6 Simple Dutch Habits for Happiness, Health and Self Care

Рет қаралды 558,523

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: 980

@SimpleHappyZen 18 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 13 күн бұрын

loved this video!

@user-vv4lc8nj3p 13 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 13 күн бұрын

Always have a little something with coffee or tea 🥰

@rsoubiea 12 күн бұрын

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

@angelsplace 12 күн бұрын

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

@aliciagc2539 3 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.

@marylamb6063 11 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 6 күн бұрын

An advert for her language classes 😂

@christinastephanou5971 6 күн бұрын

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

@CallMeGailyn 2 күн бұрын

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

@Lyndanet 2 күн бұрын

she must have been awesome!

@dudewhathappenedtomycountr9099 9 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 15 сағат бұрын

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

@janetlelham2816 13 сағат бұрын

Exactly

@brendachilders4879 3 сағат бұрын

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

@preag294 11 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 2 күн бұрын

❤❤❤❤

@tacticalskiffs8134 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.

@rogernichols1124 5 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 14 сағат 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.

@SIERRATREES 14 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 12 күн бұрын

That is a basic of any nationality.

@JorianBilar 13 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 11 күн бұрын

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

@JorianBilar 11 күн бұрын

@@denisemarino3021 Honesty uncluttered relationships between people.

@vicowiz1 11 күн бұрын

Yes to Direct Answer, in good way..

@m.d9726 10 күн бұрын

@denisemarino3021, yep, trust is the most valuable thing in the world.

@DKR-1881 9 күн бұрын

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

@thepainteduniverse3648 11 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. 😁❤👍☕

@annlavine3576 18 күн бұрын

Hanging out with my cats brings me joy

@SimpleHappyZen 18 күн бұрын

Give them a pet from me! 💕

@annlavine3576 18 күн бұрын

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

@purronnaspaw 18 күн бұрын

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

@kristinm4005 18 күн бұрын

Same….😊

@galaxy98765 18 күн бұрын

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

@michellevandyke5000 15 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 13 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.

@ashleyg1882 14 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 12 күн бұрын

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

@alexeykulikov2739 10 күн бұрын

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

@ashleyg1882 4 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 4 күн бұрын

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

@IM02424 4 күн бұрын

@@alexeykulikov2739 The slaves did enough for the Dutch!

@TorMax9 10 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.

@maryanncsech6964 18 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 17 күн бұрын

That sounds so lovely...

@Mtmonaghan 13 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 13 күн бұрын

Wow! Just your description alone was so beautifully relaxing.

@Simplyveej 12 күн бұрын

@@MtmonaghanComplicated! Could you please simplify?

@susanaescriba977 10 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.

@chx7977 15 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 14 күн бұрын

What is an hsp?

@chx7977 13 күн бұрын

@@typower9 highly sensitive person

@debbietodd8547 13 күн бұрын

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

@ewuniak70 13 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 9 күн бұрын

I feel you ❤

@elan007 4 күн бұрын

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

@tubulardude44 13 күн бұрын

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

@solconcordia4315 17 сағат бұрын

Die Geselligkeit kennt keine Zeit aber wohin ging unsre Zeit ?

@user-yv6fv6ve5w 16 күн бұрын

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

@hfloor 13 күн бұрын

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

@kimberlyperrotis8962 11 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 11 күн бұрын

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

@estherchandy6292 9 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 Күн бұрын

Me too

@czechliffey5711 17 күн бұрын

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

@arizonashopper5095 14 күн бұрын

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

@jennifersmith8687 13 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.

@roberta9428 17 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 14 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 13 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 11 күн бұрын

Agreed. The economic system cultivates this sensibility and surveillance.

@SoothingHerbs 2 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

@pietwandelaar1743 5 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.

@lindaanderson279 13 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 11 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.

