6 Simple Dutch Habits for Happiness, Health and Self Care

Рет қаралды 615,107

Күн бұрын

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Have you ever heard of niksen? How about gezellig? Let's talk about some simple Dutch habits for happiness, health and self care. I love sharing a bit more of my culture with you today, and talk about some things that are quite normal for us Dutchies, but might not be so normal everywhere.
Lots of love,
🌼 Vera
VIDEO CHAPTERS
Intro 0:00
Niksen 1:44
Language learning 4:55
Gezellig 9:07
The outdoors 12:29
Efficiency 15:15
Hobbies & passions 17:28
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Пікірлер: 1 000

@SimpleHappyZen 25 күн бұрын

What’s your favorite of these habits? 🌱 Also, a big thanks to LiveXP for sponsoring today's video! Book your first $0,99 trial lesson here: livexp.biz/HAPPYZEN and get 30% off your subscription by using this link: livexp.biz/HAPPYZEN30

@linastrindlund2830 20 күн бұрын

loved this video!

@user-vv4lc8nj3p 19 күн бұрын

P😊ĺ😊😊lpooo9😅in error in 9?robertm@ilrc.mb.ca case I have 9😅😅missed being held 99999999999999898oʻ 5:48 oooooooooooooʻooooooooooooo99999999999999999

@jumiloves 19 күн бұрын

Always have a little something with coffee or tea 🥰

@rsoubiea 18 күн бұрын

Taking time for yourself and not feeling guilty about it because we all deserve that! Priceless ❤

@angelsplace 18 күн бұрын

Uh the dutch are rioting. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/aN6XdZSW1Z2tn5s.htmlsi=xkW8NUv6MGAVQ1ww

@dudewhathappenedtomycountr9099 15 күн бұрын

This video makes me painfully aware of how much we Americans have sacrificed over the years. We've surrendered everything precious without even realizing it. Kudos to the Dutch for refusing to give it up.

@user-cr3fz8lz2i 6 күн бұрын

So true! We’ve missed that boat in the US.

@janetlelham2816 6 күн бұрын

Exactly

@brendachilders4879 6 күн бұрын

Because we take care of the world so they can relax.

@user-cr3fz8lz2i 6 күн бұрын

@@brendachilders4879 This is true…we’re the World Police! 20-years….USAF MSgt (Ret)

@manta40 5 күн бұрын

Very curious statement....exactly what has been sacrificed? The Dutch appreciate diversity, speak many languages, travel, and they are great hosts. I lived there for a year so I know of what I speak. They are not xenophobic as you may be.

@rogernichols1124 11 күн бұрын

I lived and worked in Germany for a while and developed nervous exhaustion. To relieve the symptoms - anxiety, fatigue, depression, sleeplessness - I used to visit Dutch friends just over the border and realised that life was much more than just work.

@solconcordia4315 6 күн бұрын

Live and work in the Netherlands instead. I wonder whether the Dutch are less anal-retentive than the Germans due to their being located right on the coast and having the major seaports of continental Europe to make money for them.

@pierssharpe7123 18 күн бұрын

"How do you do Nothing," asked Pooh after he had wondered for a long time. "Well, it's when people call out at you just as you're going off to do it, 'What are you going to do, Christopher Robin?' and you say, 'Oh, Nothing,' and then you go and do it."

@OdinsSage 10 күн бұрын

Always the best quotes from Winnie the Pooh

@hollyjames5985 8 күн бұрын

Wonderful. Thanks

@AndeThompson-ex6sv 10 сағат бұрын

💙💙💙

@preag294 17 күн бұрын

I have 2 American uncles who were killed in WW2. Their graves are in Holland and to this day Dutch citizens are assigned to tend to each soldier's grave. In recent years an American father and his sons visited those graves and noticed so many brothers from the war were buried together. He wrote a book about it (Brothers in Arms by Kevin Callahan) and reached out to our family for information. He was so impressed with the respect the Dutch gave to these soldiers.

@charlotteknutsen7262 8 күн бұрын

❤❤❤❤

@tacticalskiffs8134 7 күн бұрын

So many Canadians never made it home from Holland, also. But there is a side to that. Not surprisingly, Dutch are not all that quick to forget those who were traitors during the occupation, and they like to get performative with it, by demonstrative remembrances of the sacrifices of liberators. And this seems to carry over into generations, at the time, not yet born.

@sharonodonnell2786 6 күн бұрын

I'm😅😮 TV@@tacticalskiffs8134

@SIERRATREES 20 күн бұрын

I can spend Saturdays just going to the park, having a coffee in my local then going home and ( slowly ) cleaning my apartment. Nothing glamourous, but as I go to bed in the evening between fresh clean sheets, I feel great ; my mind is uncluttered.

@susanaescriba977 19 күн бұрын

That is a basic of any nationality.

@roghabhrideradioshow Күн бұрын

@SIERRATREES, this is what I call living a life of LUXURY!

@marylamb6063 17 күн бұрын

My grandmother lived like a Dutch woman, even though she smoked like a chimney and she was obese. She lived to 103. She never had cancer, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, nothing. But she was totally calm and laid back. It was her personality. You either have it or you don't.

