Let’s explore how living a minimalist lifestyle can change your life in a gratifying way. Plus, the steps necessary to obtain and keep a lifestyle of minimalism.
Adopting a minimal or minimalistic lifestyle is not farfetched even when it comes to how to be minimalist at home. The ideology of a minimalist lifestyle entails getting rid of unneeded possessions and has existed for a while.
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Minimalism has been discussed at various points throughout time. Buddhists, for instance, have a long history of renouncing unneeded earthly possessions. However, minimalist lifestyles do not entail owning just two outfits, or appearing to have a lifestyle which may appear as if you’re “struggling financially” to others.
Minimalism is decluttering with purpose, and as we realize that less is more, more folks are adopting this lifestyle.
What Is Modern Minimalism?
Instead of seeing harshness, minimalists focus on the inherent beauty in the bare minimum. Where others may feel a coldness; minimalists experience a soothing peace, modern minimalism emphasizes functionality over embellishment.
It’s one thing to make a space feel spacious and uncluttered, but it takes a certain amount of artistry to make the same room feel cozy and welcoming. You want your design to be unique to your own personal style, refreshingly clean and refined without feeling confined.
As there are a multitude of minimalist home decor ideas, this can be done with your current design or completely switching it up. The goal is to add coziness by strategically integrating light along with neutral colors, materials and even subtle pops of vibrant colors. Keep just the essentials, eliminate unnecessary items, and spend money on high-quality furniture and fittings. It’s a new take on the less-is-more, quality-over-quantity school of thought in interior design that’s also timeless, gender-neutral, and resistant to fads.
Taking steps towards decluttering and living minimally is also one of the easiest themes to sustain and modify as your tastes shift.
Shifting Mindset To Philosophy Less Is More
Trying to impress others may bolster your pride for a little while, but it won’t lead to lasting happiness. However, seeking and getting more complicates your lifestyle. How can you stop feeling trapped and start adopting the modern minimalist mindset?
The very foundations of our society are based on the pursuit of material goods. It’s a very difficult grip to break. To begin, we must question the assumed value of “more.”
Disconnecting from this consumerist treadmill and seeing its destructive nature is the fundamental step toward adopting a minimalist mindset, but soon your attitude toward consumerism may change if it hasn’t already.
Consider first your preconceived notions of what it means to be successful and productive. Why do you feel working extra hours would increase your happiness? Can achievement be gauged in any other way?
Before buying anything, ask yourself, “Do I need this?” Does this improve my quality of life? Is there a simpler method to do this? It’s not necessary to embrace minimalism in its purest form immediately. Although, if you challenge your preconceptions, you’ll discover that minimalist living can be rewarding.
Minimalist Lifestyle – Living The 90/90 Minimalism Rule
There are many tips for minimalist living out there. One of the easiest ways to adopt this lifestyle is to adhere to the 90/90 Minimalism Rule.
The 90/90 rule urges you to save only stuff you have used during the last 90 days or will be using in the next 90 days. You only need to ask yourself, say “self, have I used this item in the last three months?” And also, “will I use it in the next three months?” This challenges you to evaluate the extent to which an item is really useful to you, including sentimental items. Then it has to go if it doesn’t meet the 90/90 rule.
How will you rid your life of all of these things that no longer fits the 90/90 rule. You could donate them to a church, a women’s shelter, a not for profit organization or a thrift store because giving is absolutely living! You could also sell them, but in many ways this will only add more digital clutter or sacrificing more of your time, which we don’t need.
The only way I can see selling your things as an option, is dropping it all off at a consignment like shop and accepting any amount they are able to get for it and leaving it at that.
Emotional and Digital Clutter: The Other Clutter Types
Just when you think you are on your way up after getting rid of all your physical clutter, you’re slapped by the reality of the other clutter type. That being said, your must also manage digital clutter (e.g., emails, phone apps, zoom meetings, workspace). Since it’s impossible to eradicate digital clutter, it’s best to make our digital environment more orderly. Some ways of ridding digital clutter are: taking breaks from your phone, social networking, only scheduling meetings at certain time frames and only on certain days of the week. Try going completely off the grid on Sundays and practicing self-care right before your busy work week.
Then there’s emotional clutter, which often has more of a stronghold than physical and digital clutter. It will take time to reevaluate your own belief systems, ideas and even relationships with others whether it’s a friendship, family or work relationship. You know who and what which does not motivate you to be your best version of yourself. There comes a time when burning bridges or keeping certain people or circumstances at a distance or just letting go all together. Sometimes the best gift you can give to yourself is the gift of goodbye. I encourage you to watch the video below titled From Clutter to Clarity.
How Minimalist Living Can Be Rewarding and Liberating
Aside from tidiness and aesthetics, there are more benefits of minimalism in living our daily lives that aren’t discussed often.
One such thing is that physical clutter equals mental clutter. In the words of soul sisters En Vogue, “Free Your Mind, And The Rest Will Follow”. What’s more rewarding than peace of mind? Peace of mind is priceless indeed! Some individuals are unaware that clutter may also negatively affect their mental health. It’s easy to dismiss the negative effects of amassing clutter, yet having too much stuff may lead to anxiety, stress, damage to relationships, and other issues.
Once we take steps towards minimalism, we free up valuable time to spend on more important things and priorities rather than cleaning and organizing strewn-about messes. Take baby steps. Consider the benefits and drawbacks by noting them down. Making even a few adjustments to your routine
There are hundreds of benefits in living a minimalist lifestyle. Here are 11 Reasons Why Minima-List as personal reminders below. Screenshot it to keep it with you or print out the free 5×7 printable below.
- Peace of Mind – Peace of mind is priceless
- Less Money Spent/More Money Saved
- Mental Clarity
- Ultimate Liberation
- More Time For Yourself
- Increased Productivity
- Better Relationships
- Freedom
- Environmentally Friendlier
- Less Distractions
- Easier To Clean or Keep Clean
When it comes to a Minimalist Lifestyle, just remember Consistency and Discipline are Key! And one day at a time!
Thanks for reading and I hope you’ve been inspired!
