Have you ever wondered why the Netherlands consistently ranks among the happiest places on the planet?

I used to think it was just about cycling everywhere or loving cheese.

But after chatting with a Dutch friend of mine and digging a little deeper, I learned there’s more to it than stroopwafels or windmills.

The Dutch have a knack for simplicity — no fancy bells and whistles, just practical habits that don’t cost a cent but can make life feel lighter and more joyful.

Below, I’ll share 7 such habits that stood out to me.

They don’t require any big investment, only a slight shift in mindset and everyday practices.

 

1. They bike everywhere

Let’s start with the obvious one: the Dutch love their bicycles.

It’s not just about saving on gas money or reducing pollution.

Hopping on a bike for daily errands also keeps your body active without needing a pricey gym membership.

I once read a piece about how the average Dutch person pedals multiple miles a day, whether they’re off to work, buying groceries, or just visiting friends.

That quiet, daily exercise sneaks in so naturally, it doesn’t feel like a chore — more like a practical way to get around.

I find it inspiring because it’s a reminder that movement can be woven into your routine rather than tacked on as a separate task.

And it’s not just for the young or super fit.

You’ll see grandparents, kids, and everyone in between gliding along bike paths.

It’s a real equalizer — no fancy gear needed, just a reliable bike and a willingness to pedal.

For many of us in car-centric cultures, that might be tricky, but even short rides in your neighborhood can add a dash of Dutch-inspired freedom to your day.

2. They embrace “gezelligheid”

That’s a mouthful, isn’t it?

“Gezelligheid” roughly translates to coziness or conviviality — think of a warm, welcoming atmosphere among friends or family.

It doesn’t mean lavish dinner parties or expensive gatherings, either. It’s the simple pleasure of enjoying someone’s company, lighting a few candles, and maybe sharing a pot of tea.

This habit reflects a focus on connection.

Instead of feeling pressure to impress guests, the Dutch prioritize creating a relaxed, cozy setting.

I remember hosting a small get-together at my house after hearing about “gezelligheid.”

I put away my urge to over-decorate or cook a three-course meal, and instead laid out simple snacks, some comfortable cushions, and dim lighting.

The result?

We had a genuine conversation and laughed until midnight.

No frills needed — just good company, a calm environment, and the willingness to be present.

That’s the essence of gezelligheid, and it can do wonders for your mood without costing a single penny.

3. They value directness (minus the drama)

Ever notice how some cultures dance around tough subjects?

The Dutch, on the other hand, are famous for being straightforward.

They’ll tell you if your idea seems off or if your new haircut isn’t their favorite — but they mean well.

By cutting out needless sugarcoating, they save time and reduce misunderstandings.

I won’t pretend to have it all figured out, but I’ve noticed how trying to be too polite can sometimes breed confusion or hidden resentments.

When you’re direct — yet kind — you skip the guesswork of “Did they actually mean it?” or “Are they holding a grudge?”

It might feel abrupt at first, especially if you’re used to gentle hedging, but it fosters clarity.

The best part?

Clarity and authenticity cost nothing, yet they can free up emotional energy. You’re not walking on eggshells or replaying conversations in your head.

Yes, it might take a bit of courage to speak more frankly.

But in my experience, the sense of relief you get — knowing where everyone truly stands — is worth it.

4. They keep things minimal and functional

When I say “minimal,” I’m not suggesting everyone in the Netherlands lives like a monk.

But there’s a preference for functional design and practical items over flashy extravagance.

A typical Dutch home might have clean, simple decor with a few well-chosen pieces, rather than cluttering every surface with ornaments.

Back in the day, I had a tendency to collect more stuff than I needed — knick-knacks, random gadgets, and so on.

It wasn’t until I read about Dutch living spaces that I realized how calm a room feels when it’s pared down.

You can breathe easier, mentally and physically, without feeling suffocated by unnecessary objects.

Less clutter also means less cleaning, which frees up time for the things that truly matter — like reading, chatting with loved ones, or exploring a new hobby.

That sense of calm costs nothing.

All it takes is a decision to let go of what you don’t need and keep only items that bring real value or joy.

5. They practice “going Dutch” in social settings

If you’ve ever heard the phrase “going Dutch,” you know it means splitting the bill — no one picking up the entire tab.

But this simple practice reflects a broader mindset: self-sufficiency and fairness.

Rather than relying on someone else to cover your share or feeling pressured to treat an entire group, you pay for what you consume.

I used to think going Dutch was just about saving money. But a Dutch acquaintance told me it’s also about mutual respect.

You value each other as equals, and you don’t want anyone to feel indebted or taken advantage of.

No awkwardness, no hidden resentments—just clarity on who’s paying for what.

Applying this principle to everyday life can reduce financial friction with friends or family.

Of course, there’s always room for generosity, like treating a friend on their birthday. But the default is a balanced give-and-take.

That approach fosters healthy boundaries around money, which in turn can deepen trust in your relationships.

6. They prioritize nature and the outdoors

Despite the Netherlands being quite populated, there’s a strong culture of enjoying public parks, waterways, and the countryside.

This is partly due to that famed biking habit — when you’re on a bike path, you can’t help noticing the greenery around you.

But it’s also a matter of carving out time to stroll by a canal or have a simple picnic among the tulips (when they’re in bloom).

Nature, it turns out, is one of the best zero-cost mood boosters.

Just a short walk in fresh air can reset your head if you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

Personally, I try to mirror this habit by taking my dog (Lottie) for walks every day, rain or shine.

Even a quick loop around the park leaves me more relaxed than I would be if I stayed glued to my desk.

The Dutch don’t necessarily have majestic mountains or sprawling forests in every corner, but they make the most of what’s available.

They weave nature into their daily routines — no big fanfare, just consistent small doses of the outdoors, which can feed your spirit in ways fancy entertainment often can’t.

7. They celebrate small wins and everyday joys

I remember reading somewhere that the Dutch have a reputation for modesty.

They’re not huge on bragging or showing off.

Instead, they find contentment in life’s little pleasures—like a fresh-brewed coffee, a friendly chat, or an unexpectedly sunny day in an otherwise rainy climate.

This focus on small wins is surprisingly uplifting.

It doesn’t rely on epic vacations or expensive gadgets to feel happy. It’s like training your mind to notice the good stuff that’s already there.

I once tried keeping a journal, jotting down tiny moments of gratitude each day, and it shifted my perspective more than I expected.

Here’s an example:

• Your train arrives on time?
  That’s worth a smile.
• A neighbor says hello and asks how you are?
  That’s another bright spot.

These modest pockets of joy add up, creating an overall sense of well-being that doesn’t hinge on big-ticket thrills.

It’s a habit that fosters resilience, too.

When life throws curveballs, you’ve got a steady baseline of appreciation to fall back on.

Conclusion

You might not be Dutch, and maybe you’ve never even visited the Netherlands.

Still, there’s a lot to glean from these zero-cost habits: biking for everyday movement, creating a cozy sense of “gezelligheid,” speaking your truth kindly, splitting costs fairly, simplifying your living space, spending time outdoors, and celebrating life’s little moments.

None of these require a fancy budget or major lifestyle overhaul. They’re about gently shifting your focus toward practicality, community, and ease.

If you can weave even a few into your routine, you may find yourself feeling lighter, more connected, and less tangled up in unnecessary stress.