@jillfisher2585 13 күн бұрын

An advert for her language classes 😂

@christinastephanou5971 13 күн бұрын

Doctors always say that obesity causes different health problems, especially smoking.

@CallMeGailyn 9 күн бұрын

We can train our mind to do better, and people change when they choose to change.

@Lyndanet 8 күн бұрын

she must have been awesome!

@Andrea-kx6dc 4 күн бұрын

great to hear😊🎉

@aliciagc2539 9 күн бұрын

On Sunday mornings I volunteer at an animal rescue. Honestly I'd rather be home but once there it's all about them. I get out of myself and feel like I'm living out and being true to my values. Then I go home and hang out with my 5 cats and 2 dogs. That is my bliss.

@JoHuckaby 5 күн бұрын

❤

@jajajajaja357 5 күн бұрын

I am German and I also think that life is better in the Netherlands.

@joannewitzkowski3407 5 күн бұрын

Sounds perfect!!

@Andrea-kx6dc 4 күн бұрын

THANK YOU .... for animal lovers, the only folks who would ever volunteer to do that, it can be very psychologically and emotionally demanding so I really really appreciate you doing that for the animals. ♥️

@basketballfan5763 4 күн бұрын

😊😁 yay...sounds fun... animals are the best 🐕🐶😻😺🐇🐷🐰🐭🐺🐨🐐🐑🐦🐿️🕊️🦀🐞🐝🕷️🐧

@JorianBilar 19 күн бұрын

Dutch DIRECT: "We don't say 'yes' or 'maybe', when we mean 'no'. There is much we cannot and will not do. But honesty is not a weakness, it's a strength. " - FEADSHIP Hoofddorp HQ

@denisemarino3021 17 күн бұрын

Honesty is always a strength. It promotes trust between people.

@JorianBilar 17 күн бұрын

@@denisemarino3021 Honesty uncluttered relationships between people.

@vicowiz1 17 күн бұрын

Yes to Direct Answer, in good way..

@DKR-1881 16 күн бұрын

"There's is much we cannot and will not do." Like what? Can you give some examples? Just trying to learn more.

@RJones-tn5vg 15 күн бұрын

I love this so much. Ambiguity is my pet peeve. Tell me no. Please. Maybe is the worst.

@thepainteduniverse3648 17 күн бұрын

Sunday is my Nikse day. I’ve carefully trained everyone I know to leave me alone on that day, and not contact me unless the world is ending (or maybe even if it is). It’s amazing. 😁❤👍☕

@roghabhrideradioshow Күн бұрын

@thepainteduniverse3648 brilliant. Oh I hope it's not Sunday... Have a beautiful Nikse day!

@annlavine3576 25 күн бұрын

Hanging out with my cats brings me joy

@SimpleHappyZen 25 күн бұрын

Give them a pet from me! 💕

@annlavine3576 25 күн бұрын

@@SimpleHappyZen I hope you will adopt one or two cats for yourself and your boyfriend

@purronnaspaw 24 күн бұрын

Absolutely...my cat or dogs keep me grounded and calmer.

@kristinm4005 24 күн бұрын

Same….😊

@galaxy98765 24 күн бұрын

Animals are the best for snuggling with. Give your kitties a kiss from Gwen in western Washington (state). ❤❤❤

@michellevandyke5000 21 күн бұрын

My mother immigrated to North America from the Netherlands with her family. Growing up, my Oma and Opa lived right next door. I went with my mom every Saturday at 11 for coffee, and 4pm for tea. Every Sunday evening we ate at their house for dinner. I learned SO MUCH about my family and myself after watching this. 😮😅😂😊 Thank you. ❤

@jaapongeveer6203 19 күн бұрын

Ben ook in Nederland geboren maar woon hier in Canada al 70 jaar als een 71 jong vent. Heb wat Nederlands leren lezen en ook schrijven.

@tubulardude44 19 күн бұрын

Gezellig: NO screens allowed! Yes! Thank you! I wish the American culture would adopt gezellig! ❤

@solconcordia4315 7 күн бұрын

Die Geselligkeit kennt keine Zeit aber wohin ging unsre Zeit ?

@maryanncsech6964 24 күн бұрын

I had my relaxation day today. I put on some soft jazz music, opened the window wide to let the breeze blow over me, I sat sipping my herbal tea and just listened to the birds singing outside my window. It was so relaxing I fell asleep! 😄

@SimpleHappyZen 24 күн бұрын

That sounds so lovely...

@Mtmonaghan 19 күн бұрын

What really relaxes people who relax like yourself, is that your doing it the way one would do it. Not to much distance between how one does such things and how you are doing them. Your not relaxed you are tranquillised by being disburdened of the need to really choose how to relax.

@rbeaton6902 19 күн бұрын

Wow! Just your description alone was so beautifully relaxing.

@Simplyveej 18 күн бұрын

@@MtmonaghanComplicated! Could you please simplify?

@susanaescriba977 16 күн бұрын

Anyone can do this at home, in the country they live in. That relaxation is wonderful until it is ruined by the group of tourists who have rented the nearest AIRBNB.

@disney_entusiasta1296 19 күн бұрын

OMG! I just realized I need to move to The Netherlands!

@florence.nostalgicat 14 күн бұрын

Same

@justafoodie3575 8 күн бұрын

That was the first thought that struck me too! 🍻

@sabejreid2072 7 күн бұрын

If you can do it - great.

