Benefits of Minimalism
I’ve always been a bit of a minimalist. College was the best- I could only bring a few things and had to keep them tidy in a small space. I worked on a cruise ship where I had to share a cabin with several other roommates and pack what I needed for at least five months in just one suitcase. I now travel the country with my family in our RV - which is less than 200 square feet. There is something freeing about just having exactly what you need and nothing more.
I really started practicing minimalism when my youngest son was just 2. We had a house full of stuff and it was organized into pretty containers, but I still felt smothered and overwhelmed in my home. I realized that I just didn’t want or need any of the stuff that I was storing, a house full of stuff was something I never wanted. I wanted financial freedom, I wanted to be able to work less and travel more. I wanted my kids to know the value of their belongings and realize how little they actually need to be happy. Over the past few years, we have decluttered over 80 percent of the things in our home, and I don’t miss a single thing. I no longer have storage boxes full of junk we just do not use. I have transitioned my entire family into having capsule wardrobes and we choose to spend our money on experiences rather than things.
If you’re thinking about trying minimalism for yourself, here are some additional benefits that you may not have considered.
Less stress and anxiety: Minimalism can reduce the clutter and chaos in your environment, which can lower your cortisol levels and make you feel more calm and relaxed
More productivity and focus: Minimalism can eliminate the distractions and drain on your cognitive resources caused by clutter, which can improve your concentration and efficiency
More money: Minimalism can help you save money by buying less things, living in a smaller space, and spending less on maintenance and utilities
More time: Minimalism can help you save time by cleaning less, organizing less, and managing less. You can also use the time you save to pursue your passions, hobbies, or relationships.
More happiness and satisfaction: Minimalism can help you find more joy and meaning in your life by focusing on what matters most to you and letting go of what doesn’t. You can also experience more gratitude, freedom, and peace of mind.
More creativity: Minimalism can stimulate your creativity by allowing your mind to wander and freeing up mental space for new ideas and possibilities.
More sustainability: Minimalism can reduce your environmental impact by consuming less resources, producing less waste, and preventing pollution.