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The Dutch concept of niksen, which means doing nothing without a purpose, has gained popularity worldwide. Olga Mecking, the author of "Niksen: Embracing the Dutch Art of Doing Nothing," has become an authority on the subject. Niksen involves letting go of outcomes and enjoying activities without any specific goals. Despite its origins in the Netherlands, the Dutch themselves struggle with niksen due to their culture of hard work and productivity. The concept of niksen has resonated with people globally, especially in the context of pandemic-related stress and burnout.
Голландская концепция никсен, означающая ничегонеделание, завоевала популярность во всем мире. Ольга Мекинг, автор книги «Никсен: понимание голландского искусства ничегонеделания», стала авторитетом в этом вопросе. Никсен предполагает отказ от результатов и получение удовольствия от деятельности без каких-либо конкретных целей. Несмотря на свое происхождение в Нидерландах, сами голландцы борются с никсеном. А связано это с тем, что сами они по своей культуре, в большей степени нацелены на высокую работоспособность и продуктивность. Концепция никсен нашла отклик у людей во всем мире, особенно в контексте стресса и выгорания, связанных с пандемией.
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Summary
I am standing on the sand at Scheveningen, The Hague's most famous beach resort, doing nothing, when Olga Mecking, the author of Niksen, walks by. I suddenly remember there is a pancake house back on the promenade.
Mecking says that it's very common to struggle to define niksen, but it's about letting go of the outcome and doing nothing, without a purpose.
I like this, I am ready to let go of the outcome. This is why there is a global market for my book.
A journalist and parenting blogger, Mecking is married to a German and lives in The Hague. Her book, The Case for Doing Nothing, was published just as the Netherlands went into its first hard lockdown in late 2020.
After the pandemic, the cult of niksen lives on. David Lloyd Leisure is launching niksen classes to help people "release tension" after a stressful day's work.
There are more niksen books from more people who clearly don't want to take their own advice and do nothing.
Niksen is a media concept, like Blue Monday, but Dutch people really do use the verb to mean doing nothing. It gives us what we crave: an explanation for what's missing - the presence of nothing in our lives.
Mecking's book has now been translated into 13 languages, but the Dutch are not particularly good at doing nothing. They are Calvinists and tell each other to work harder, so niksen is the devil from whom comes nothing good.
When I asked Dutch friends about the meaning of niksen, they said they knew the word but didn't feel they had any explanation as to what was Dutch about it.
Hamming is right: niksen is not a quintessentially Dutch idea. It is usually categorised as a reaction to relentless work culture, but it seems curious that this unusual verb surfaced in a country that generally regards itself as Calvinist and atheist.
The Dutch approach to window blinds and curtains is not to use them, and they are open about their lives. It is a fascinatingly contradictory cultural impulse, and no wonder you might want to introduce niksen into that mix.
The Netherlands is the least stressed country in the world, despite the fact that 90% of Dutch employees say they are burnt out. This is because Dutch employees experience relatively less stress when it comes to worries about the cost of living, personal finances and uncertainty about the future.
Burnout is a growing problem in the Netherlands, with one in five workers suffering from symptoms of burnout. This is thought to be due to the increasing demands of work and the gig economy.
Dutch people are reluctant to take time off work, put a lot of pressure on themselves to succeed, and attend all social gatherings and be convivial at them, but this can lead to burnout.
What niksen most strongly illustrates, though, is the pull towards philosophies that come from other countries. Hygge is a real thing, but it is not exclusive to the Danish, and Fika is not the only place in the world where you can eat cake and drink coffee.
🔻Лексика данной статьи🔻
🔸 Phrases from the Article 🔸
1. Niksen is the Dutch concept of being effortlessly aimless. It refers to the act of engaging in an activity or doing nothing, purely for the sake of relaxation and leisure. Niksen is all about taking a break from responsibilities and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
2. Hygge is a Danish word that encompasses a sense of coziness, comfort, and well-being. It is a lifestyle that promotes a sense of contentment and togetherness. Hygge often involves spending time in cozy settings, with loved ones, and engaging in activities that create a sense of warmth and relaxation.
3. Fika is a Swedish word that translates to "coffee break" in English. It is an integral part of Swedish culture and refers to taking a break from work or activities to enjoy a cup of coffee and a sweet treat. Fika is a time to relax, socialize, and recharge, often accompanied by chats with friends or colleagues.
4. The phrase "I am not cut out for" is commonly used to express that an individual is not well-suited or suited for a particular task or situation. It suggests that the person lacks the skills, qualities, or temperament to succeed in a particular endeavor or environment.
5. A hectic life is one that is fast-paced, chaotic, and filled with constant activity. It is often associated with stress, lack of time, and feeling overwhelmed. People may describe their lives as hectic when they feel constantly rushed and unable to relax or slow down.
6. The phrase "was dreamed up by" means that a particular idea or concept was the result of someone's imagination or creativity. It can imply that the idea was not based on reality or empirical evidence but rather was an invention of the mind.
7. If something "gives us what we crave," it means that it provides exactly what we are longing for or need. It could be something that satisfies a desire or desire, whether it be physical, emotional, or intellectual. For example, a good book or movie can give us what we crave in terms of entertainment and relaxation.
8. If something is peculiar, it means it is strange, unusual, or odd. It could be something that deviates from the norm or defies explanation. Peculiarity can evoke curiosity or intrigue, as it raises questions and sparks interest.
9. To "bring up" a topic or issue means to introduce or discuss it. It can involve bringing it up during a conversation, bringing it to the attention of others, or raising it in a more formal setting, such as a meeting or presentation.
10. To be "buttoned-up" refers to being neat, organized, and professional in appearance and behavior. It suggests adhering to societal norms and expectations and maintaining a certain level of formality or decorum. The phrase is often used in the context of business attire or professional settings.
11. When something or someone "seems rooted," it means that they appear well-established, stable, or well-established in a particular place or situation. It could be used to describe someone or something that has a strong sense of belonging or permanence.
12. To "reduce the stigma associated with" something is to change the negative perceptions or judgments associated with it. This can be done by raising awareness, promoting understanding, and challenging stereotypes or prejudices. By reducing the stigma, individuals or groups can challenge and dismantle barriers that limit their acceptance or opportunities.
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Выше представлены некоторые фразы из статьи.
Не забываем , что запоминание фраз намного полезнее , чем заучивание отдельных слов.
🔘 Задание:
Откройте оригинальную статью и попробуйте отсканировать текст и найти данные выражения. Подчеркните целое предложение, прочитайте его и посмотрите на то, как использована данная фраза в контексте этого отрывка.
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🔴 Pre-reading questions:
- Do you think Dutch people are lazy or hardworking?
- Have you ever heard about the word Niksen?
- What are the symptoms of burnout?
- Do you enjoy doing nothing, and if so, why?
- How can individuals develop a healthy work-life balance?
- How does the concept of "doing nothing" intersect with other self-care practices such as meditation or mindfulness?
🔴 Read the article
🔴 Post- reading questions:
- How does the Dutch concept of "niksen" differ from the concept of "resting" or "relaxing"?
- Why did the Dutch start focusing on doing nothing?
- What benefits does doing nothing have?
- How do the Dutch incorporate doing nothing into their daily lives?
- Are there any risks associated with doing nothing?
🔴 Exercise:
Write an opinion piece about the benefits of incorporating doing nothing into our daily lives. Provide examples and support your argument with research or personal experience.
🔴Improve your speaking:
- Read out load the summary in the beginning of this article 😃
Чтение вслух помогает улучшить ваше произношение
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