@KPKomal 3 күн бұрын

Me too

@marymae6041 3 күн бұрын

Let me know how you manage that. I don’t think they will be willing to let us all in tho.

@ashleyg1882 20 күн бұрын

I have to say I actually like how the Dutch are direct. Not in a rude way but I like their honest communication style.

@annia2960 18 күн бұрын

Yes, it’s not arrogance, but we prefer honesty above hypocrisy. Love niksen.

@alexeykulikov2739 17 күн бұрын

Seeing someone talking about happiness and doing nothing these days in this world feels weird.

@ashleyg1882 11 күн бұрын

@@IM02424 I would rather directness than fakeness, at least you know where you stand with them. Or better yet honesty with tact would be ideal imo.

@IM02424 11 күн бұрын

@@annia2960 Honesty is great. But you idealize Dutch "honesty", love.

@IM02424 11 күн бұрын

@@alexeykulikov2739 The slaves did enough for the Dutch!

@roberta9428 23 күн бұрын

I’m in the US and practice Niksen almost every weekend. Sadly though the US mindset is to always be busy, most people will think you’re either boring or lazy if you say you did nothing or just relaxed all weekend.

@kimhayes3828 20 күн бұрын

The more I mature, the less I care about what others think. I have come to realize the opinion that matters the most in life is mine ♥️! I am happy for you that you relax on weekends!

@tgardenchicken1780 19 күн бұрын

I agree, I need my slow time. Most of my life is slow and lovely. I try not to be worried about what others think of me. I am becoming quite good at it.

@sg639 17 күн бұрын

Agreed. The economic system cultivates this sensibility and surveillance.

@SoothingHerbs 8 күн бұрын

It’s because the US was founded by quakers for whom sitting idle was basically like allowing the devil into yourself. That mindset stuck I guess. The Dutch are not very religious I noticed when I went there

@user-yv6fv6ve5w 23 күн бұрын

I love learning about Niksen. I call it “pajama day” when I get to do it!

@hfloor 20 күн бұрын

That's how a lot of dutchies call it too. Pyama day is a niksen day without even get dressed 😊.

@javasquid 20 күн бұрын

I aim to become President Niksen.

@LS56788 6 күн бұрын

This deserves more likes

@roghabhrideradioshow 5 күн бұрын

Brilliant!!!!! Ich auch Präsidentin von gar Nixon!!! 😁

@Jessica_Jones 5 күн бұрын

Guess somebody had to say it, lol

@joannewitzkowski3407 5 күн бұрын

Great!! I’ll be your VP!!! I was born for this!!🥰

@ijordan9960 5 күн бұрын

🤟

@TorMax9 17 күн бұрын

On the West Coast, we call niksen "spacing out", let your thoughts and feelings and memories flow unconstructively, like little white clouds floating across across a big blue sky, you'll be surprised how many great ideas appear when the closed categories are cleared out of the way.

@czechliffey5711 23 күн бұрын

As a cancer survivor I even more realize the importance of Gezellig❤

@arizonashopper5095 20 күн бұрын

I'm in active treatment for IDC breast cancer, and I totally agree!

@jennifersmith8687 19 күн бұрын

This was one of my realizations during and after treatment for breast cancer. It feels very much against the norm that we have in America - Now I celebrate small moments of life, slow down, and make the ordinary special.

@chx7977 21 күн бұрын

I think my DNA is Dutch. As a hsp I do all these but the guilt and shame is strong in a society where productivity is an achievement. Glad to know im not alone 💜

@typower9 20 күн бұрын

What is an hsp?

@chx7977 20 күн бұрын

@@typower9 highly sensitive person

@debbietodd8547 19 күн бұрын

Couldn't have said it better, my thoughts exactly.....A Canadian HSP who uses knitting and walking as a tranquilizer🧶🌲

@ewuniak70 19 күн бұрын

I feel the same way The first time I went to Holland I actually cried when I was taking off I feel more at home in holland than in my own country ( Poland)

@marcinish-stedman7157 15 күн бұрын

I feel you ❤

@kimberlyperrotis8962 17 күн бұрын

My grandfather was Dutch and came to San Francisco around 1904 as a child with his family. He became a carpenter, along with all his brothers, and worked on the WWII Liberty ships in Oakland. Eventually he became a building contractor and built many churches and schools here in the Bay Area. My Mom, his daughter, loved Dutch culture and I share that love. Thanks for your video.❤

@jenmorricone4014 17 күн бұрын

i lived in NL for several years. Some of the best experiences in my life, in the 80s.

