Do nothing, Dutch-style

To suggest staring out of the window or daydreaming at your desk could boost your productivity may seem bizarre but that’s not what the practitioners of niksen – the Dutch art of ‘doing nothing’ – would tell you.

Some academics believe allowing our minds to wander not only puts our relentless thought-stream on pause, but also taps into our subconscious, helping unlock creativity and problem-solving abilities. Fans of niksen often report feeling calm, energised and focused after a quick session.

Anna Smith, group exercise manager for David Lloyd Clubs, which now offer niksen classes, tells Strong Women: “Mindfulness requires focus, but niksen is the reverse – to be mindless.”

She recommends scheduling a short niksen break in your working day – you could gaze at a desk plant, fiddle with some Blu Tack or people-watch out of the window.

7 expert-backed hacks to boost productivity and focus at work (that can be done from your desk)