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12 Reasons to Become a Minimalist

Why Minimalism Is More Than Just a Fad

By Bethany GarrisonPublished 5 years ago 6 min read
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Photo by Igor Son on Unsplash

With the recent rise of minimalism, it's easy to view minimalism as just another fad. It can seem like a trendy, transient, millennial topic that doesn't have much significance and might not be around all that long. However, while there may be some people who have jumped on the minimalist bandwagon purely because it's popular, many of us truly value minimalism and hope to continue to live minimalistic lives even if it goes out of style.

Minimalism is much more complex than just getting rid of some stuff and having modern decor, so I'm going to share twelve important reasons why you should consider becoming a minimalist if you're slightly skeptical about the whole thing.

You'll save more money

So many people make a perfectly sufficient amount of money yet are still struggling because they live above their means. Minimalism is a great answer to this problem. If we all chose to live in a financially responsible way and only bought things that we need or that will truly enrich our lives, we would all be a lot better off when it comes to money. We're so often encouraged to live in as extravagant a way as possible, but we don't have to live this way.

You'll be less influenced by societal trends

Modern society is always trying to influence our lifestyle choices in some way, and this is particularly true when it comes to consumerism. All you have to do is go on Instagram to see influencers promoting certain products to make money. While some of these products may be genuinely useful and worthwhile, many of them aren't. It's important to be aware of the messages advertisers and influencers are trying to send to you so that you don't fall for their marketing schemes every time.

You'll realize that your identity isn't tied to material things

It is way too easy to mistakenly believe that your identity is somehow attached to your aesthetic or the things you own. Especially with social media, there's always pressure to be aesthetically on-trend and to somehow attach your self-worth to your style. Minimalism helps to set you free from that pressure. That doesn't mean that you can't own nice things, but it does mean that you should consciously separate your perception of your identity from material things. It also means that you remain aware that you are just as inherently valuable whether or not you own trendy things.

You'll be more grateful

We spend so much time comparing our lives to those around us and reaching for more that we often fail to see what we already have. When you don't live your life in constant pursuit of the next new trend or in-demand item, you'll feel more grateful for the things you already own. It's essential that we become aware of the misfortunes and suffering of others so that we can put things into perspective and seek to give rather than take.

Getting ready will be easier

When you don't have more clothes than you could ever possibly want or need, it takes a lot less time to get ready in the morning. Not every single minimalist has to have a capsule wardrobe, but cutting down on how many clothes you buy can make a huge difference in your lifestyle. In much the same way that a school uniform prevents students from spending too much time stressing about getting ready for school, a minimalist wardrobe makes getting ready tons easier.

Your wardrobe will reflect your style more coherently

Not only does a minimalist wardrobe reduce the amount of time it takes you to get ready, but it also allows you to more thoroughly curate your wardrobe so that it reflects your style and personality as much as possible. When you impulsively buy a bunch of clothing you don't need, you're more likely to lack a coherent personal style. When you put thought and effort into every item you buy, you're more likely to have clothing that you truly love and are sure to wear on a regular basis.

Photo by Alexandru Acea on Unsplash

Tidying up will be easier

When you don't have a bunch of random stuff lying around in your home, it will be so much easier to keep your house in order. This doesn't mean you have to have a minimalist aesthetic in your home. You don't have to stick to exclusively solid, black and white items. Being a minimalist just means that you only own things that have a purpose or that truly enrich your home or life in some way.

Your home will feel more tranquil

When you have less mess, you're going to feel less stressed and anxious. When you feel less stressed and anxious, you'll likely be more productive. When your home is cluttered, it's much easier to feel like your mind is cluttered as well. When your home is neat and orderly, you'll feel generally calmer and more at ease, and you'll be able to fully appreciate the aesthetic beauty in your home.

You'll live more sustainably

With the direction the world is headed in (um, hello global warming), minimalism seems more essential than optional. The truth is that there's just too much crap in the world. Landfills are being filled with unwanted clothing and other junk, and our irresponsibility is catching up with us. Not to mention the frightening amounts of plastic in the world (and in our oceans). Sustainability is something that should be part and parcel of minimalism.

You'll live more ethically

Along with allowing us to be more intentional when it comes to looking after the planet, minimalism enables us to become more ethical consumers. Just buying less stuff isn't always enough. What really counts is consuming in a way that is thoughtful and responsible and remembering how our choices affect the lives of those who are less fortunate. Shopping exclusively from ethical clothing brands that treat their workers well can literally change lives. Also, you might actually be able to help people in need with the money you saved from not buying unnecessary stuff you don't need.

You'll live more healthily

Minimalism shouldn't just be about outward aesthetics. It should also be about getting rid of excess when it comes to food and products that we put on our bodies. That means saying no to foods that have a bunch of unhealthy ingredients and throwing out beauty products that contain toxic chemicals. Minimalism should be about attempting to return to a simpler way of life and getting rid of things that cause our bodies harm.

You'll be able to focus on what truly matters

The whole point of minimalism is to get rid of excess so that you can focus on what really matters. Minimalism allows you to mindfully and intentionally think through every little lifestyle choice to see if it brings your life meaning. You can even take minimalist ideals into nonmaterial aspects of your life such as your career and relationships. Minimalism is about simplifying your life so that you can focus on what feels authentic and meaningful to you.

Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash

Minimalism can look very different for each one of us, and that's a good thing. If you stumble upon a type of minimalism that seems vaguely cultish and makes you feel pressured and took take things too far (e.g. have less than 100 items in your home), then definitely take a step back and realize that it's totally okay to make changes at your own pace. Minimalism should enrich your life, not make you feel inhibited by unnecessary rules and restrictions. Minimalism isn't some serious commitment to a particular cause. It's a personal lifestyle choice that doesn't have to look one particular way.

Minimalism is more nuanced than it's often portrayed. It's not about getting rid of everything you own and having a cold, white, plain home with nothing in it. It's about being thoughtful and intentional and spending your money in a way that enriches your own life and doesn't negatively affect the lives of others. It's about doing the little that you can to make the world a less wasteful and materialistic place.

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