@estherchandy6292 15 күн бұрын

The English too. My uncle (Indian) was with the RAF and passed in England due to reconstructive surgery that wasn't successful. His grave is marked and tender to by the parish and every year flowers are placed. I didn't even know where he was buried (living as I was in India) but through rellies who were in the Indian Armed Forces we were able to trace the grace about a year ago. We put a headstone saying "Gone but not forgotten" ...he was a swashbuckler. A bit of a wild child ...but very protective of his sisters...my mum was one of his his 3 little sisters

@sabejreid2072 7 күн бұрын

Me too

@jennifervelez-oliver3342 22 күн бұрын

Crocheting on the balcony with tea is my favourite

@elan007 10 күн бұрын

Im recently 'retired'. Im enjoying life so much -- perfecting the Art of Leisure! ❤️

@mov1ngforward 3 күн бұрын

Do NOT ever let anyone make you feel guilty for doing for you, first. Enjoy every day! 🙏🏻❤

@joysomers262 18 күн бұрын

I'm 72 year old female and have lived in Los Angeles California since I was in second grade. I have been Niksening my whole life!!! Thank you for your video explaining me to me!!! ❤😊

@Alextodd007 18 күн бұрын

Hello joy

@lindaanderson279 20 күн бұрын

My Father stayed with a Dutch Family during WW2 and loved them .I was never able to find them but. Always have a soft spot in my heart for the Dutch . He said they moved to New Zealand after the war .🇨🇦

@Williamottelucas 17 күн бұрын

My father's family from Arnhem hid a Jewish family for the duration of WW2. He his sister moved to New Zealand in about 1950.

@pinkroses135 20 күн бұрын

Gezellig reminds me a little bit of the old fashioned, pre internet, businesses closing down for the day, sunday dinner vibe

@Spungebobonicerocks 17 күн бұрын

Oh man, before internet sunday dinner vibe was every day. Nowadays business actually never close

@sg639 17 күн бұрын

@@Spungebobonicerocks That's exactly right. The phone makes people accessible to business 24-7.

@maryswisher3358 18 күн бұрын

My heritage is Scottish and if you want to lay around in bed past when it’s time you’re supposed to get up it’s called to hurkle -durkle! 😉. I am trying to focus on times to do nothing because I just seem like life is past me by and I’m just existing. I want to Live my life with passion and contentment. Thank you for what you do!

@Alextodd007 18 күн бұрын

Hello mary

@wg8859 8 күн бұрын

It’s ok to be alone with your thoughts.

@willowsc 25 күн бұрын

Such a beautiful way of living, All the habits are around the fact that the most important thing is to enjoy your life. Thank you so much for this video! ❤

@SimpleHappyZen 25 күн бұрын

So glad you enjoyed it, thanks for being here and have a wonderful day!

@elladesetoiles 24 күн бұрын

I was so grateful when you briefly mentioned "niksen" in a previous video. I'm someone who rests a lot at home during the weekends (l'm an HSP) and I always felt bad when people asked me on Monday morning what I did during my weekend. After you introduced "niksen" I started to say that, at least in my head, and "I just rested" at loud, but it helped me so much to know that "doing nothing" was also a real activity somewhere else in the world, that the word existed and I could say it too! I'm so glad you developed the concept more here today! Thank you! 💛

@SimpleHappyZen 24 күн бұрын

Ah I love that! Sometimes it helps to have a word for something :) Definitely okay to take time to rest during the weekends, it's so important! :)

@softsophisticate 22 күн бұрын

Here in the UK younger people would probably say "chilling out". I would probably say "me time"

@TheDriftwoodlover 20 күн бұрын

I got tired of people asking me what I did on the weekend so resorted to saying “nothing exciting.”

@oksanakaido8437 20 күн бұрын

People in the USA would typically say they "just chilled" on the weekend😄

@mennovroom5537 19 күн бұрын

HSP tip. Listening to podcasts is great way of ‘niksen’

@pietwandelaar1743 11 күн бұрын

First generation Canadian here, a son of Dutch immigrants who left the Netherlands for Canada after the devastation of WW2. Thank you for an enjoyable video that reminds me of my ethnic heritage.

@kimberlylopez3230 19 күн бұрын

I think I may have been Dutch in another life LOL. I have been doing most of these for almost 30 years; I had a health scare 28 years ago and learned very quickly that work-life balance is very important and working efficiantly, so I can have a calm work day, is key. Clocking off work and returning to my "real life" is my goal everyday. My hobbies are reading, cooking, and i recently took up gardening (allthough I'm not very good at it) When we moved to our house, we now have a yard for the first time and we inmediantly got hammocks for lounging under the trees. 🥰

@MW-greatteacher10 14 күн бұрын

I am a 58 yo female living on the coast of GA (USA). I was born and raised here. I am of Northern European/Scandanavian decent. I just watched this and realized that I already practice these Dutch habits. It was like you were describing my tribe of peeps.. thank you!

@mateoneedham6807 14 күн бұрын

What an absolutely beautiful video. This is one of the many reasons why I love KZfaq. Thank you for sharing. I feel like I've naturally got a bit of the Dutchie in me.

@ltorresmsw 22 күн бұрын

The habit I like the most is savoring a cup of coffee or tea in a bakery with a friend!

@meastrau4772 20 күн бұрын

Me too 😃

@Jessica_Jones 5 күн бұрын

Same here. If ever I am asked if I want to grab lunch with someone on a workday my internal knee-jerk reaction is, "Why would I do that when I only have one hour??" lol

@ritaparker478 20 күн бұрын

Not Dutch but do this frequently. We used to have few to no stores or businesses open on Sunday's, everyone had a day of rest to use as they wished, church, beach, hang out at home, and so forth. Then this changed and now everything runs 24/7. I miss that quiet break in the week, the world where I lived was at Peace.

