First you ask what minimalist living is. Then, you watch your energy and happiness skyrocket by pursuing simple ways to live simply! It’s as easy as that: define minimalism, then find ways to simplify life.
Before the tips, a quip:
“There are really only two steps to simplifying. Identify what’s most important to you. Eliminate everything else.” – Leo Babauta, author of The Power of Less: The Fine Art of Limiting Yourself to the Essential…in Business and in Life and creator of Zen Habits.
Mr. Babauta is right. The first, and most important, step to living simply is identifying what’s really important to you. It’s sometimes said that if nothing is important, everything is important… and if everything is important, nothing is. That’s probably why so many people have trouble with the idea of minimalist living and simplifying their lives. Once you decide what matters most, it’s much easier to let go of the rest.
Once you’ve taken that first step, these tips will help you get started on the path towards minimalist living.
What is Minimalist Living?
What do you think of when you hear the word “minimalist”? Many people think of a monastery with nothing but the barest essentials anywhere in sight. That’s definitely one example of minimalism, but it’s so extreme that the thought of it causes people to miss the real point. Minimalism or “simple living”, is a conscious lifestyle choice that rejects the notion that bigger and more is better. Instead, minimalists strive for simplicity, clarity, focus, and a commitment to living an authentic life grounded in their core values.
In a world that is becoming increasingly more complex, fueled by technology and media that constantly bombard us with images of all the “stuff” we need to be happy, rich, sexy, and smart, it’s not surprising that more and more people are finding themselves feeling overwhelmed, overstressed, and overstimulated. Depression and anxiety levels have never been higher, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.
Do you long for a simpler, more satisfying and more fulfilling life? A minimalist life, perhaps?
There are many benefits to living simply. Letting go of the unnecessary material and emotional baggage in your life means less clutter, lower expenses, and less stress. At the same time, you’re likely to experience improved emotional and physical health, greater clarity and focus, and increased spiritual connection.
5 Simple Ways to Live Simply
Here are five simple ways to live simply, and pursue minimalist living…
Identify the areas in your life that are too cluttered
Most people think of minimalism in terms of their physical space and material possessions. That’s a big part of living simply, but not all. Minimalism also applies to processes and relationships. Be on the lookout for ways to streamline everyday tasks that are time-consuming and not particularly gratifying, such as housework or preparing complex meals every night. Figuring out how good is good enough will help you find activities that you can let go of completely, or at least do less often. This is a simple way to live simply – and it will increase your happiness and energy levels! Relationships that are a constant source of stress and negativity may also require an honest assessment of whether you really want them to continue moving forward.
Stop buying things you don’t need
Buying things we don’t need is a common problem. How often have you bought things you couldn’t afford to please or impress people you don’t even like? Do you find yourself shopping more when you’re depressed, angry, or bored? Be honest about why you’re buying things you don’t need. To live simply, try to find healthier ways to meet those needs. Find ways to live simply that complement, rather than contradict, your goals for a minimalist lifestyle.
Get rid of things you don’t need
Once you’ve gotten used to not bringing more things, processes, and people into your life, you’ll start to notice that there are things (and perhaps people) already there that no longer serve a purpose in your life. Whether it’s clothes, books, furniture or just about anything else, if you don’t absolutely need it or love it, consider letting it go. Simple ways to live simply include re-gifting, donating to charity, or selling items you don’t need or want on ebay. If clutter is a struggle in your life, read How to Declutter Your Home and Be Clutter Free. Besides offering tips for living simply, this article will help answer the “what is minimalist living?” question.
Clear your surfaces
A sure sign that you’ve been bitten by the minimalist bug is that you’ll notice that your tolerance for material clutter will get lower and lower! That’s a good thing. One of the best ways to live simply and minimally is to have a place for everything and put everything in its place.
Go deeper into minimalist living
Once your visible surfaces are clear, it’s time to go deeper into minimalism and simple living. Start looking in drawers, closets, the attic, or wherever else you hide things. Clear out those areas too.
It took a lifetime to accumulate all that stuff in your life that no longer works for you. You probably won’t be able to dispose of it all right away. That’s OK. Remember that the path towards minimalist living isn’t about the destination, it’s about the journey. Celebrate your small successes, knowing that you’re one step closer to reaching your goal.