It’s Not Just Aesthetic- A Guide to Truly Living a Minimalist Lifestyle
When you think of minimalism, you might picture white walls, strategically placed plants, and a meticulously arranged desk. However, these visuals have become synonymous with the concept, transforming personal freedom into an aesthetic trend. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that the appeal of minimalist design is just one aspect of embracing a minimal lifestyle.
Intrigued by the idea of ‘less is more’ or aspiring to be a minimalist? Then join us as we delve into the 21st century phenomenon of living minimally, both externally and internally. Discover how simplicity can enhance your life in ways that go beyond just decor.
5. Minimal Living 101
Bench Accounting
Minimalism isn’t new. However, it draws inspiration from cultures worldwide. For instance, books like Marie Kondo’s “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” made it popular. Moreover, “Lagom” (Swedish for “just enough”) gained millennial attention via Pinterest and Instagram. At its core, minimalism emphasizes decluttering and rejecting consumerism.
So, what’s minimalism really about? It’s not just about design and a capsule wardrobe. Instead, it’s about your own interpretation. Whether you want to downsize or prioritize experiences, embracing minimalism helps you achieve your goals and feel liberated.
Before fully embracing a minimalist lifestyle, it is important to clarify your values and aspirations. This intentional move brings you closer to the numerous benefits of minimalism.
4. Declutter Your Mind: Minimalism as a Mindset
Lena Bell
It all begins with your mindset. For the most part, we’ve grown up in a society that promotes constant acquisition, which pushes us to want the latest and greatest. However, minimalism challenges and rejects these harmful ideals engraved in us. Instead, it teaches us to be mindful of our purchases and belongings. Everything surrounding us should serve a purpose, be functional, and have a positive impact. If not, it’s time to reassess or repurpose.
Moreover, this mindset applies to our personal lives too. Detaching from toxic people, jobs, and habits is part of decluttering our minds. This involves introspective work and isn’t always as simple as quitting or cutting off someone.
Once we’re determined to surround ourselves with what we truly love, the practical steps toward minimalism become clearer.
3. Declutter Your Life: Less IsMore
Shanna Camilleri
Once you grasp the essence of minimalism to your liking, start the journey of decluttering your life. Whether it’s creating space at home, streamlining your wardrobe, or downsizing your living situation, decluttering is a crucial step toward embracing a minimalist lifestyle. Take the process to heart and evaluate what truly serves you, leaving behind what no longer holds value.
The path to minimalism differs for each individual, and there are various methods to initiate the journey. According to Jenn Salsich, the creator of the lifestyle blog Simply on Eden , a specific number of possessions does not define minimalism. Instead, it revolves around surrounding yourself with items that bring you joy or serve a purpose, while intentionally letting go of those that don’t.
If you’re ready to declutter, start by gathering the things you cherish or truly need. First and foremost, consider if each item aligns with your values and serves a purpose. If not, take sustainable steps to part ways with it.
Decluttering impacts not only your physical space but also your mental well-being. Consequently, you’ll notice a ripple effect that extends to all aspects of your life, fostering liberation and joy.
By embracing minimalism, you can lead a life free from unnecessary attachments, filled with genuine contentment and fulfillment.
2. Sustainable Minimalism
Markus Spiske
The benefits of the ‘less is more’ lifestyle runs deeper than working on ourselves, it also has a positive impact on our environment and our communities. Sustainability is an important facet that goes hand in hand with living a minimalist lifestyle.
Stephanie Seferian of The Sustainable Minimalists Podcast talks about the importance of minimizing excess in all areas of life.
“…After doing the hard work of examining our purchasing habits, minimizing our environmental footprints is often a natural consequence.”
To completely revolutionize the way we view consumerism, it’s important to think of the origins of the things we buy and how it affects the planet.
Buy Less Stuff
Emacing sustainable minimalism begins by reducing excessive consumption. Moreover, it involves distinguishing between genuine necessities and mere desires, and then adjusting purchasing habits accordingly. Additionally, the production process of new items often involves excessive plastics, cardboard, and Styrofoam, thereby contributing to a larger carbon footprint. Instead of splurging on brand-new purchases, consider borrowing or acquiring preloved items. Let’s make a positive impact towards an eco-conscious lifestyle.
Declutter Responsibly
Many individuals find themselves trapped in a never-ending cycle of decluttering and buying, fixated on the notion of “decluttering.” Instead of thoughtlessly getting rid of unwanted items, take the additional time to donate, sell, repurpose, recycle, or up-cycle them. By being mindful of your purchases and the destiny of your belongings, not only do you improve your financial situation, but you also contribute to environmental preservation. Furthermore, for additional methods to donate and recycle household items responsibly, be sure to check out Sefarian’s informative post.
READ MORE: DIY: Upcycle T-Shirts to Revamp Your Wardrobe
1. Where To Find More Information on Minimalism
Bookish Muggle
With the internet trend of minimalism gaining momentum, a wealth of resources are now available to guide you in the right direction. Delve into these selected books, podcasts, and blogs for an abundance of information and inspiration on all things #minimalist.
Websites
- Cladwell – A company that helps people create capsule wardrobes.
- The Minimalists– Website, blog and podcast examining the true objectives of minimalism.
- Mama Minimalist– Sustainable minimalism for families.
- Mindful– A nonprofit focusing on mindfulness as a tool for a healthier life.
- Books
Do you consider yourself a minimalist? Comment below with what led you minimalism and some tips to become one!
