Although I appear like a maximalist I prefer to live my life much more simplistic. I keep only what is necessary and what is needed. In today’s world, more is often considered better but can lead to depression, anxiety, and harm to the already struggling environment. I wanted to show you how I am living a minimalistic lifestyle. What is it, how to do it, and tips on maintaining the lifestyle if you choose to do so!
What Is The Minimalistic Lifestyle?
According to Medicine Net the minimalistic lifestyle is living with fewer resources whether in terms of housing or possessions. It’s the idea of living happily with less and simplifying your life. This lifestyle can work for most people and does not have to be drastic or extreme. I don’t follow any strict rules in life and wouldn’t promote a lifestyle that would, this is just another path to live a more simple life.
Benefits Of Living Minimalistically
There are so many benefits that happen to me after I adopted this lifestyle and there’s even more that could benefit you if you choose it.
- Got me out of the rat race. Once I decided to live for the things that make me happy and what I needed, not just fill a void it stopped me from trying to keep up with the Jones so to speak. Though many won’t understand not chasing after the dollar and chasing after things that made me look good, or made other people like me.
- Saved Me TONS of money. – This one should be pretty obvious but when you spend less you save more. Now taking time to process what I need and if it fits my lifestyle I have a few extra bucks to spend on something that I really need.
- Focus On What’s Important. – With less stuff and less importance on what I now call filler then I can focus on what’s really important to me and what matters in my life. And I can do more because I have more time with less stress.
- Happier Mindset.– I don’t stress about little things anymore. When I live minimalistcally and practice gratitude I feel so much more at peace and happier with my life. I don’t find the other unnecessary stresses that I used to have. Like when I needed to keep up with the latest styles or going to the clubs every night, buying the best this and that stuff I can’t even remember now. It’s a breath of fresh air.
Living A Minimalistic Lifestyle?
If you’re still reading then you must be interested in living or trying out this lifestyle. So, how does one begin living minimalistically? I’ll show you what my process was to live simply and how I maintain it.
First I asked what I wanted to simplify. Was it my wardrobe, my career, or just overhauling my entire life? It sounds a lot, and it is a bit however it pays off in the end. I started off with the easiest which was my wardrobe. I created as many outfits as I could with my current selection to see what I would wear and if they fit with my current wardrobe. If yes we keep if not then we donate, upcycle, or toss.
READ WHERE TO DONATE YOUR OLD CLOTHES
Now I go on the rest of my house. Start room by room and see if it’s clutter or not. For example, in my living room, I had a VCR and DVD player combo that I never used so I toss. I saw it every day and never realized it. I really needed to go through my house and get rid of something. Keep in mind that you’re trying to simplify and if you needed it you would have used it by now. I did have some regret about tossing so much but I had to rationalize it this way. Regardless if I used it or not it will be trash me buying it and not using has already contributed to the issue. Next time I will be better and now I won’t waste as many resources. I then try to find a place that will use it and thank it for the service it had provided and move on.
Minimalistic Tips
Now for the tips!! These are for those who have gone through the process and have sufficiently minimalized their life and possessions and want to maintain it.
- Now that you know what you have be a more mindful shopper. Don’t go back and find all the things you toss, leave those corners empty, and remember it’s about living simply.
- Find active hobbies. Get out of the house and enjoy the sunshine, the rain, the trails in your house, and everything out. Go out and enjoy your life and invest in experiences.
- Understand you’ll make mistakes. You’re human, you’re going to occasionally buy something you don’t need. It’s fine, just don’t make a habit of it.
- Do a clean-out regularly. It doesn’t have to be a weekly or monthly thing but something consistent so it doesn’t get overwhelming.
- Find Reusable items. Something that can be used over and over again is a benefit in itself.
- Buy quality pieces it’s not about how many but the quality in each piece so it will last longer.
- Remember to practice gratitude, when you’re thankful for what you have you won’t fill the need to spend in excess.
I hope you find this article helpful, This is a living article so the more that I learn about the lifestyle the more I’ll update. Do you think you could live a minimalistic lifestyle? If you already do then what are your tips?
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