@pierssharpe7123 11 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 4 күн бұрын

Always the best quotes from Winnie the Pooh

@hollyjames5985 2 күн бұрын

Wonderful. Thanks

@jennifervelez-oliver3342 16 күн бұрын

Crocheting on the balcony with tea is my favourite

@disney_entusiasta1296 13 күн бұрын

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

@florence.nostalgicat 7 күн бұрын

Same

@justafoodie3575 2 күн бұрын

That was the first thought that struck me too! 🍻

@sabejreid2072 Күн бұрын

If you can do it - great.

@pinkroses135 14 күн бұрын

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

@Spungebobonicerocks 11 күн бұрын

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

@sg639 11 күн бұрын

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

@MW-greatteacher10 8 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!

@elladesetoiles 17 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 17 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 16 күн бұрын

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

@TheDriftwoodlover 14 күн бұрын

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

@oksanakaido8437 14 күн бұрын

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

@mennovroom5537 13 күн бұрын

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

@rachelchanel7941 16 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 14 күн бұрын

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

@mat.se57 7 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

@joysomers262 12 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 12 күн бұрын

Hello joy

@ritaparker478 14 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.

@kimberlylopez3230 13 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. 🥰

@jennyp4934 14 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.

@willowsc 18 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 18 күн бұрын

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

@bethlyons6395 15 күн бұрын

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

@mateoneedham6807 8 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.

@sl9906 18 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 18 күн бұрын

I love it! 🤗🥰

@cassieAre 16 күн бұрын

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

@sl9906 16 күн бұрын

@@cassieAre Northeast

@elaineschmidt-ramirez4555 6 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!

@maryswisher3358 12 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 12 күн бұрын

Hello mary

@wg8859 2 күн бұрын

It’s ok to be alone with your thoughts.

@MrDosSantos 2 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.

@userlara79 5 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.

@ltorresmsw 15 күн бұрын

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

@meastrau4772 14 күн бұрын

Me too 😃

@amybernard4638 5 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!

@seriouslywhatever1031 18 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 18 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 17 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 13 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.

@missk7018 18 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 17 күн бұрын

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

@antiquesrestoration3874 15 күн бұрын

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

@readygi 14 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 13 күн бұрын

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

@GaiaNaVi 13 күн бұрын

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

@mennovroom5537 13 күн бұрын

Come on over and joint he good life

@pprehn5268 13 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.

@honeyhoney1529 14 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 13 күн бұрын

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

@CB-zb8in 18 күн бұрын

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

@athanasiapipiki8182 15 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 🩷🌸🌷

@elistia 18 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 17 күн бұрын

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

@juliemarkham4332 18 күн бұрын

I "niksen" every Saturday with my Sabbath!

@Veronica705 18 күн бұрын

Me too.Shabbat shalom.❤

@Scarletcroft 17 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 13 күн бұрын

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

@simonanardi4312 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”

@purronnaspaw 18 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. ❤

@williamclark1244 18 күн бұрын

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

@cristal.garcia 13 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 2 күн бұрын

It can happen! Be gentle with yourself .

@teresaromero8655 18 күн бұрын

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

@contempl8ive 15 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:)

@javasquid 14 күн бұрын

I aim to become President Niksen.

@ms.schnapp7415 18 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.

@x.tamarr 17 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!❤

@BATgirl57 15 күн бұрын

I love this video! Even though I am 100% Dutch my ancestors came to USA so this country and culture is really all I’ve known... that said, whenever I’ve had the chance to visit the Netherlands, I’ve felt more at home than ever. I’ve been trying to connect to my inner Dutch-ness so it’s curious? that this video popped up! Thank you dear!!💖✌️🌷

@WatchJolene 18 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 17 күн бұрын

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

@kathleenpainter4389 3 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.

@user-tm9cb7jx3z 17 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 17 күн бұрын

Aw I love that!! 🥰💕🍵

@ReneeScarted 18 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 17 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...

@carolinnanl9899 13 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. 💙

@ewuniak70 13 күн бұрын

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

@bronwenthompson9794 2 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

@JBass33 15 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.

