We live in a chaotic world. Every day we get bombarded by the news, most of which are unpleasant. On top of this, our endless responsibilities at work and home can become too overwhelming.
Admittedly, we only want to live a peaceful and contented life. Most of us try to seek inner peace and create a calmer environment. But amid all the chaos, it is easier said than done.
Fortunately, there is one thing that could help us attain it — and that is embracing minimalism.
What does it mean to become a minimalist?
There has been a lot of negative connotation about minimalism. Most people think that becoming a minimalist requires a lot of sacrifices. They believe that it forces them to give up modern conveniences in the world. Meanwhile, for some, it is just another fad that is gaining popularity mostly among millennials.
While the lifestyle focuses on decluttering and living with less, being a minimalist is more than getting rid of unnecessary stuff at home. It is a state of mind that encourages you to appreciate what you have and to not worry about what you don’t. It also pushes you to focus your energy on what’s important and not waste it on non-essential things.
While this may seem very idealistic, embracing minimalism as your new lifestyle can benefit you in so many ways:
1. It helps you boost your financial security for the long term.
A survey done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that an average American household spends over 90% of their annual earnings. A significant portion of this goes to non-essential purchases like new clothes, alcoholic beverages, home entertainment upgrades, among others.
Minimalism helps you recognize the essentials from the things that aren’t. Once you begin to appreciate what you have and what you only need, your desire for expensive and worldly possessions decreases. This translates to lower spending, helping you save tons of money in the long run.
2. It helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to better mental health.
Studies have shown that one of the main triggers of stress and mental health issues like anxiety and depression is clutter. Another study found that those people who value material possessions as indicators of happiness and success tend to be lonelier and have lower self-esteem. Such behavior can lead to chronic depression as individuals become more competitive.
Minimalism helps you combat those feelings. While it advocates for living with less to attain peace and tranquility, it also pushes people to declutter their minds. Focusing your energy only on the things that you can control can help you reduce stress and cope with anxiety better. Additionally, learning to appreciate what you have now and not worry about what you don’t can make you feel more contented and fulfilled in life.
3. It improves productivity and quality of work.
Most people tend to juggle multiple tasks at once. However, this doesn’t guarantee you improved productivity and impressive output. One research revealed that multitasking could reduce productivity by as much as 40%. This is because people become easily distracted by the other “open tabs” in their minds, which can increase stress and dampen creativity.
Minimalism encourages you to focus on one task at a time. Prioritize the tasks that are urgent and of high importance. Reschedule unnecessary tasks for the next day, if you can. Learn to say no to your colleagues if you already have your hands full at work. This will help you boost your productivity and produce excellent output every time.
4. It helps you create a more sustainable home.
Minimalism has become increasingly popular in interior design. The concept has become extremely attractive for its ability to make any home look more sophisticated and visually appealing. Not only that, but it also provides you more flexibility in designing your home. Having fewer elements can help you switch over design styles easier. It also allows you to maximize the space of any room. Most importantly, having less furniture and decor means less cleaning and easier maintenance for homeowners like you.
5. It lets you build stronger and more positive relationships.
Minimalism encourages you to cut out unnecessary and meaningless ties. It pushes you to cultivate your relationships and share your experiences only with the people you value the most in life. Adopting this mindset can save you from toxic relationships in the future, letting you live a happier life.
Minimalism isn’t just about cutting out physical waste from your surroundings. It’s a way of living, and if done right, it could change your life for the better.
