Minimalism is a trendy word right now with numerous Instagram influencers raving about how much better their life is now that they only own 20 pieces of clothing. This extremism isn’t for everyone and isn’t feasible for many of our lifestyles. However, there is some truth behind the minimalism mandate and a few very good reasons to simplify your life. Here is what happens when you cut back on clutter and detach from your stuff.
What does it mean to simplify your life?
We live in a fast-paced world of fancy cars, nice clothes, and expensive jewelry. If you are constantly surrounded by this material excess, it can begin to affect your state of mind and cause you to become discontent with your home, income, and even relationships. The pressure to have more and look better are the reasons that millions of Americans go into debt as they try to stay ahead. It all comes down to appearances and dissatisfaction.
Simplifying your life means going back to the basics. Only having what you need and spending money that you have. It is a lifestyle that encourages relaxation, frugality (without deprivation), and a higher quality of life that improves stress levels, heart health, and physical wellbeing.
A few easy ways to simplify your life:
- Spend time in nature
- Cook meals from scratch
- Cut out toxic people
- Minimize time on social media
- Eliminate clutter
- Unplug from technology every once in a while
- Address your finances
- Limit negativity
- Spend time with people you love
- Don’t be afraid to say “no”
- Don’t neglect self-care
- Exercise and spend time walking
- Volunteer or give monetarily
- Only buy things you need
Things that happen when you simplify your life
You spend less money
Okay, I am as guilty as the next person of seeing a shirt that I love and buying it on impulse. Unfortunately, this “want it, buy it” mentality can quickly put a dent in your wallet. Instead of considering if you really need something or if it’s even a quality object, you whip out your card and have a receipt in hand faster than your brain can process.
When you simplify your life and only purchase things that you absolutely need, you can spend more time shopping around for quality products that will last and that you will love.
You learn to appreciate non-material goods
Simplicity is grounded in gratefulness and contentedness. Embracing this mentality means that you learn to enjoy the experience rather than the stuff. You look forward to game night with your family or friends while going out to eat every other night starts to lose its appeal.
Your stress levels drop
Think about it, when you don’t need as much money for your fancy material goods, you generally don’t have to be as stressed at work to bring home that massive paycheck. You have more time to spend in quiet self-reflection and peaceful moments that ground you in reality. When you stop comparing yourself to other people, you only have your own goals and standards to meet. Not unrealistic expectations of perfection that are paraded on social media.
You can travel more
It’s true! When you simplify your life, you are not only eliminating toxic people and stress, you are getting rid of that stuff that ties you down. This freedom makes your whole life lighter and gives you opportunities that you may never have noticed otherwise. You receive a job offer for something you love to do in a part of the country you’ve always wanted to live? Go for it! You no longer have unhealthy piles of stuff holding you back. You have been dreaming about that trip to Europe for years? Once you are free from empty consumerism you can quickly start building your savings.
Everything seems more vibrant
Food is a treat and a means to entice the senses rather than a fast meal to fill the belly. Time spent in quality conversation is now to be cherished and sought after rather than seen as a waste of time. Life suddenly takes on these vibrant hues that you were just too distracted to see before, and the world around you suddenly seems just a little brighter.
Have you noticed changes in your life when you focus on simplicity? Let us know in the comments below!
-Susan Patterson