@honeyhoney1529 21 күн бұрын

Growing up in Belgium, we would always notice a lot of the Dutch people who would come to Belgium on Sundays. They would enjoy going to the Sunday market, the zoo, café, restaurant, museums, and other public places. In Italian they say "La dolce far niente" meaning, how sweet it is to do nothing.

@zonderbaar 19 күн бұрын

Hi, this is so true ! It's "la dolce vita" sweet life and "il dolce far' niente " sweet doing nothing . cari saluti 😊

@rachelchanel7941 22 күн бұрын

I thought it was super cute when you demonstrated how Dutch people will sit out in the sun when it’s nice. After watching this video, I really want to visit the Netherlands!

@NoctLightCloud 21 күн бұрын

tbh people in all countries in Europe do that, it's nothing specific to the Netherlands

@mat.se57 13 күн бұрын

I have no words hahahaha what do you mean with your first sentence? This is the most natural thing a human can do

@sl9906 25 күн бұрын

I love your definition of Niksen. I now have a name for my favorite part of life (thanks from the USA 🇺🇸 ❤) Gotta go and daydream now ☺️ I love all your “Dutchie” moments for peace. We have a saying that wind “blows away the cobwebs” and clears your mind. Much love to you Vera, it’s always lovely to spend time with you ❤

@SimpleHappyZen 25 күн бұрын

I love it! 🤗🥰

@cassieAre 22 күн бұрын

What part of the USA are you from? Also USA here- Midwest 😅

@sl9906 22 күн бұрын

@@cassieAre Northeast

@jennyp4934 20 күн бұрын

I'm a first generation Australian and both my parents are Dutch. This video explained so much to me about my parents and even myself. Thank you.

@CB-zb8in 24 күн бұрын

Lovely ideas Vera. Wouldn't it be great if we could take the best from each country's culture 😊

@bronwenthompson9794 8 күн бұрын

I lived 11 years in The Netherlands and loved the Dutch art of “gezellig” - although I no longer live in Holland and try to create my own “gezellighed” I really miss the feeling of “gezellig” that is present in everyday Dutch life. Thank you for sharing all things Dutch and reminding me of all the gezellig times I had living in Holland

@juliemarkham4332 24 күн бұрын

I "niksen" every Saturday with my Sabbath!

@Veronica705 24 күн бұрын

Me too.Shabbat shalom.❤

@Scarletcroft 24 күн бұрын

I'm not even Jewish and I always say that Saturday is generally my resting day (Sabbath). Some people do their nothing day on Sunday, but I found I just prefer to do my chores on Sunday after I have rested on Saturday. I'm not very strict about it. Sometimes I have a busy Saturday, but then I make sure that my Sunday is free for doing nothing instead. Nothing day is very important to me.

@briannab5296 20 күн бұрын

@@Scarletcroft .. one doesn't have to be Jewish to observe the true Saturday sabbath!

@simonanardi4312 8 күн бұрын

True! Old religious habits have a way of knowing what we humans need. I would say it’s almost kind of “fasting for the mind”

@anotherpersonontheinternet4676 3 күн бұрын

I've been practicing Niksen at most Saturdays not knowing it 😁 Sleep till my eyes open itself, wear pyjamas all day, not showering, not brushing my hair, not leaving the house. The rest of the week is super clean, make up, hair, fresh clothes and very hectic with work and millions other things to do. I just feel like I need to shake off that constant pressure on Saturday. Thanks x

@millymay0025 9 күн бұрын

I love this… my son’s girlfriend is Dutch and I adore her, it’s so nice to learn about her culture, I love it too!

@kathleenpainter4389 10 күн бұрын

When my husband was in his teens in the late 30's he skated the Zeeder Zee (sorry if not spelled correctly) with Dutch exchange students. I remember he said they would freeze reeds in the ice to mark the route. He was always so proud of that memory.

@athanasiapipiki8182 22 күн бұрын

Books 📚📖 Cats 😻😽😹 Coffee ☕ and Crosswords ♥️♥️ I didn't know I have been practicing Niksen for years ‼️ That's my sacred time of the day ✨✨ Thank you for your beautiful video my loveliest ♥️♥️🥰🥰 Have a lovely week ahead 🩷🌸🌷

@pearpo 8 күн бұрын

Niken = down time = relaxing

@antiquesrestoration3874 21 күн бұрын

I'm 25% Dutch and the more I learn about Dutch culture, the more I wish I lived in Holland.

@readygi 20 күн бұрын

as someone who lived in NL fo a bit, it was awful. Lot of the things we hear is just a propaganda.

@x.tamarr 19 күн бұрын

The Netherlands is an amazing place to live! I do miss my homeland

@GaiaNaVi 19 күн бұрын

Having lived in several different countries, I say GO FOR IT! The people are amazing and the culture is wonderful.

@mennovroom5537 19 күн бұрын

Come on over and joint he good life

@elaineschmidt-ramirez4555 13 күн бұрын

I listen to KZfaq videos every day. Thank you for this extra special video. IT IS MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE VIDEO EVER. E.V.E.R. !!!!! So inspiring. Making me think of all the simple things to do and special ways to enhance life ..... while making friends and myself feel better and better and better!

