A Fascinating Way of Life: Minimalism

A growing concept in this day and age is minimalism. I’m sure you’ve heard at least something about it. It is something that has been on the rise for many years and is in many forms. But, why? Why practice minimalism? What is it even? How can it help you?

What is Minimalism?

In summary, minimalism is a technique or style that’s main characteristic is simplicity and sparseness. It is a practice that is all about clean and straightforward, rather than chaotic. 

That said though, minimalism has many parts to it and they are all represented in different ways. Keep reading for more details!

Where is Minimalism?

Minimalism is a straightforward concept that is more prevalent that you would think. However, it appears differently depending on the situation it is applied to. 

Art

Painters would (and still do) paint art that was/is more simplistic with clean lines and colors. Almost like taking a piece of art down to its roots and first sketches.

Here we see minimalism by seeing less color and less contemporary, but more narrowed down.

Architecture

In addition to art, this concept has been adapted to the making of buildings and rooms. Represented by creating a more open space or uncomplicated blueprint. 

A Person’s Home/Life

Minimalism has recently been taken into the elements of a person’s home or lifestyle. Many people have adapted this craft into their lives to make it more simple and less stressful, as well as many other reasons. 

Here we see an increase in decluttering and mess free. A more ‘only keep what you absolutely cannot live without’ concept. 

Smaller Examples

You can also take this into things like your desk drawer or your smartphone, by keeping them neat and organized. Not chock a block full and overflowing with random things that you rarely use.

Now for the main event, a minimalistic lifestyle. 

Minimalism in Life

Many people have taken minimalism into a way of life because of how beneficial it can be for a person. Putting this technique into your life can lead to a cleaner, simpler and stress-free life. 

By definition, it is purposely living with fewer possessions and/or physical items creating different opportunities for you. 

Declutter

And maintaining that state of declutter and cleanness. 

This state of declutter is actually really good for your mental health, mainly because of that overwhelming aspect being diminished. Lowering that helps lower your anxiety and stress levels, which help keep you in a better mental place. 

Note that declutter can mean more than just physical things, but also emotions, thoughts, and people. Many start off with physical things and that leads into non-physical things. This is also really great for your mental health.

How Minimalism Can Help You

As stated above, this is a concept of simple and less. This creates an environment that is less hectic allowing you to feel less overwhelmed.

It can also help with keeping distractions to a minimum because you don’t have those things to be distracted by. 

Both of these (less overwhelmed and distractions), create a great environment for a more stress-free life. It can also help you focus more on what’s important and what’s not, as well as helping with being more appreciative of the things that you do have. 

Benefits of This Lifestyle

This way of life actually comes with quite a few benefits if you are looking for a more simple, clean and less stressful life.

Less Stress

Like talked about above, putting this into your life allows you to be less overwhelmed, which in turn lets you be less stressed and anxious.

Save Money

In addition, this concept also allows you to save money because you have that mentality of ‘I don’t need it’, which causes you to buy less stuff giving you the opportunity to save money. 

Have More Gratitude

Because of having less and having to focus on less, it allows a person to be more grateful for the things that they do have. Things that might have been looked over before. 

With this also comes appreciation of the things that they have, and the things that show real purpose and value in your life. 

Better Attitude

People who take up this practice tend to have a better attitude about numerous aspects of life. Ranging from money to friendships. 

More In The Moment

Lastly, they are also more in the moment than in the past, future or thinking about things. This is because they have prioritized experiences over things, so they are more for making memories than buying things. 

Check out even more benefits and details about minimalism here.

Some Downfalls

As with everything, there are a few drawbacks to incorporating this technique into your life. Also note that this lifestyle isn’t for everyone and that’s okay!

Hard To Let Go

Firstly, tons of people love having things, and many have sentimental value with things. These examples make it hard to let go of certain items, as well as making the decluttering step hard.

Can Seem Empty

With a minimalistic environment, your space can sometimes feel empty due to the lack of physical objects. This can create a lonely feeling, which could lead to other problems.

Difficult To Adapt To

Like the example above, it can be hard to put into place in your life, and not just because of letting go. But also because it’s hard to flip your thinking around into a minimalistic frame of mind.

Why Do It?

You may be thinking, ‘okay I see what it is and what it could be, but why should I do it?’ 

The truth is you don’t have to if you don’t want to. Changing your way of life can be hard. However, if you are thinking you need a change somewhere this could be a good place to start because of the reflection that comes with it.

You can do it for a bit, help slow your life down and give you a chance to reflect on what you think your life needs. Then go from there. If anything this lifestyle is a great way to really settle down and see what really is important to you. 

Adapt To You

In conjunction with above, this technique is a tool you can use to help you and your life, however, you do not have to go full out. 

By that I mean, you can start small or only incorporate certain aspects of it into your life. In fact I recommend it, I could never go full out minimalist because I like doing stuff at home, which causes me to have many things in my house. 

But you can do little things. Like, instead of getting rid of half your closet you can put the things you don’t wear often in a box in the basement or attic. Then revisit it later. You don’t have to follow all the rules exactly. It is your life to do what you want. 

Above all, minimalism could be a useful tool in your life, and may be exactly what you need. There are other things you can try as well. Check out this post about the hygge lifestyle. But, remember you do it for you and your benefit.

Have you tried minimalism in your life? Do you like it?