6 Simple Dutch Habits for Happiness, Health and Self Care

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  • čas pƙidĂĄn 13. 05. 2024
  • đŸŒ± 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
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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,
    đŸŒŒ 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
    FIRST TIME HERE? Welcome. This is a place where you can get weekly tips and inspiration for living a simpler, happier and calmer life. With this channel, I want to give everyone the opportunity to take a little break, to get inspired and to take care. We deserve to. Thank you for joining our community and subscribing, feel free to say hi if you’d like!
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  • Jak na to + styl

Komentáƙe • 954

  • @SimpleHappyZen
    @SimpleHappyZen  Pƙed 16 dny +27

    What’s your favorite of these habits? đŸŒ± 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
      @linastrindlund2830 Pƙed 12 dny +1

      loved this video!

    • @user-vv4lc8nj3p
      @user-vv4lc8nj3p Pƙed 11 dny

      P😊Äș😊😊lpooo9😅in error in 9?robertm@ilrc.mb.ca case I have 9😅😅missed being held 99999999999999898oÊ» 5:48 oooooooooooooÊ»ooooooooooooo99999999999999999

    • @jumiloves
      @jumiloves Pƙed 11 dny +2

      Always have a little something with coffee or tea đŸ„°

    • @rsoubiea
      @rsoubiea Pƙed 10 dny +6

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

    • @angelsplace
      @angelsplace Pƙed 10 dny

      Uh the dutch are rioting.
      czcams.com/video/2xgB1ep7Iog/video.htmlsi=xkW8NUv6MGAVQ1ww

  • @dudewhathappenedtomycountr9099

    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.

  • @preag294
    @preag294 Pƙed 9 dny +108

    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.

  • @marylamb6063
    @marylamb6063 Pƙed 9 dny +90

    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
      @jillfisher2585 Pƙed 5 dny +1

      An advert for her language classes 😂

    • @christinastephanou5971
      @christinastephanou5971 Pƙed 5 dny

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

    • @CallMeGailyn
      @CallMeGailyn Pƙed 19 hodinami +1

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

    • @Lyndanet
      @Lyndanet Pƙed 6 hodinami

      she must have been awesome!

  • @JorianBilar
    @JorianBilar Pƙed 11 dny +107

    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
      @denisemarino3021 Pƙed 9 dny +5

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

    • @JorianBilar
      @JorianBilar Pƙed 9 dny +4

      @@denisemarino3021 Honesty uncluttered relationships between people.

    • @vicowiz1
      @vicowiz1 Pƙed 9 dny +3

      Yes to Direct Answer, in good way..

    • @m.d9726
      @m.d9726 Pƙed 9 dny +2

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

    • @DKR-1881
      @DKR-1881 Pƙed 7 dny +1

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

  • @SIERRATREES
    @SIERRATREES Pƙed 12 dny +114

    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.

  • @annlavine3576
    @annlavine3576 Pƙed 16 dny +328

    Hanging out with my cats brings me joy

    • @SimpleHappyZen
      @SimpleHappyZen  Pƙed 16 dny +33

      Give them a pet from me! 💕

    • @annlavine3576
      @annlavine3576 Pƙed 16 dny +7

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

    • @purronnaspaw
      @purronnaspaw Pƙed 16 dny +17

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

    • @kristinm4005
      @kristinm4005 Pƙed 16 dny +4

      Same
.😊

    • @galaxy98765
      @galaxy98765 Pƙed 16 dny +11

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

  • @aliciagc2539
    @aliciagc2539 Pƙed dnem +12

    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.

  • @ashleyg1882
    @ashleyg1882 Pƙed 12 dny +124

    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
      @annia2960 Pƙed 10 dny +8

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

    • @alexeykulikov2739
      @alexeykulikov2739 Pƙed 8 dny +3

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

    • @IM02424
      @IM02424 Pƙed 3 dny

      They are direct only because they do not care about the feelings of others. Individualisme, egocentrisme en selfsuficienti are the normal values here. Not everybody fits in this picture though.

    • @ashleyg1882
      @ashleyg1882 Pƙed 3 dny

      @@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
      @IM02424 Pƙed 3 dny +1

      @@ashleyg1882 It's ilusion that it's not the fakeness what Dutc in general say in their "directness". They are big opportunist. But Dutch are genius in double spak, as wel. Don't forget that. There is no honesty only personal interests. Don't idealize this country. Ask yourself how is that beautiful Ansterdam built? Hoe had to pay the price. This is all about how "honest" they are. I had the same naivity 22 years ago.

