What Does Leading a Minimalist Lifestyle Involve?
Minimalism has a few associations. You might think of the interior design styles that often come along with the idea of minimalism – the monochromatic color-schemes or the sparse decorations. Alternatively, you might think of a minimalist lifestyle – one where the aim is to shed the importance of belongings in your life.
If this is something that appeals to you, it’s worth being aware that it’s something that you can engage with by degrees. You don’t have to get rid of everything and live a nomadic life. You might instead find a balance that makes more sense for you.
Less is More
In general, the approach is one that encourages you to turn away from the idea that more belongings will bring more happiness. On the one hand, this can provide a practical incentive for people to go along with it – promising you saved money and more space at home. However, it is also thought to be mentally healthy because it prevents you from thinking that happiness is going to come through the acquisition of new items – instead finding that contentment is already possible.
That doesn’t mean that happiness will just occur, though, and that might be one of the trappings if you’re expecting minimalism to provide some immediate cure to anxiety or depression. It’s just the beginning of a shift in perspective. To carry on with this, you might find that practices such as mindfulness can help you to take it further.
What You Already Own
What kind of approach do you take to your current belongings, though? Again, there’s no hard and fast rule, so there’s no need to feel obligated to get rid of everything you own to meet some sort of arbitrary quota.
However, if you are thinking of getting rid of some of your belongings, it’s worth being aware of how you can make this as beneficial a move as possible. For example, if it’s pieces of furniture that you’re aware you don’t need anymore, enlisting Shiply shipping services can help you to send them away once you’ve identified someone who will buy them from you. That way, you’ve a convenient way to sell your belongings and make this process as efficient as possible.
The Small Things
It’s an attitude that you can take outwards, too. Instead of focusing solely on belongings, a minimalist lifestyle might make you more appreciative of the small things in life. You might naturally feel more excited about weekends when you have plans than the ones you will spend by yourself, for example. However, identifying some hobbies you enjoy can make you treasure the time you spend with them. Furthermore, knowing how you can use this attitude to get more out of things like going for a walk or developing a healthy routine can allow you to utilize this lifestyle shift in a way that can be beneficial for your health. In short, it’s about adopting a more positive mindset towards the regular components of your day, rather than seeing them as ordinary or unexciting.
