In an average week I make several trips to my local donation drop off center and I have seen big increases in how much stuff other people are parting with. It seems the principles of minimalism, or intentionally living with less, are catching on! You may be curious about this movement and thinking about incorporating these ideas into your own life. Here are some of the benefits of minimalism, and for more information about this philosophy, check out this post.
1. Clutter-free physical space – The reason that most people first consider minimalism is to reduce the clutter in their home. By rejecting consumerism and being more intentional about bringing things into your home, you can create a more peaceful living environment that supports the activities you want to do there.
2. Mental clarity – By having less stuff you have fewer things that require cleaning, maintaining, storing, and simply remembering you own them! You can free up some mental space by simply getting rid of some of the things that no longer serve you.
3. Reduced stress – In The Paradox of Choice, Barry Schwartz discusses how our life is improved by choices but only to a point. When deciding to make a purchase, having too many options can lead to decision paralysis and regret. If you apply this idea to choices in your daily life – what you wear, what entertainment you consume, what you cook for dinner - you can reduce stress by limiting your options.
4. Reduced environmental impact – A study published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology found the products we consume are responsible for up to 60 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and between 50 and 80 percent of total land, material, and water use. You can reduce your environmental footprint by purchasing fewer things, buying quality items that will last, and being more intentional about how much you really need to consume.
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Make it fab!
Carrie