@kimberlyperrotis8962 11 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 11 күн бұрын

Sounds like me😂

@wg8859 2 күн бұрын

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

@complexlittlepirate3589 9 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.

@millymay0025 2 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!

@henna7216 16 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. :)

@mimisart 14 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.

@LauraDover 14 күн бұрын

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

@hannahcoleman2940 13 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.🙏💚☘️

@DavidMichaelCommer 13 күн бұрын

It's so interesting to me that Dutch people speak perfect English-with an American accent and American vocabulary, despite being so close to the UK.

@SimpleHappyZen 13 күн бұрын

I think this is mostly because of the fact that we hear A LOT more American English than British English from tv. That's just my guess. In school we learn British English, but somehow we still don't really use British English ourselves.

@DavidMichaelCommer 12 күн бұрын

⁠I understand! It makes sense. The Netherlands is an economic trade center and American English is a primary language of global business, ecnomics and entertainment. It's just remarkable to me that 1) so many Dutch people sound as fluent in English as any native American English speaker is (SO impressive!) and 2) given the proximity of your country to the UK, it's just really interesting to me that there's no British influence on the accent or vocabulary. Even understanding why that is, I find it really interesting. I did a study abroad at Cambridge University 25 years ago and there I met a student from Germany who told me she chose to study British English, and it was so peculiar to hear a British receive pronunciation accent mixed with a German accent, and that made me realize most German speakers I hear who speak English don't speak with a British affectionate accent-which struck me as curious given the geography.

@estherwestbroek 8 күн бұрын

Have you ever considered that it were the Dutch, German and Danish immigrants that helped turn British English into American English in the first place? This pronunciation is just closer to our native mouth positions. British English makes use of muscle we don't normally practice

@tamar2450 2 күн бұрын

@@estherwestbroekI think it was much more the Irish accent

@estherwestbroek 2 күн бұрын

@@tamar2450 ah, you hear a lot of Irish in it? The more flat and long stretched vowels make me think continental. The A-sound does sound more Irish than British, true. But I don't see where the Irish rolling sound of vowels and R and the dynamic intonation go in American so I veered away.

@annlavine3576 18 күн бұрын

Going out in a windy day sounds good

@SimpleHappyZen 18 күн бұрын

It's lovely :)

@lidiasantoro3098 11 күн бұрын

Having met people from all over the world, some of the best times I've had is with my Dutch friends.

@es-hs9fd 8 күн бұрын

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

@carlienvandernet7902 18 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 7 күн бұрын

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

@carlienvandernet7902 7 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 Күн бұрын

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

@dewilson55 16 күн бұрын

As an American with Dutch heritage, this video was so interesting to me. My great grandparents all moved to the US from the Netherlands and apparently passed many of these concepts down to their children and grandchildren.

@forestgump8403 11 күн бұрын

seeing you smile makes me happy 🤗🤗🤗

@V8-friendly 18 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. 🍹 ☀️ 😎

@jenniferperry8038 17 күн бұрын

Hello. I am from America but genetically I am 1/4 Belgian Dutch. I think this aspect of my dna must be strong because I naturally lean towards everything you just taught me. I have always felt out of place in such a rushed culture. Now I just know my genes are pushing me to embrace my dutchie-ness! Thank you for making me feel more at home with myself. ❤

@masamispoors5220 18 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 17 күн бұрын

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

@pamsmith7369 13 күн бұрын

I do niksen quite a lot! However, since my life is ordered and has a certain flow to it, I cannot truly relax until my work is done. It’s not the same every day; some days I work very long hours and relax the whole next day; some days I work a few hours then pursue hobbies the rest of the day. If I have something I really need to get done, I can’t relax until it’s done. I guess that’s a work ethic. ISO take my relaxation seriously, though! I might ponder something simple like taking a cup of tea onto the porch and just listening to the outside sounds; birds, neighbors, traffic, whatever is happening. Other times I might want to get away from city sounds and take a walk somewhere more peaceful; in the woods or in a park. It’s all good!