@elistia 24 күн бұрын

This 100% makes me want to visit the Netherlands, which was never on my wish list! The culture sounds more in alignment with my mindset than the culture I'm in. 😢 Thanks for posting this video. Gave me a weird "hope," for lack of a better word.

@SimpleHappyZen 24 күн бұрын

Thank you, glad you enjoyed the video! I hope you get to visit the Netherlands some day :) Wishing you a lovely day

@jeffdavidson8590 16 күн бұрын

Laying around all day in pajamas watching Netflix and ordering fast food delivery is NOT a problem in the US - sadly, I think we have Niksen pretty well covered :-/ and we’d do well to replace that with 1) showering 2) getting dressed, including real shoes 3) pack a homemade organic lunch 3) go to a park, beach, activity etc etc.

@bethlyons6395 21 күн бұрын

I am Dutch, Irish, and English American, I want to go to Netherlands, All of what you said resonated with me.

@kimberlyperrotis8962 17 күн бұрын

The closest equivalent for me to Niksen is what I call “puttering around the house”. I really just enjoy being in my beautiful home, tweaking this and that, maybe rearranging, decluttering or organizing a few things, as the mood strikes me. I might do some light cleaning, ironing or water my houseplants or other mindless tasks like filing. I intersperse these light activities with reading or watching YT fashion, history or cats videos. I usually spend my Sundays relaxing like this, not showering or getting dressed first thing, but just lounging until the bathroom warms up!

@michelled8947 17 күн бұрын

Sounds like me😂

@wg8859 8 күн бұрын

Isn’t just wonderful?! I feel very lucky share a similar life.

@missk7018 24 күн бұрын

As a dutchie myself it was really nice to think about our culture. I never realised how typical dutch these things are and the fact that gezellig is so hard to describe was mindblowing. Hihi thanks for showing me our own culture ❤

@SimpleHappyZen 24 күн бұрын

Ah you're so welcome, happy you enjoyed it!! :)

@seriouslywhatever1031 24 күн бұрын

The Netherlands sounds like heaven compared to England 😭😭😭 I actually bought a Dutch phrasebook because your channel really makes me want to visit/live in The Netherlands one day.

@galaxy98765 24 күн бұрын

England is a beautiful country. The UK is a nice place to live and visit. Everyone is always so nice to me whenever I am in England, and the relaxing afternoon teas are delicious and quite an experience.

@siany123 24 күн бұрын

All these things Vera talks about depend on the lifestyle you make for yourself, not the country you live in. I live in the UK and i have never subscribed to the rat race. Life is for enjoying daily.

@mfspiteri 19 күн бұрын

Hi, I do all the things you discussed in the video. You are describing Mediterranean lifestyle but with dutch names. I am from Malta and I have been to the Netherlands many times.

@arjantjeee 4 күн бұрын

@@siany123the mentality of your surroundings do strongly affect how you live your life though :)

@annlavine3576 25 күн бұрын

Going out in a windy day sounds good

@SimpleHappyZen 25 күн бұрын

It's lovely :)

@pprehn5268 19 күн бұрын

Ik ben een geboren Amsterdammer, en I live in Americas since I was 9, I still speak Dutch at 80 years of age. I learned English in 6 weeks, I stidied Latin for a year and its role in all languages. Next came German, and travelling led to Spanish. Gezellig roots are a joining of souls and for me, even now, I try hard to keep gezellighijd a priority in my household.

@vilmalovejoymucaapura1884 18 күн бұрын

From the Philippines. I love niksen. A new word for me that takes the guilt of doing nothing.

@amybernard4638 12 күн бұрын

Oh my goodness, You basically just described me in so many ways! From Pennsylvania, US and have dutchy root. It feels so comforting to hear you say all of these things. My heart's desire is more of this for our culture and society here. I'll be sharing some of your videos soon, thank you, thank you. You've inspired me to want to learn Dutch!

@contempl8ive 22 күн бұрын

I’m half Dutch living in Canada and practice Niksen daily. I didn’t know it was a Dutch thing😊. I’m also practicing Dutch on Duolingo and a tiny bit of Japanese:)

@williamclark1244 24 күн бұрын

I practice Niksen every weekend unless I am out of town. Nice to have a name for it.

@es-hs9fd 14 күн бұрын

Being born and raised in New York City, I can appreciate the Dutch Directness part of this video. :)

@arjantjeee 4 күн бұрын

As a Dutchman having lived in Seattle for half a year, visiting NYC felt like a relief

@aliciamersdorf4426 19 күн бұрын

I appreciate this video. I am from Michigan and we tend to be far more direct than our neighbors in Southern states. I've been in the South for 30 years and still have not fully adjusted.

@Alextodd007 18 күн бұрын

Hello Alicia

@aliciamersdorf4426 6 күн бұрын

@@Alextodd007 Lovely fans. Do I know you?

@cristal.garcia 19 күн бұрын

Thank you for this video, I'm used to doing so much productive things every time I'm home, I work a lot and get home and work more, I had an emergency surgery 3 days ago, I can't do anything, I'm having such a hard time on myself, need to learn the art of doing nothing without feeling guilty

@wg8859 8 күн бұрын

It can happen! Be gentle with yourself .