  • @maryanncsech6964
    @maryanncsech6964 Pƙed 16 dny +184

    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
      @SimpleHappyZen  Pƙed 15 dny +19

      That sounds so lovely...

    • @Mtmonaghan
      @Mtmonaghan Pƙed 11 dny +3

      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
      @rbeaton6902 Pƙed 11 dny +8

      Wow! Just your description alone was so beautifully relaxing.

    • @Simplyveej
      @Simplyveej Pƙed 10 dny +2

      @@MtmonaghanComplicated! Could you please simplify?

    • @susanaescriba977
      @susanaescriba977 Pƙed 8 dny

      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.

  • @michellevandyke5000
    @michellevandyke5000 Pƙed 13 dny +139

    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
      @jaapongeveer6203 Pƙed 11 dny +10

      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.

  • @thepainteduniverse3648
    @thepainteduniverse3648 Pƙed 9 dny +30

    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. đŸ˜â€đŸ‘â˜•

  • @disney_entusiasta1296
    @disney_entusiasta1296 Pƙed 11 dny +62

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

  • @tubulardude44
    @tubulardude44 Pƙed 11 dny +28

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

  • @chx7977
    @chx7977 Pƙed 13 dny +89

    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
      @typower9 Pƙed 12 dny +2

      What is an hsp?

    • @chx7977
      @chx7977 Pƙed 12 dny +7

      @@typower9 highly sensitive person

    • @debbietodd8547
      @debbietodd8547 Pƙed 11 dny +3

      Couldn't have said it better, my thoughts exactly.....A Canadian HSP who uses knitting and walking as a tranquilizerđŸ§¶đŸŒČ

    • @ewuniak70
      @ewuniak70 Pƙed 11 dny +4

      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
      @marcinish-stedman7157 Pƙed 7 dny +1

      I feel you ❀

  • @user-yv6fv6ve5w
    @user-yv6fv6ve5w Pƙed 14 dny +57

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

    • @hfloor
      @hfloor Pƙed 11 dny +1

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

  • @kimberlyperrotis8962
    @kimberlyperrotis8962 Pƙed 9 dny +37

    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
      @jenmorricone4014 Pƙed 9 dny +2

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

    • @estherchandy6292
      @estherchandy6292 Pƙed 7 dny +5

      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

  • @czechliffey5711
    @czechliffey5711 Pƙed 15 dny +78

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

    • @arizonashopper5095
      @arizonashopper5095 Pƙed 12 dny +5

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

    • @jennifersmith8687
      @jennifersmith8687 Pƙed 11 dny +9

      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.

  • @pietwandelaar1743
    @pietwandelaar1743 Pƙed 3 dny +3

    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.

  • @jennifervelez-oliver3342
    @jennifervelez-oliver3342 Pƙed 14 dny +65

    Crocheting on the balcony with tea is my favourite

  • @TorMax9
    @TorMax9 Pƙed 8 dny +8

    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.

  • @lindaanderson279
    @lindaanderson279 Pƙed 11 dny +43

    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
      @Williamottelucas Pƙed 9 dny +4

      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
    @pinkroses135 Pƙed 12 dny +43

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

    • @Spungebobonicerocks
      @Spungebobonicerocks Pƙed 9 dny +5

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

    • @sg639
      @sg639 Pƙed 9 dny +2

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

  • @pierssharpe7123
    @pierssharpe7123 Pƙed 9 dny +19

    "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
      @OdinsSage Pƙed 2 dny +3

      Always the best quotes from Winnie the Pooh

    • @hollyjames5985
      @hollyjames5985 Pƙed 12 hodinami +1

      Wonderful. Thanks

  • @amybernard4638
    @amybernard4638 Pƙed 3 dny +4

    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!

  • @userlara79
    @userlara79 Pƙed 3 dny +3

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

  • @roberta9428
    @roberta9428 Pƙed 15 dny +67

    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
      @kimhayes3828 Pƙed 12 dny +11

      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
      @tgardenchicken1780 Pƙed 11 dny +1

      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
      @sg639 Pƙed 9 dny +2

      Agreed. The economic system cultivates this sensibility and surveillance.

