Leading A Minimalist Lifestyle
Benefits & How To Get Started
Imagine this; You have finally had enough. Modern life stressors, never-ending clutter, and a lack of cash have made you seek a different way of living. There are too many things occupying your life and mind that are bogging you down. One too many items of clothing, pieces of furniture, and thoughts of your desires fill every aspect of your life.
What is the secret, you may be wondering? I am sure you have heard of minimalism in the past. It is often associated with giving up and letting go, which does not always feel great. But what if I told you that the old saying “less is more” is actually true? The materialistic mindset that millions live by today may seem like enough reason to think the same, but fewer material items generally means more freedom!
What Are The Benefits Of Minimalism?
There are numerous benefits of minimalism, most of which will be noticed by those who feel shackled to their belongings. If your life feels overrun by your belongings, the following benefits of minimalism might be exactly what you need.
Less Stress
The desire to own more stuff often leads to stress. This unwanted feeling can stem from excessive wants or from owning too many belongings. By limiting how much stuff you have, you will have more space to think, exist, and enjoy life to the fullest.
Environmental Impact
Overconsumption is an increasingly alarming issue today, and this is where aspects of minimalism come in. In general, minimalists consume less, leading to many environmental benefits. These include less packaging, fewer plastic bottles, and less environmental damage in general.
Packaging, plastic, and excess clothing affect the world more than many know. Being a minimalist is not only a healthy practice for you and your mental health, but it is also healthy for our home!
Spend Less And Save More
The consumption of fewer material items leads to less spending, and who doesn’t like a little extra cash? More money is a fantastic stress-avoidant. Not only that, but additional funds can provide memorable experiences.
Memories are one of the most important aspects of life that often get overlooked. After all, would you prefer to recall an item you purchased on a whim or memories that will outlast that item by an eternity?
How To Get Started
It stands true that there are many short and long-term benefits to minimalism. From the positive mental impact to lessened environmental damages, the benefits are seemingly unending. But, how does one get started?
The beginning tends to be the most daunting part for many who embark on this life journey, and reasonably so. It is never easy to throw years of habits out the window. Human wiring makes breaking these lifelong patterns feel nearly impossible. Fortunately, there are some small yet actionable steps you can take to get the ball rolling.
Shut Off Unnecessary Phone Notifications
Our phones constantly show us advertisements, hot products, new activities, and so much more. By turning these notifications off, you will be a lot less likely to add to your belongings. In turn, you will be able to realize what you do and do not need.
Take It One Step At A Time
Tossing over half of your stuff is not essential to becoming a minimalist. Lean into it slowly by clearing and sorting through one surface at a time. Pick a drawer, counter, or desk, and sift through the items. Start small by tossing a few things at a time.
Is there a brand new lipstick in the corner of your drawer that has never seen the light of day? Toss it or give it away! Do you have a stack of papers that is a combination of necessities and trash? Sort them out and throw the junk paper in the bin. Once you finish, take a look at your handiwork and feel that serotonin boost.
Every Effort Counts
Once you have started, keep up your hard work! Remember that it takes 21 days to form a habit. This almost month-long stretch will likely be the most grueling part of your journey, but if you can make it to day 22, nothing will slow you down.
A Quick Recap:
Benefits
- Stress Reduction
- Lessened Environmental Impact
- Save More Money & Enjoy Experiences
How To Get Started
- Kill Unnecessary Phone Notifications That Might Lead To Unnecessary Purchases
- Sift Through One Home Surface At A Time
- Push Through To Day 22
- Keep Going Strong! You’ve Got This.
