Introduction
You have probably met the negative ideology towards minimalism. It is associated with sacrificing enjoyment to suffering on purpose. Many people perceive it as a lifestyle where people do not take advantage of the opportunities availed to them in this modern world. It is obvious most of these perceptions do not have detailed foundation in what minimalism really is. It is not more of a state of mind than a set of rules that guide people. First, you should be aware that it does not mean you have more than you need. However, it means you are satisfied and find happiness in whatever you own. Minimalists do not worry about what they do not have. We will look at reasons that make minimalist the best lifestyle.
What is Minimalism?
To eliminate the misconceptions about minimalist lifestyles, let us define what it really it entails. The first thing people assume about a minimalist lifestyle is restricted life without the essentials of life. We imagine giving up on the conveniences of the modern world. We view minimalists without electricity or hot water shower. True; there may be some people who do this but it does not define a minimalist lifestyle completely.
Minimalism means valuing yourself more than material things. As minimalist, you should make choices based on what you need rather than everything you can accumulate. This does not mean that everything you buy is cheap but needful regardless of the cost.
You may also make a decision on how far you need to be a minimalist. You can, for example, lead to a partial minimalist lifestyle or do it in stages rather than instantly. In fact, most people start this lifestyle by gradually eliminating the non-essentials of life. After some time, their lifestyle becomes more defined.
Convincing anyone to give up what they own to live by what they need is not easy. They feel they have earned the right to live the lifestyle with what they have achieved. It is, therefore, easy and quick for them to reject a minimalist lifestyle and miss out on the amazing benefits it offers. Here are the top benefits that you should know.
- Refocusing
A lot of things around you deny you the space to focus. A congestion of material things also scatters your focus. For example, most people find themselves in a situation where they work hard enough to earn the items and need to put sell them off. The first worry about accumulating them then turn into worrying about how to dispose of them because they cannot fit in their space available. Some people hire storage while some choose to put up a sale. It is also hard to part with sentimental items and this makes it more complicated.
To refocus, relieve yourself from the items as well as activities that are too congested with your time and mind. A free mind has space and time to refocus your goals and important personal needs of life.
- Decluttering Items and Burdens
When you lose most of the things around you, you are able to create space. The things may be small items in lockers, drawers, closets, and attics. The more room you create; you are able to move around more. It helps you let go of things you have been holding on to. The freedom you get makes it easier for you to breathe. You feel relieved from the burdens of the past.
- Saves Money
When you stop spending your money on luxuries, you have an excess of it unused. You are, therefore, in a better position to pay off outstanding debts. The debts will, in turn, free up your money more. You tend to eliminate the dependency on the money with a minimalist lifestyle.
- More Time
When you have more money than you need, you do need to worry about working hard. It means you have more free time for yourself. You will not spend time in luxury places and extra activities. Your lifestyle changes into priorities. The extra time is available to enjoy. Extra free time in the current modern society is everyone’s desire to use it wisely too.
- More Energy
You do not have the clutter and the extra activities to deal with. The energy saved can be directed elsewhere without much effort. The result is often a healthier and strong life. Without the burden of a materialistic life, your psychological being and eventually physical being thrives with energy.
Everyone is different and so we are all bound to have varying experiences in our minimalist lifestyle. One thing is sure about everyone living this kind of lifestyle, though. As we progress in the journey towards being minimalists, the benefits will increase and the urge to improve this lifestyle will press on us.
Most importantly, minimalism is a choice. When you attain the state of mind that frees you from wanting to acquire what everyone else is getting, you begin to sober up into a focused minimalist lifestyle. It would not easy for anyone to convince you to give up your hard-earned collection of material stuff. It is your right to own what you bought. However, a realization of the things you need most is a great way to start freeing yourself from unnecessary burdens.