    • @SoothingHerbs
      @SoothingHerbs Pƙed 7 hodinami

      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

  • @elladesetoiles
    @elladesetoiles Pƙed 16 dny +80

    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
      @SimpleHappyZen  Pƙed 15 dny +7

      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
      @softsophisticate Pƙed 14 dny +7

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

    • @TheDriftwoodlover
      @TheDriftwoodlover Pƙed 12 dny +2

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

    • @oksanakaido8437
      @oksanakaido8437 Pƙed 12 dny +3

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

    • @mennovroom5537
      @mennovroom5537 Pƙed 11 dny +2

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

  • @rogernichols1124
    @rogernichols1124 Pƙed 3 dny +4

    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.

  • @willowsc
    @willowsc Pƙed 16 dny +74

    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
      @SimpleHappyZen  Pƙed 16 dny +4

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

  • @rachelchanel7941
    @rachelchanel7941 Pƙed 14 dny +30

    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
      @NoctLightCloud Pƙed 12 dny +3

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

    • @mat.se57
      @mat.se57 Pƙed 5 dny

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

  • @MW-greatteacher10
    @MW-greatteacher10 Pƙed 6 dny +2

    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!

  • @sl9906
    @sl9906 Pƙed 16 dny +62

    I love your definition of Niksen. I now have a name for my favorite part of life (thanks from the USA đŸ‡ș🇾 ❀) Gotta go and daydream now â˜ș 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
      @SimpleHappyZen  Pƙed 16 dny +5

      I love it! đŸ€—đŸ„°

    • @cassieAre
      @cassieAre Pƙed 14 dny +2

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

    • @sl9906
      @sl9906 Pƙed 14 dny +2

      @@cassieAre Northeast

  • @kimberlylopez3230
    @kimberlylopez3230 Pƙed 11 dny +23

    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. đŸ„°

  • @ltorresmsw
    @ltorresmsw Pƙed 13 dny +42

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

  • @jennyp4934
    @jennyp4934 Pƙed 12 dny +21

    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.

  • @ritaparker478
    @ritaparker478 Pƙed 12 dny +8

    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.

  • @seriouslywhatever1031
    @seriouslywhatever1031 Pƙed 16 dny +39

    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
      @galaxy98765 Pƙed 16 dny +14

      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
      @siany123 Pƙed 15 dny +6

      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
      @mfspiteri Pƙed 11 dny

      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
    @missk7018 Pƙed 16 dny +33

    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
      @SimpleHappyZen  Pƙed 15 dny +1

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

  • @elan007
    @elan007 Pƙed 2 dny +2

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

  • @MrDosSantos
    @MrDosSantos Pƙed 16 hodinami +1

    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.

  • @bethlyons6395
    @bethlyons6395 Pƙed 13 dny +18

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

  • @CB-zb8in
    @CB-zb8in Pƙed 16 dny +22

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

  • @mateoneedham6807
    @mateoneedham6807 Pƙed 6 dny +4

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

  • @juliemarkham4332
    @juliemarkham4332 Pƙed 16 dny +54

    I "niksen" every Saturday with my Sabbath!

    • @Veronica705
      @Veronica705 Pƙed 16 dny +12

      Me too.Shabbat shalom.❀

    • @Scarletcroft
      @Scarletcroft Pƙed 16 dny +16

      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
      @briannab5296 Pƙed 11 dny +3

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

    • @simonanardi4312
      @simonanardi4312 Pƙed 2 hodinami

      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”

  • @pprehn5268
    @pprehn5268 Pƙed 11 dny +9

    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.

  • @teresaromero8655
    @teresaromero8655 Pƙed 16 dny +24

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

  • @elistia
    @elistia Pƙed 16 dny +14

    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
      @SimpleHappyZen  Pƙed 15 dny +1

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

  • @athanasiapipiki8182
    @athanasiapipiki8182 Pƙed 14 dny +12

    Books 📚📖 Cats đŸ˜»đŸ˜œđŸ˜č 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 â™„ïžâ™„ïžđŸ„°đŸ„° Have a lovely week ahead đŸ©·đŸŒžđŸŒ·

  • @honeyhoney1529
    @honeyhoney1529 Pƙed 12 dny +13

    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
      @zonderbaar Pƙed 11 dny +2

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

  • @contempl8ive
    @contempl8ive Pƙed 13 dny +9

    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:)

  • @kathleenpainter4389
    @kathleenpainter4389 Pƙed dnem +2

    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.

