind to wander without restrictions. The freedom of thought and simply going with the flow is the main goal here.
Benefits?
When the mind is free without restriction or purposeful focus, it can be creative. Research suggests that when we let our minds wander independently without focusing on a problem, we often find solutions in a better way. For creativity and problem-solving, Niksen is a magical tool.
How do you apply Niksen in life?
By simply existing without being productive. Don’t feel guilty about spending time idly. And the last tip would be—you don’t need to find extra time in your busy schedule for this. Just turn moments into Niksen. For example, when you’re stuck in traffic on your way to work, don’t start scrolling—use that time for stillness, letting your mind do whatever it wants.
Work-Life Balance
The Netherlands has gained international recognition for maintaining work-life balance with exceptional efficiency. Burnout and overwork are the worst enemies of a person’s life, degrading relationships, physical health, and mental well-being. The country I live in doesn’t manage working hours as well. But the Dutch people have shown exemplary results in this case.
According to the OECD work-life index, the Netherlands ranks fifth in maintaining a balance between working hours and personal life. They have an average of 36 hours per week in full-time jobs. Part-time work varies between 12 to 36 hours weekly. Thanks to part-time work opportunities, they are able to find flexibility and set aside time for other things.
They believe in efficiency rather than working overtime in professional fields. When they leave work, it means “entering into real life” for them. In simple terms, they don’t carry their work baggage home, allowing them to breathe, relax with their loved ones, and enjoy what life truly means.
Related: Healing from Burnout: Practical Steps to Reclaim Your Life
The Dutch Concept of Coziness, Comfort, and Friendliness (Gezelligheid)
Unlike Niksen, Gezelligheid is about spending fun time with others—it cannot be achieved alone. The Dutch people value their own time as well as companionship, which explains their culture of self-time and community connection through Niksen and Gezelligheid. This concept aligns well with the Danish “hygge” culture.
The Dutch word “gezel” means “friend” or “companion.” A commonly used proverb, “Gezelligheid kent geen tijd” (“Gezelligheid doesn’t keep track of time”), reflects their social nature. They consider social gatherings, intimate time with friends and family, and cozy moments with loved ones—without worrying about time—as gezellig.
When we offer someone a coffee, we usually rush due to limited time, like a short lunch break. However, the Dutch consider gezellig when they invite someone for coffee—it means leisurely enjoying coffee with cookies, having conversations, and spending quality time with a companion.
This simple practice of comfort and friendliness helps them relieve stress and tension. They don’t just use this term for personal interactions but also as a dynamic societal practice. They even label any tension or behavior that ruins harmony as ‘ongezellig’—a form of social criticism.
Outdoor Activities
Even with the unpredictable weather in the Netherlands, outdoor activities are extensively practiced among the Dutch people. They have a weather forecast app called ‘Buienradar’ to track rain showers, short-term forecasts, and the most accurate weather updates in the country.
On a normal day, parks and roads are filled with people sitting lazily, simply enjoying nature, or walking aimlessly— a common sight. Outdoor activities are widely appreciated as part of their wellness culture.
Cycling is more than just a recreational activity for them—it’s often compared to a Dutch identity, just like “eating rice in China.” Almost one-third of Dutch people own bicycles as their primary mode of transportation. Not only is it a personal preference, but their national passion for cycling is reflected in their infrastructure, which includes 32,000 kilometers of cycling paths. Around 27% of daily trips in the Netherlands are made using bicycles.
Ice skating is another popular activity there. A fascinating part is they have ‘IJsvrij,’ meaning they get a skating holiday in winter just to enjoy outdoor ice skating. It’s commonly observed that Amsterdammers keep an eye on the forecast, hoping the icy canals will freeze thick enough to skate on.
As 20% of South Holland’s 3,403 square kilometers is water, water-based activities are an essential part of their outdoor culture, including sailing, kayaking, and rowing. South Holland also supports activities like surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kiteboarding, and boogie-boarding.
Their well-maintained infrastructure for outdoor activities is second to none. With yellow/red symbols on trees or posts, hiking and walking in nature are actively supported by the nation.
Their culture of embracing the outdoors aligns with their mental and physical well-being, helping regulate stress hormones (cortisol), improve mood, and release dopamine.
Related: Embracing Slow-Living
Lifelong Learning Culture
Dutch people promote lifelong learning as a core part of their daily lifestyle. According to Eurostat, about 19% of Dutch adults (ages 25-64) participate in lifelong learning programs, making it one of the highest rates in Europe. Additionally, in global education rankings, they perform better than most countries. There’s a saying:
“When people stop learning, they stop living.”
Scientific research has proven that engaging in learning releases dopamine (the happiness hormone), provides a sense of achievement, boosts self-confidence, and fosters personal growth.
They incorporate learning new skills and hobbies into their daily lives to enhance self-worth. Learning new languages is a common practice in their culture. A Dutch mindset focused on growth, self-improvement, and skill development leads to greater life satisfaction.
These simple yet powerful practices have consistently placed the Dutch among the happiest people in the world. By prioritizing minimalism, relationships, hobbies, and personal interests over materialistic pursuits, they lead a truly fulfilling and content life.
