By Angela Rightout , published May 17, 2019

Minimalism

Minimalism---have you ever thought about it? The thought of purging your home and life of your cherished possessions may create anxiety. If you think about it, it's another form of detoxing and many people are already into detoxing. Some have detoxed from social media and screentime, some have detoxed their body. Why not detox your entire lifestyle. This is one reason minimalism is so appealing. It may be a scary thought at first.

Tossing out all your possessions--ugh! This may be especially frightening for people who believe items and possessions bring them comfort. But, just think about it for a second. A minimalist lifestyle can bring comfort too--perhaps more comfort than worldly possessions.

Even for people who have no desire to become a minimalist, understanding the concept and incorporating small and simple minimalist's habits may help you become a better you. Read on to learn about the benefits of minimalism. Also, learn how you can take small steps toward becoming one or better yet--the key steps to understanding minimalism.

 

What is Minimalism

Many people equate minimalism to restrictions and painful sacrifice. But, according to an article written in minimilists.com, minimalism is

“...a tool that can assist you in finding freedom. Freedom from fear. Freedom from worry. Freedom from overwhelm. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from depression. Freedom from the trappings of the consumer culture we’ve built our lives around. Real freedom.”

These people don’t focus on the restriction part of minimalism but more on the freedom aspect associated with minimalism. This freedom leads to the desire to restrict themselves from items. A minimalist also chooses to put less emphasis on possessions. Instead, they put more emphasis on memories by searching for happiness not through things but through life. The possessions they do own and or/buy are purchased with careful and deliberate consideration. It’s up to you to determine the things in your life you deem valuable and necessary. This, however, does not mean, get rid of all your possessions or you won’t find freedom and happiness.

Benefits of Minimalism

Minimalism is considered a tool that will allow you to rid yourself and your life from excess. This allows you to focus on what’s important to you. This allows you to find fulfillment and freedom. According to minimilist.com, minimalism can help…

• Eliminate discontent
• Reclaim time
• Live in the moment
• Pursue passions
• Discover missions
• Experience real freedom
• Create more, consume less
• Focus on health
• Grow as individuals
• Contribute beyond yourself
• Rid yourself of excess stuff
• Discover purpose in your life

Added Benefits of Minimalism

Imagine you wanted to create a lifestyle based on minimalism.  A good place would be to start with your home. After all, that’s where most of your possessions are. Although you don’t have to throw out everything you own, it is necessary to rid your life of the excess. This simply means getting rid of things with deliberate consideration that isn’t valuable.  Learn some of the benefits of minimizing your home.

Greater focus

Although studies have shown that Omega 3 and Omega 7 can help promote better focus. So can removing clutter out of your life. Along with improving your dietary needs on your quest for health, insert the minimalist's habit known as decluttering. Clutter equates to distraction. You’ll notice you’ll have more free time and your time spent at home will be more enjoyable. But remember it’s not just about enjoying a clutter-free home. Studies show having less clutter has a massive impact on our clarity and peace of mind. Ridding your home of clutter and being able to keep it clean allows for better focus and mental freedom.

Better Health

Less time cleaning and maintaining your home will help you remain more relaxed. In return, relaxation improves health as it cuts down on stress and anxiety. You’ll lose that struggling feeling that sometimes happens when you’re overwhelmed from cleaning. Instead, you’ll spend more time enjoying your home.

Learn how Omega 7 from Sea Buckthorn Oil can support health

Few Possessions Results in More Memories

Fewer procession means less money is spent on these material objects. The money you save can be rerouted toward experiences that create everlasting memories. Examples include planning trips and activities with family, friends and loved ones. Positive memories will take the place of possessions. These memories will be much more meaningful in the lives of your loved ones. Imagine if you were able to afford a nice Christmas vacation filled with memories every single year instead of buying physical possessions. Your children will have the best childhood stories growing up. They will grow too old for the toys or they will become lost or broken. But the memories will live on forever. 

Save Money

A lot of items only take up space in your home and don’t actually add to your benefit and well being. Not purchasing unnecessary items can help you save money. This money can be used for not just memories but also for emergencies, retirement or something more important that you feel will add value to the life of you and your loved ones.

What's more cost effective- Sea buckthorn berry oil or Sea buckthorn Juice?

Don’t Rush

Starting a minimalist lifestyle can be exciting. Wanting to experience the freedom that is believed to be associated with minimalism may have you ready to throw out everything. But you should take your time. If you don’t, you may later regret your decision. Take things slow and always be mindful with your belongings. Minimize your home, one room at a time. In each room, think about each item and think about which belongings you need on a regular basis. Think about which items bring value. Items that aren’t meaningful, instead of tossing them away in the garbage, give them away, donate them or recycle.

Minimalism is More than Tossing Possessions

Keep in mind, minimalism isn’t just about decluttering your home. Yes, that’s where your belongings are. But being a minimalist also means decluttering your life as a whole. This could mean your schedule and the people in your life. Many people spend a lot of their time over committing to things that they don’t want to do or don’t have time to do. Why? A lot of times, it’s because you don’t want to disappoint others or you have a hard time saying no. But this is an awful reason to commit your life and time to others. Cut back, cut out people and reclaim your time to take better care of yourself and your family.

Minimalism is not for everyone. But, incorporating some of these habits can make for a better life. Living life with fewer possessions and fewer unwanted commitments may lead to more happiness, less stress, greater memories and overall mental freedom. If this is hard for you, remember small steps lead to bigger steps. Don't disregard the small changes you make toward improving your overall health and wellbeing. 

Getting the Hang of Minimalism

Once you get the hang of being a minimalist or at least get used to incorporating some minimalist's healthy habits, you'll have time to focus on other things. More important things like your health and wellness. Minimalism can affect your health in a positive manner as it reduces stress, anxiety and creates a mind that's more free and focused. In fact, a healthy mind and body are one of the main focuses of a minimalist. 

 The Gist

Being a minimalist, although it does involve purging your life of unnecessary possessions, it, however, does not mean sacrifice and restriction.  It’s ok to own a television, buy a home, and to decorate your home. In fact, some minimalists only own fifty things while others own far more. But there is more than one type of minimalist.

Being a minimalist all boils down to the concept of freedom. Each type of minimalist takes deliberate consideration when purchasing items. They think about how these items will or can add value to their loves. They think more about freedom and pursuing passions than keeping up with worldly possessions or allowing possessions to bring them comfort. In addition, decluttering the mind allows you to only commit to the necessary people that add value to your life. This is also minimalism. The goal is to find your way to less stress and anxiety and mental freedom.