FROM HYGGE TO ‘NIKSEN’, ANOTHER NORDIC WORD WITH A GREAT MEANING…

I have written in the past about the Swedish word ‘lagom’ which means moderation and was ‘Lagom’ going to be the new ‘Hygge’?

I wrote that according to the magazine Country & Town House, “since Vogue touted lagom as ‘the new hygge’ last year, (the Danish concept of ‘cosiness’), the word has been popping up everywhere, from lifestyle blogs to new season interiors collections. But has ‘lagom’ really overtaken hygge as the biggest lifestyle trend for this time of year? “.

So, the meaning of ‘lagom‘ is ‘Not too much, not too little. Lagom’ but the Swedish translation of lagom is “enough, sufficient, adequate, just right.” In other words, being content with what you have which might be quite apt during these trying times.

Another word ‘Niksen’ means doing nothing but not in the absolute sense of ‘nothing’, it means enjoying the moment whether your playing Lego, painting, colouring in a book, listening to music or podcast or just simply sitting quietly reading.

To completely understand this concept then you should buy the book ‘ ‘Niksen : Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing’, by Olga Mecking,

A concise and witty book, Olga Mecking will provide tips on how to niksen in the most important areas of your life: work, home and leisure. Talking to experts from around the world, she reveals how doing nothing can make you happier, more productive and creative. In addition, we are given a fun glimpse of Dutch culture to show us why the Dutch are one of the happiest people in the world and why they are so good at doing nothing every once in a while.

We all have a concept of what doing nothing means to us, but do our ideas actually correspond with the truth behind niksen? A common hurdle towards embracing idleness, for example, is that we feel the need to be productive, contributing members of society. In fact, even the Dutch tend to say, niksen is niks or, in English, doing nothing is good for nothing. That constant need to work can lead to more stress, decreased mental wellbeing and paradoxically, being less productive.

Stress and burnout are on the rise. The antidote: Niksen.

Of course, to enjoy ‘Niksen‘, it helps if you have the right atmosphere with all our homes nowadays open plan but you still create your own corner of hygge so that you can embrace ‘Niksen’. I have recently purchased this light bulb that changes colour via remote control to create my own peaceful area. It is an LED Bulb Mood Light with a 21 key remote control, which has a duel memory function and 12 colour choices for your home. I got mine from Amazon for £8.49

It is perfect for me in my kitchen, diner as I have a couple of armchairs in there but needed to do something about the light to make it feel cosy and enticing. It means I can sit in my chair with my hand knitted wrap around my shoulders and ready quietly while my other half can enjoy his sports on the tv in another room and enjoy a bit of Niksen time.