If you’ve ever moved houses, or at the least, attempted to free up some space in your house, then you’ve probably realized something in the process– you have way too much stuff.
This is probably what happened next – you threw some stuff out, and heaved a sigh of relief. The end? Not really. A few months later, you accumulate more, and the cycle goes on.
With too many stuff weighing us down, it’s no surprise that minimalism or the minimalist lifestyle became one of this generation’s biggest trends. Not only as a home improvement project, but as a way of life.
If you think about it, the concept of minimalism – or a simple way of living without the unnecessary items, is nothing new. It actually has its roots in Buddhism and Christianity, and was first coined in the 1960s as an art movement. But in recent years, it generated interest and became a buzz word due to the popularity of Netflix series like Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, and the documentary The Minimalists that focuses on two friends Joshua Field Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, among others.
Since then, minimalism has become an unstoppable force, a growing movement that can be applied in all areas of life. If you’re trying to reduce clutter in your life, and understand minimalism on a deeper level, then here’s everything you need to know about minimalist living.
What is minimalist living?
The concept of minimalism is fluid. It varies from person to person, however she or he sees it fit, or as needed. But at its essence, minimalists share a common goal, according to health and wellness expert Caleb Black– “a minimalist intentionally focuses on what really matters.”
For the minimalist pair, Millburn and Nicodemus, they defined minimalism as “a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important – so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom.”
And when they say life’s excess, they don’t only mean material things. Life’s excess can mean time, people, and energy. Because minimalism is the “intentional choice with living with less,” this could mean applying it on your social calendar, choosing activities and people that truly matter. It can also mean “decluttering” people who are detrimental to your well-being.
In a nutshell, it’s about keeping everything simple, and removing things in your life that don’t serve you. By doing so, you attain freedom. What kind of freedom? The Minimalists sum it up well: “Freedom from fear. Freedom from worry. Freedom from overwhelm. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from depression. Freedom from the trappings of the consumer culture we’ve built our lives around. Real freedom.”
Less is more
Living a minimalist lifestyle does not mean packing up, leaving, and letting go of all your earthly possessions. Minimalists live by the adage, “less is more.” You still need things in order to live comfortably and decently, but it shouldn’t be the end all and be all of your happiness. Lifestyle and values are the main driving forces here. Living less lets you lead a much richer existence! Here’s how:
- Rather than things, choose “experiences.”
- Instead of following a script, live a life of freedom.
- Live less, and live light.
- Choose to buy what you need, and not what you want.
- Find time for things that matter such as pursuing hobbies and indulging in activities that relax you
- Choose to live in such a way minimizes waste and being kind to the planet.
What are the benefits of minimalist living?
On the surface, a minimalist lifestyle saves you money. As a minimalist, you will only surround yourself with essential things. This means investing in less, yet key and quality items that will last longer. Hence, minimalism will have a positive impact on your finances.
But if you dig deeper, there are other major benefits too, one of which is you get to save time on cleaning and organizing. Instead, you can use the time for spending with your loved ones, or pursuing your passions.
Minimalism is good for your mental health. By letting go of things that you don’t need, and not allowing material possessions to be the source of your happiness, you are able to get more out of life.
By not concerning one’s self in the everyday minutiae of life, you are able to make the most of meaningful habits and interactions. Minimalists experience less stress and anxiety, and find more fulfillment and happiness in their lives.
Living a minimalist lifestyle also means making green and sustainable choices. You get to become a more conscious consumer, and in the process, reduce waste on the planet.
Best of all, minimalists enjoy an improved quality of life. As you learn to anchor your happiness in people and values, not material possessions, you get to enjoy a richer existence. When we cling to material possessions, we are always afraid of losing these things. By living a minimalist lifestyle, you zero in on what truly matters, and relish a more peaceful and calm state of mind. It’s as simple as that.
Thinking of starting a minimalist lifestyle?
By now you know that being a minimalist is more than just cleaning out your closet. It will change your life, the way you work, and eat, and move. It will change your relationships, and the way you look at the world.
Are you ready to take the leap? Be warned, it may sound simple, but it’s not going to be easy. “The first steps often take radical changes in your mindset, action and habits,” the Minimalists say. The good news is, Milburn and Nicodemus say, it gets much easier and more rewarding, the further you go.
If you’re planning to jumpstart a minimalist way of life, the first step is to ask yourself these questions—“How might my life be better with less?”, “What is truly important in my life?”, “What brings meaning into my life”?, and “What kind of life do I want to live?”
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References:
https://www.thewalletmoth.com/10-ways-get-started-minimalism/https://www.lifeintelligence.io/blog/minimalism-improve-mental-healthhttps://www.becomingminimalist.com/minimalism-benefits/https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a30530266/what-is-a-minimalist-lifestyle/https://www.theminimalists.com/minimalism/
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