  • @williamclark1244
    @williamclark1244 Pƙed 16 dny +10

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

  • @annlavine3576
    @annlavine3576 Pƙed 16 dny +20

    Going out in a windy day sounds good

  • @antiquesrestoration3874
    @antiquesrestoration3874 Pƙed 13 dny +49

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

    • @readygi
      @readygi Pƙed 12 dny +6

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

    • @x.tamarr
      @x.tamarr Pƙed 11 dny +2

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

    • @GaiaNaVi
      @GaiaNaVi Pƙed 11 dny +2

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

    • @mennovroom5537
      @mennovroom5537 Pƙed 11 dny +1

      Come on over and joint he good life

  • @x.tamarr
    @x.tamarr Pƙed 15 dny +15

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

  • @user-tm9cb7jx3z
    @user-tm9cb7jx3z Pƙed 15 dny +18

    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.

  • @purronnaspaw
    @purronnaspaw Pƙed 16 dny +17

    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. ❀

  • @elaineschmidt-ramirez4555
    @elaineschmidt-ramirez4555 Pƙed 4 dny +4

    I listen to CZcams 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!

  • @BATgirl57
    @BATgirl57 Pƙed 13 dny +16

    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!!đŸ’–âœŒïžđŸŒ·

  • @WatchJolene
    @WatchJolene Pƙed 16 dny +19

    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
      @SimpleHappyZen  Pƙed 15 dny +1

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

  • @ReneeScarted
    @ReneeScarted Pƙed 16 dny +10

    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
      @SimpleHappyZen  Pƙed 15 dny +1

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

  • @ms.schnapp7415
    @ms.schnapp7415 Pƙed 16 dny +9

    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.

  • @V8-friendly
    @V8-friendly Pƙed 16 dny +10

    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. đŸč ☀ 😎

  • @henna7216
    @henna7216 Pƙed 14 dny +11

    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. :)

  • @JBass33
    @JBass33 Pƙed 13 dny +7

    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.

  • @LauraDover
    @LauraDover Pƙed 12 dny +5

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

  • @mimisart
    @mimisart Pƙed 12 dny +5

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

  • @es-hs9fd
    @es-hs9fd Pƙed 6 dny +2

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

  • @carolinnanl9899
    @carolinnanl9899 Pƙed 11 dny +6

    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. 💙

  • @iamjane9628
    @iamjane9628 Pƙed 16 dny +17

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

  • @ByTresja
    @ByTresja Pƙed 14 dny +6

    Zo leuk om Nederland op deze manier door de ogen van een ander te bekijken en ik vond het heel herkenbaar. Ben benieuwd naar je volgende video.

  • @cwc1646
    @cwc1646 Pƙed 3 dny +2

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

  • @joysomers262
    @joysomers262 Pƙed 10 dny +3

    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!!! â€đŸ˜Š

  • @cristal.garcia
    @cristal.garcia Pƙed 11 dny +12

    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
      @wg8859 Pƙed 7 hodinami

      It can happen! Be gentle with yourself .

  • @dmt0430
    @dmt0430 Pƙed 11 dny +5

    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!

  • @darrenpierson2650
    @darrenpierson2650 Pƙed 9 dny +3

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

  • @hannahcoleman2940
    @hannahcoleman2940 Pƙed 12 dny +5

    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.đŸ™đŸ’šâ˜˜ïž

  • @jenniferperry8038
    @jenniferperry8038 Pƙed 15 dny +6

    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. ❀

  • @MasterMetaphysician
    @MasterMetaphysician Pƙed 13 dny +5

    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 CZcams, 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!!!!

  • @reginagrobosz8807
    @reginagrobosz8807 Pƙed 16 dny +11

    Well then I was successfully niksening today đŸ˜Šâ€âœŒïž

  • @arcana4944
    @arcana4944 Pƙed 16 dny +8

    Hi! I'm currently on holiday in your beautiful country in Zeeland, as a French myself, and I've never had such a relaxing holiday...I love it ! 😊 ❀
    Happy Koningsdag by the way 😉

    • @SimpleHappyZen
      @SimpleHappyZen  Pƙed 15 dny +2

      Oh that's so nice to hear!!! Enjoy the rest of your holiday here!!

  • @masamispoors5220
    @masamispoors5220 Pƙed 16 dny +7

    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
      @SimpleHappyZen  Pƙed 15 dny +2

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

  • @millymay0025
    @millymay0025 Pƙed 20 hodinami +2

    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!