@ms.schnapp7415 24 күн бұрын

Love the concept of niksen. I am perfectly fine not having plans and enjoying quiet time at home. My favorite is having the house to myself and taking the time to do some organizing or deep cleaning with an audio book in the background, and spending time with my dog. Then napping.

@MrPhotodoc 18 күн бұрын

In America doing nothing is sleeping.

@carolclmcm1214 9 күн бұрын

and i am sooo addicted to it and sooo tired of escaping that way

@bobchevallier8456 8 күн бұрын

😂 so true

@SKBottom 8 күн бұрын

Being a couch potato while reading, watching TV, etc.

@PhDwithNishu 7 күн бұрын

In India, as well 😂

@thissunchild 6 күн бұрын

Sad 😢

@purronnaspaw 24 күн бұрын

I love going to the beach with the wind blowing. It makes me feel alive with the wind touching my face. I live in the USA worried about this country... and my brother always wanted to move to the Netherlands...Amsterdam. He absolutely loved it there. I believe I'd love it too. ❤

@userlara79 11 күн бұрын

The hobby I' ve just raken up is watching your videos. I' m learning English and I love the way you're speaking.

@teresaromero8655 24 күн бұрын

I call it “ me time “ when I can lay low and do nothing ! Love it ! ! ! Thank you , Vera 😊👋

@hannahcoleman2940 20 күн бұрын

Thank you, in the UK we use the word nix, means nothing, for example, “what are you doing” they answer “nix” thank you for a great video, sometimes I feel guilty after a long week then spending a Day doing nothing, now I have a word for it “Niksen” and I’m now going to embrace it.🙏💚☘️

@MrDosSantos 8 күн бұрын

I am Brazilian and lived 14 months in Leeuwarden (2019-2020) . I loved the Dutch way of living and I learned a lot with you Dutch. Thanks for your insightful video.

@mimisart 20 күн бұрын

This was such a great breath of air. I’m Dutch (geboren en getogen) but now live in Canada 🇨🇦. I forget my roots sometimes.

@user-tm9cb7jx3z 24 күн бұрын

Thank you Vera! And yet again an inspiring and cheering up video. - I understood most of the Dutch words you used there, as I am from Germany and in fact grew up in a town 30km away from the Dutch border. - My father took up learning Dutch since a few years before his retirement to make a gesture of appreciation to all the the Dutchies we met on our day trips and holidays in the Netherlands who spoke perfect German to us. Your description of "Niksen" made me chuckle as it reminded me of a conversation I had had with my daughter. She is eleven years old and was totally confused how much I enjoyed sipping a cup of coffee on our terrace and just watching the laundry dry in the wind. She asked me, if I was done yet, and I told her, "This is nothing I need to get done. Watching the laundry dry in the sunshiny wind is one of my favourtite hobbies." She opened her mouth to verbalise her perplexion, but let it be, as I had contentedly closed my eyes on her and the outside world. So, yes, sunshine, wind and watching someone else "work", while you just do nothing in particular, is definitely an awesome weekend hobby.

@SimpleHappyZen 24 күн бұрын

Aw I love that!! 🥰💕🍵

@x.tamarr 23 күн бұрын

Fellow Dutchie here!😊 ahhh I love this video! Living in the USA now, seeing this makes me miss our culture and country 🥹 thankyou for making this video, love it!❤

@naderineenvoud 24 күн бұрын

I am from South Africa and speak Afrikaans. I enjoyed the Dutch words you used, as they are very similar to how we say it them Afrikaans. Great video!

@SimpleHappyZen 24 күн бұрын

Thank you so much! I always like hearing Afrikaans too :)

@LauraDover 21 күн бұрын

I love that you aim for a healthy work-life balance. I have put Niksen time in my diary !

@ReneeScarted 24 күн бұрын

I live in the Netherlands as an expat, never heard of Niksen yet but could relate to so much in this video. Really love the culture and especially the directness, no going around in polite circles :D And yes, the Netherlands definitely teaches you to appreciate the nice sunny days!

@SimpleHappyZen 24 күн бұрын

That's lovely :) Good to hear you're not shocked by our directness haha :) Hopefully we'll have some actual sunny days soon...

@WatchJolene 24 күн бұрын

As a fellow Dutchie I totally agree with this video! Uitwaaien on the beach is one of my favorite things to do and yes everything needs to be gezellig!

@SimpleHappyZen 24 күн бұрын

Nice to hear you agreed with these points! :) Have a nice weekend!

@carolinnanl9899 19 күн бұрын

I’m a Portuguese leaving in The Netherlands for a while now. You list the biggest reasons why I chose to live here. Even the Dutch directness. No where is perfect but at least in the foreseeable time all of these are the best for me. 💙

@karinknight1970 19 күн бұрын

I have lived away from Holland for 50 years now….but niksen, the top 10 hobbies (first 4 nailed it!) birthdays, sitting in circles, gezelligheid….all these things are part of my life. No wonder my Canadian friends find me so Dutch. (Yup. Direct, too. No time for nonsense 😜) en patat met mayonnaise…zo lekker!

@Alextodd007 18 күн бұрын

Hello karin

@reginagrobosz8807 24 күн бұрын

Well then I was successfully niksening today 😊❤✌️

@cwc1646 11 күн бұрын

Can see how many of these run through our family’s Dutch roots ! Thank you

@iamjane9628 24 күн бұрын

Oh my gosh! Now I know what to call my typical Saturday: A Niksen Day !! ❤

@SimpleHappyZen 24 күн бұрын

Yes!! :) Haha enjoy!

