Why "Niksen" is Necessary in Mumbai

Why "Niksen" (The Dutch Art of Doing Nothing) is Necessary in Mumbai

In a city that prides itself on "The Spirit of Mumbai" and constant hustle, I found peace in simply staring out the window.

If you live in Mumbai or Kalyan, you know the guilt. It’s Sunday afternoon. You are sitting on the sofa, doing absolutely nothing. Suddenly, a voice in your head says:

"I should be productive. I should clean the wardrobe. I should reply to emails. I should study."

We have been conditioned to believe that Stillness = Laziness. But recently, I discovered a Dutch concept that completely changed how I view my downtime. It’s called Niksen.

🌿 What is Niksen?

Niksen literally means "to do nothing."

It is not mindfulness. It is not meditation. It is not scrolling on Instagram. It is simply being idle without any purpose. Staring out of a window, watching the fan rotate, or sitting on a park bench watching people.

The "Mumbai Brain" vs. The "Niksen Brain"

Our brains are constantly processing inputs—traffic noise, train announcements, work emails, and study material. We are over-stimulated.

⚡ The Hustle Mode

Focus: "What's next?"

Activity: Multitasking.

Result: High output, but high burnout and anxiety.

🍃 The Niksen Mode

Focus: "What's now?"

Activity: Purposelessness.

Result: The brain wanders, connects dots, and recharges.

Why You Need This (Especially Aspirants & Professionals)

It sounds counter-intuitive, but doing nothing makes you smarter.

When you practice Niksen, you allow your brain to enter the "Default Mode Network." This is where creativity happens. Have you noticed your best ideas come when you are in the shower or staring at the ceiling? That is Niksen in action.

How to Practice Niksen (A Guide for Busy People)

You don't need a retreat in the Himalayas. You can do this in your HOME.

The 15-Minute Protocol

Step 1: The Device Detox. Put your phone in another room. This is non-negotiable. If the phone is in your hand, you are not doing Niksen; you are consuming content.
Step 2: Find a Window. Sit by a window or on your balcony. If you don't have a view, just sit in a chair facing a blank wall.
Step 3: Let the Guilt Pass. The first 2 minutes will be uncomfortable. You will feel the urge to get up. Let that feeling pass.
Step 4: Just Stare. Watch a bird flying. Watch the clouds move. Watch the traffic below. Don't analyze it. Just see it.

"Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time."
— Marthe Troly-Curtin

Final Thoughts

In a city that never sleeps, taking a nap or staring at the sky is an act of rebellion. Give yourself permission to pause. The emails, the CGL prep, and the chaos will still be there in 15 minutes. But you will be better equipped to handle them.