    • @LerzMerz
      @LerzMerz Pƙed 2 hodinami

      Your partner is also dutch?

  • @carlienvandernet7902
    @carlienvandernet7902 Pƙed 16 dny +10

    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
      @wittesneeuw Pƙed 5 dny +1

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

    • @carlienvandernet7902
      @carlienvandernet7902 Pƙed 5 dny +2

      @@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.

  • @dorob.9050
    @dorob.9050 Pƙed 14 dny +7

    Oh I love this video ♄ My husband and I live in Germany about 40 minutes from the Netherlands. At least two times a month we come over to enjoy a day in a country, that is SO unlike ours (apart from being direct, that is SO us, too) :) As soon as we enter the Netherlands, our mood changes, our stress levels go down and we donÂŽt rush through the day as we normlly do (we could definitely use more niksen, I think... ;) ). I donÂŽt know what it is, but it certainly happens every single time! Next step is learning Dutch together, as we hope to live in the Netherlands some day! My favourite part of this video ist the Gezelligheid, which I will try to focus on more from now on :) Thank you for your inspirational videos, please keep on making them ♄

  • @naderineenvoud
    @naderineenvoud Pƙed 16 dny +5

    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
      @SimpleHappyZen  Pƙed 15 dny +1

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

  • @jenniferverwiel2244
    @jenniferverwiel2244 Pƙed dnem +2

    Lovely to hear your accent, and to see my dad's homeland! He came to Wisconsin, USA when he was 8. His family came from Waalwijk. I shared the 2 Dutch vocab words with him; he doesn't remember much Dutch anymore.
    Lovely video!

    • @wg8859
      @wg8859 Pƙed 7 hodinami

      Gosh, sounded accent-free to me.

  • @JillWallace
    @JillWallace Pƙed 2 dny +1

    Your video helped explain so much of my outer Dutchie ( great great grand parents Dutch) . The second the sun is out I need to be out, windy days are truly fun to walk and ride in! Thanks for explaining the Dutch words and all of the language information you shared.

  • @user-fy7mk7xq3z
    @user-fy7mk7xq3z Pƙed 16 dny +7

    So interesting to learn about these cultural habits. đŸ‡łđŸ‡± I love that what you do outside of work, or what makes you unique, has such importance! ⭐

  • @janiegolden5338
    @janiegolden5338 Pƙed 11 dny +3

    Niksen is such a relaxed way to enjoy one's day with inner peace and joy... I love it❀

  • @annagray4208
    @annagray4208 Pƙed 10 dny +2

    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.❀

  • @travelguy1564
    @travelguy1564 Pƙed 10 dny +2

    You have educated me on some beautiful traits of the Dutch! I am very lucky here in Arkansas, USA. Weather is overall very good, lakes and rivers are excellent, bike riding is wonderful, clean air, clean water, not too busy in the cities, and nature is all around this beautiful state! I have traveled the world, many nice places I have seen. Videos like this help reassure me that my home state is really one of the best places on earth. Thanks for sharing your Happy Zen!

  • @dewilson55
    @dewilson55 Pƙed 14 dny +3

    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.

  • @BetsyDudash
    @BetsyDudash Pƙed 16 dny +6

    I still use "gezellig" though I haven't lived in Nederland (Utrecht) since 1991. It captures so much!

    • @SimpleHappyZen
      @SimpleHappyZen  Pƙed 16 dny +2

      Utrecht is beautiful đŸ˜Šâ€ Glad to hear you still love the gezellig culture! đŸ€—đŸŒ·

  • @vilmalovejoymucaapura1884
    @vilmalovejoymucaapura1884 Pƙed 10 dny +1

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

  • @petrkolenaty3439
    @petrkolenaty3439 Pƙed 16 dny +7

    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.

  • @nzmoneykarma
    @nzmoneykarma Pƙed 13 dny +3

    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 🙂

  • @francineh.7825
    @francineh.7825 Pƙed 16 dny +3

    What a interesting and fun video! I like the Dutch word niksen and need to adopt that one for sure. You explained the mood of your Dutch words so well.

  • @irenesarkar7858
    @irenesarkar7858 Pƙed 5 dny +1

    This video gave me so much joy. I try and do a lot of balancing always. Gardening, reading, spending quality time with my son, listening to music, and a lot more... I used to learn japanese and was quite good at it.. Will start it again... This kind of life is a bliss... Netherlands is one of my to go places now.. Along with a lot more😊