@JBass33 21 күн бұрын

All the photos, videos, etc. that accompanied your video brought back pleasant reminders of my first (and so far only) stop in Amsterdam with my wife about three years ago. We were there for four days and enjoyed every minute. Like all visitors, especially those of us who live in America, we had to quickly learn how to stay out of the way of bicycles. It only took a few near misses to figure out what we had to do and what to not do. We sometimes had trouble finding our way around because Amsterdam street names often appear on the sides of buildings instead of being on a separate sign. The maps on our phones was usually sufficient but we sometimes had to ask for directions. I was initially reluctant to do so, but everyone was very understanding and the directions were usually simple and direct. Instead of saying to turn left or right at a certain street, we were usually told something like, “… stay on this street, go over the next two bridges, and turn left.” We had a great time and look forward to coming again. I look forward to watching your other videos. Thank you.

@ewuniak70 19 күн бұрын

My love for the Netherlands started with armin van buuren ❤️🤗

@StephenBeale 16 күн бұрын

I've just started doing nikse without having a name for it, until now😊 Best thing I have done in ages (doing nothing!!) No need to be chronically busy, just disappear for a day

@henna7216 22 күн бұрын

I lived in Amsterdam for seven years, and some of the things you mentioned on your video are the things I appreciated about the Dutch culture, such as niksen and gezellig. :)

@masamispoors5220 24 күн бұрын

Hi Vera, I am a Japanese but I live in Australia. I learn English from your channel. Also, your topics are interesting. I am looking forward to watching your next video!! Thanks

@SimpleHappyZen 24 күн бұрын

Thank you so much, glad you enjoy my videos! :) Have a wonderful day!

@V8-friendly 24 күн бұрын

Niksen?👍 I have perfected this on Fridays. Just hiding behind my computer screen at work and simulating to do some work. By the end of the day, I am well rested and happy to start my weekend. 🍹 ☀️ 😎

@fran-gx3kf 9 күн бұрын

Wonderful and sane lifestyle compared to our chaotic society/people of USA. This video was so refreshing and therapeutic and i can incorporate these habits. "do nothing (without purpose)" was clarified. When i saw the "author" i was wondering where the "zen" came in and after 6:00 i saw it. She also has essence of zen, the Japanese heart/mind in her too. So nice and calming. Her Japanese was like a native speaker.

@ClaudiavanVerseveld 3 күн бұрын

Vera, what a beautifyl way of summarizing the good in Dutch culture. I’ve been living in Spain now for 28 years, but I’ll definitely be reincorporating some of them. Especially efficiency and niksen 🥰

@carlienvandernet7902 24 күн бұрын

As a Dutchie I love all of our typical behaviors but I really love the niksen on Sunday. I roll out of bed onto the couch and enjoy my day in pajamas with a book and some snacks. And I really appreciate the directness of us as well. Just glad to be Dutch and living in the Netherlands, I would not want to live anywhere else.

@wittesneeuw 13 күн бұрын

You can live this lifestyle anywhere in the world...Just do it...

@carlienvandernet7902 13 күн бұрын

@@wittesneeuw No you can’t live anywhere as we live in the Netherlands. Our freedom, social security, cultural behaviors are specifically something for the Netherlands, I never found that somewhere else. I love my life here and I just live the way I want to live.

@sabejreid2072 7 күн бұрын

Apart from Sydney, Australia - Amsterdam is my No 1 City.

@petrkolenaty3439 24 күн бұрын

Until I saw this video, I thought you are native English speaker! Niksen and most of the other items were quite new for me. Living in Czech Republic, I have some Dutch colleagues, so I might know your culture better.

@changveronicas 24 күн бұрын

agree!

@SimpleHappyZen 24 күн бұрын

Thank you! Maybe your Dutch colleagues would know the word 'niksen' :)

@annagray4208 18 күн бұрын

Gezellig was entering into my dutch parents' home. Feeling cosy and welcomed, how I miss that now they are gone 😢. I do my best to make our home the same here in Australia where I've lived 66 years having come from Amsterdam. Thank you for the lovley vlog Vera.❤

@liloleist5133 3 күн бұрын

In Germany we call it 'Nichtstun' (doing nothing) - an important selfcare pleasure for connecting with your true authentic inner soul being for improving all-over happiness.

@dmt0430 19 күн бұрын

According to your description I live a “Dutch” life and attitude. I’d really fit in there. I understand I have Dutch blood but never explored this part of my heritage. GREAT VIDEO!

@nzmoneykarma 21 күн бұрын

Oh I love this. I was an exchange student in the 90's to The Netherlands and loved my time there. had never heard the word niksen before though! There is a fun book called "why the Dutch are different" which is worth a read for foreigners to get an insight into the Dutch psyche 🙂

@complexlittlepirate3589 16 күн бұрын

I am not Dutch but many of these things matter a lot to me. In particular, loving windy weather and being out in the wind. I have always loved it, it makes me feel very calm, free, peaceful and at ease, as if everything is being put back into its proper perspective.