Minimalism is the deliberate lack of decoration or adornment in style or design and can be thought as living with less to make room for more significant things. The idea of minimalism subverts from societal standards of what it means to many people to live a satisfactory and fulfilling life.
It has become ingrained in many people that happiness comes from having an expensive car or having a certain aesthetic or material possessions. Overtime, society has become more fixated on this consumeristic ideology that if we buy the right things or own the newest technology then we will have a more meaningful life and therefore we will be happier. However, being wealthy and owning all these objects does not equate to how happy you will be. Although it does not mean that by having these possessions that you cannot be happy, these things will not automatically make you more content.
Is less really more?
Millions of people buy new possessions or keep a surplus number of items which are not necessarily needed or improve their lives. For example, many people keep old clothes which do not fit anymore or they do not like. Not only does this take up more space but you could donate them so other people who are in desperate need of clothes are able to wear them.
Everyone has the potential to become a minimalist. This does not mean that you have to get rid of everything that you love but instead donate or give away items which do not have any value to you anymore and you can do this by identifying the essentials and letting go of the rest.
There are a few simple rules to easily decide whether to keep or throw away an item. Firstly, think about the true value of each item you own and whether the time and money spent on the item was worth it. Another way is to use the 90/90 rule. If you haven’t used it in 90 days or you won’t use it in the next 90 days then you should consider letting it go.
Minimalism can also be applied to technology. You can cut back the apps on your phone and delete any unwanted photos. This will help minimalize the amount of time you spend nonchalantly scrolling through your phone when you could be productive with your time. You could also limit the time you watch TV or the amount of times you check your social media. Ultimately, you should be honest with yourself on whether you enjoy using social media and whether it gives your life more meaning.
It is believed that there are many links between the number of objects you own and how stressed you are. Mental untidiness can just be as stressful as physical clutter and this is why it is important to let go of insignificant processions. Before you are able to declutter your mind, you have to make sure that your physical space is also tidy. You should also remove yourself from places, people and things which negatively affect your state of mind. It creates not just physical space but also emotional which would be beneficial to your mental health. Think about what your priorities are and what you would like to focus on.
Buying less objects will not only declutter your mind but it will also save you money. With this extra money you will be able to buy or invest in other things such as a holiday which will create memories that you will have for your whole life.
Wouldn’t you prefer to collect experiences and memories rather that physical items?
Katie Trebes, The Sydney Russell School.
