Minimalism has been growing in popularity over the years, but there are still those who might not understand just why it’s all the rage. Maybe you’re under the impression that minimalism simply means throwing your possessions away, but it’s much more than that. It is a lifestyle that aims for the betterment of your mental and physical health and that of the environment.
Save Money
A big reason why so many people are switching over to minimalism is that they want to save money. They took a look at their finances one day and realized they needed to cut out certain expenses to have a financially-secure future. When you practice minimalism, you learn to say no to the shiny advertisements and flashy signs and refrain from shopping. You don’t need to buy another sweater or pair of shoes because the ones at home are perfectly fine. With minimalism, you can change your mindset towards capitalism and learn that so much money is wasted on frivolous spendings.
Reduce Plastic Waste & Packaging
Since you are paying closer attention to what you are buying with minimalism, you can be selective about which products you purchase. You become a more conscious consumer and are aware of how much plastic packaging everyday items use. As a minimalist, you will veer away from that and instead choose more environmentally-friendly packaging. Beeswax, paper, and biodegradable containers are all fantastic packaging options that more companies are switching to. Buying fewer items and being careful about their packaging is incredibly beneficial to the environment. You won’t be contributing to the plastic waste that swims in the oceans and sits in landfills.
Avoid Pollution
Many minimalists decide to let go of their car and use public transportation, a bike, or their own feet to get around. Automobiles are some of the leading contributors to pollution as they increase both air and noise pollution. It can be difficult not to have a car when you live outside of a city, but it can really help how you and the people around you view the environment. Public transportation is a fantastic alternative to having no car. It lessens the stress of a work commute because you can sit passively and take the time to meditate or reflect on yourself. Biking and walking are also incredibly beneficial to your physical health. Engaging in physical activity is essential, so you can get a good workout in and help save the environment at the same time!
Enjoy Smaller Homes
A significant aspect of minimalism is the growing trend towards downsizing houses. People are especially falling in love with tiny homes. Not only does less space mean less stuff, but it also means fewer resources required. You don’t need as much electricity and gas in a small home, which means your costs are much lower than before. Getting rid of unnecessary items and moving into a smaller place saves you so much in the long run–your rent and utilities are far cheaper this way.
Reduce Overstimulation
When you choose to buy less and live with fewer things in your home, you reduce the mental block caused by these items. Clutter in your home leads to the cluttering of your mind. It takes a toll on mental health when there is too much going on in your household and daily life, especially if you already have anxiety. Owning too many possessions results in overstimulation, where you feel paralyzed with the weight of having so many tasks to do. Even if you don’t have that much to do in a day, it can still feel like you have a mental barrier because your belongings are blocking your ability to think clearly. It makes it difficult to concentrate and get work done because you feel mentally and physically exhausted just from thinking of what you have to do.
Reduce Your Decision Fatigue
Overstimulation can also lead to decision fatigue–it is more exhausting to make decisions when you have so much stuff surrounding you at all times. What should you wear today? Which tasks should you start on first? It takes too long to come to simple decisions and exhausts you in the process. Fortunately, minimalism reduces the fatigue of decision-making because it limits your choices. Having fewer items means you have fewer options to decide from, ultimately lessening your mental burden and saving you time.
You only have a few clothing articles to choose from, so getting dressed in the morning is now effortless and enjoyable. Wealthy business tycoons like Mark Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs are famous for wearing nearly identical clothes every day. They have decluttered their wardrobe to simplify their daily routine and save energy for more critical tasks. By owning items that bring you joy and make you feel confident, you save time and mental strength because you don’t need to stress such small decisions throughout your day.
Save Time
When you choose to reduce the overstimulation and ease decision-making in your life, you end up saving time. You no longer need to spend nearly an hour picking out an outfit in the morning or take thirty minutes just to clear your desk. Owning fewer belongings gives you back time in your day to focus on more important things. Cleaning is quick and effortless, your morning routine is streamlined, and your decisions take seconds to make. You have more time in your day to focus on your own happiness and self-care, which can lower your anxiety or depression.
Increase Happiness
The entire concept of minimalism is to do away with the things that stress you out and only hold on to what brings you joy. You should surround yourself with the items that make you feel happy and bring value to your life. Marketing is targeted explicitly towards making you think that you need to buy new and shiny things to feel content, but minimalism combats that false thinking. It helps you realize that materialistic consumption does not result in satisfaction or increased quality of life. Items don’t dictate your success–your mental and physical well-being do. It’s completely okay to buy things, but they should only be items that bring you enjoyment and make you feel better about yourself. Minimalism simplifies your life and forces you to reevaluate what makes you happy and fulfilled.
Trying out a minimalist lifestyle is a great way to see a dramatic improvement in your mental and physical health, as well as your overall quality of life. You’ll also feel more fulfilled in your life because you know that you’re doing your part to help take care of our beautiful earth! Minimalism is incredibly beneficial to everyone around the world. Give it a try and tell me what your favorite benefits are of living a minimalist lifestyle!
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