@nicolekiel1050 5 күн бұрын

Gezellig! I strive for this in my home, and hearing that my home is cozy and welcoming is the biggest compliment.

@wg8859 2 күн бұрын

❤❤❤

@naderineenvoud 18 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 17 күн бұрын

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

@karinknight1970 13 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 12 күн бұрын

Hello karin

@cwc1646 5 күн бұрын

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

@1234sunflower 10 күн бұрын

This is all exactly as my husband and I live our lives together, our family as well! Wonderful video. 😊

@darrenpierson2650 11 күн бұрын

I Gezellig every time I watch your video. It’s like listening to friend which makes the day better! Thanks for all you do!

@iamjane9628 18 күн бұрын

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

@SimpleHappyZen 17 күн бұрын

Yes!! :) Haha enjoy!

@brigittemorales8508 12 күн бұрын

I loved listening to this and remembering! I am Swiss born and live in the US now, but my dad's job took us to the Netherlands shortly after my birth where I went to school and lived until age 11. My mom maintained most of these habits, and they have been a part of our lives ever since. I especially like uitwaaien and go outside for a walk every day, rain or shine. I miss short workweeks and terasjes. Oh, and peanut butter simply does not compare to pindakaas!!

@Alextodd007 12 күн бұрын

Hello Brigitte

@charlievankesteren8756 11 күн бұрын

Oh Man! I dragged my wife in to listen to your niksen. " Colleen, you must learn to follow your culture!!" We are 2nd generation Dutchies here in Canada, and she is all about work, work, work. Both at home and work. Actually I think her whole family somehow missed that word and practice, such hard workers. Well I'm happy to say though I personally did not know the word, I sure can implement it's meaning!

@estherwestbroek 8 күн бұрын

We also have a saying ledigheid is des duivels oor kussen: being without something to do is kissing the devil's ear. This has to do with Calvinistic religion. You know, Pilgrim stuff. This culture is found more in the North of the country and/or the older people. Especially Dutch women can have trouble with this. My husbands grandma would only allow herself to read a book for half an hour a day and then she needed to do something useful again. And she was in a retirement home!

@wg8859 2 күн бұрын

Yikes. I’m grateful times have somewhat changed.

@suzanchristiaanse8972 15 күн бұрын

Another nice Dutch habit: eating early family meals! Most people with kids eat family style dinner at 6pm. This is very different in many countries where the kids and parents dont eat their meal together. Its good for kids to learn to eat, its gezellig and I believe its good for digestion to have a longer period over the evening/night where you dont eat.

@MasterMetaphysician 15 күн бұрын

Lovely, thank you!!! I love the concept of query about others' interests as opposed to their making money career!!! I decided when I was younger, to earn, save, and retire from the business world so that I could engage in niksen as a full-time lifestyle. Therefore, I really appreciate this concept, where one makes one's true life, one's true practice!!! So, my husband and I bought our home early (lived here for 49 years. We live in the Northern hemisphere of USA, Colorado, so, 9 months of winter, basically. When Spring arrives, gardening in our Japanese-inspired garden takes priority for three months, enjoying the early morning cool beauty. Come late August, I drape the garden beds with black tarps to catch all of the trash from the trees that surround our property, lifting them in spring, saving much labor. Of course, that is our favorite "hobby". Wintertime is the respite from the Spring-Fall toil in the large landscape, it feels so, good!!! Winter of course is the time for all to go within, and my winter niksen is walking indoors every a.m., spiritual studies and meditations 3 a.m. to 5 a.m., catching up on the world through KZfaq, and of course preparing nutritious meals throughout the year at home. We do not go to restaurants for any reason. Since we both have worked with many, many people in our early careers, we enjoy and life of Zen!!!!