So, do you believe you're a minimalism expert?
Kyle Chayka, a writer and critic, demonstrates that there's a lot more to the philosophy than simply slimming down your closet and opting for clean-lined decor in his book The Longing for Less. Minimalism, on the other hand, can greatly benefit your mental health once you understand and embrace its underlying meaning.
Continue reading to discover how a minimalist lifestyle may make you feel wealthy in terms of ease, inspiration, and, ultimately, freedom.
What Is Minimalism?
Simply put, minimalism is described by the proverb, "less is more."
Kyle adds that the concept has appeared in a variety of forms throughout history, ranging from Ancient Greek philosophy and early Buddhism through mid-century architecture and design. The Minimalist visual art movement of the 1960s, in particular, stressed, “looking at the world differently and trying to get away from your preconceived concepts of art or beauty.”
However, as we know it today, minimalism mostly relates to a non-consumerist lifestyle. It's also linked to phrases like psychological hygiene and voluntary simplicity.
Minimalism And Mental Stability
Kyle writes, “With less stuff, we might be more creative, loving, communal, and involved with our surroundings.” Isn't that appealing?
Here's a closer look at minimalism's psychology and mental health benefits.
1. Meet Basic Psychological Needs
Human motivation is based on three universal components, according to the self-determination theory: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
According to a 2016 study by the Journal Of Happiness Studies, persons who live low-consumption lives satisfy these demands, which leads to higher life satisfaction. It is impossible to overestimate the importance of addressing these psychological demands. Autonomy gives you a sense of independence and authenticity; competence gives you a sense of control and self-sufficiency; relatedness gives you a sense of belonging and compassion.
2. Happiness
Materialism has been linked to significantly poorer happiness in a 2014 study. The most noticeable repercussions are health and behavioural concerns, as well as unfavourable self-perceptions. The study concluded that consumption did not satisfy materialists' psychological demands.
Simply put, having more possessions can make you unhappy.
3. Combat Loneliness
According to a 2013 study, viewing goods as indicators of pleasure and success makes people feel lonelier.
While some alone time is necessary, loneliness is a completely different scenario. You're less likely to prolong the isolating cycle of materialism if you move your values from shopping to self-development, creativity, and other positive hobbies.
4. Declutter Your Mind
If you're having difficulties concentrating, your belongings may be at fault. Clutter, which is connected to procrastination and stress, can result from physical accumulation.
In essence, the status of your mental and external worlds frequently reflect one another. Excess or overstimulation in one region can spread to the other. After all, this is one of the main reasons why the minimalist style is currently so popular.
Greater ease should follow as you exercise stress management and eliminate any triggers (a cluttered space, for example).
5. Awareness
In a nutshell, one of the most valuable advantages of minimalism is that it helps you to concentrate on what matters.
Being present is a requirement of a minimalist life. It allows you to be aware of your values and the environment around you, both of which can be distorted by the pursuit of material objects, the virtual reality of social media, and other distractions that can rob us of the simple pleasures of life.
When you consider living a minimalist lifestyle, you'll be forced to reflect. You can figure out what your true needs, dreams, and ambitions are along the journey.
Also Read: Ways To Start Slow Living