How to Live a Minimalist Lifestyle-Is It Right For You?

Minimalism. You see and hear this word everywhere-on blogs, on TV, and in books. But what exactly is minimalism and how do you live a minimalist lifestyle? Keep reading to find out! 🙂

How to Live a Minimalist Lifestyle

You are following a minimalist lifestyle when you choose to be satisfied with the things you already own. You understand that less is more and you only have things around that make you happy and that you actually need. Your mind and environment are clutter-free.

So, what are the benefits of a minimalistic lifestyle, and how do you get there? Well, I’m glad you asked! 😉

Before we begin to discuss how to achieve minimalism, let’s first talk about the benefits. After reading this section, you’ll be able to decide if pursuing a minimalist lifestyle is for you.

10 Benefits of Minimalism

A simpler life. When you have fewer items in your life and home, you spend less time cleaning and maintaining those items. Those choosing to live a simple life can find the things they need because their house is not cluttered.
Take better care of yourself. While living a simple life, you’ll begin to realize that you can focus on yourself more because fewer things are trying to get your attention.
Eat better and exercise. If you are focusing on living a simpler life, you will have more time to prepare healthy meals at home or search for nutritious meals on the go. Eating well and exercise go hand in hand for good health, so walking, running, or visiting a gym can now become a priority.
Make better connections. When you’re living a simpler life, you’ll have more time to connect with family and friends. You won’t feel rushed or impatient when others are trying to talk to you.
Help others. You’ll also be able to focus on and help others in need. Your extra time and money can go a long way when they are used to help someone else.
Save money. Living a simple life will lead to saving money. You’re spending less, so you’re able to keep more.
Contentment. When you are serious about minimalism, you’ll be less inclined to pay attention to The Joneses. The Joneses are the people in your neighborhood or social circles that “appear” to have it all. They have the big house, expensive cars, perfect kids, and money you wish you had. Keep in mind that the Joneses have to pay for and maintain all of the things they own. Things may look good from the outside, but you never know what goes on behind closed doors. Be thankful that you don’t have to worry about those things while living a much simpler lifestyle. Learning to be content with your possessions will be more rewarding to you in the long run.
Lower stress. Keeping up with fewer things will automatically lower your stress levels. There’s just less to do!
Focus on your family. With all of this extra time on your hands, you can now have more quality time with your family. You’ll have time to eat dinner together, go on walks, take bike rides, play games, watch movies, and sit around and talk. No need to rush because there’s nothing else to do!
Sleep better. You’ll be able to sleep better because there will be less on your mind.

Now, after reading about all of the benefits of living a simpler life, is this a lifestyle you’d like to try? (Please don’t think of these benefits as a “magic pill” that will make every negative thing in your life go away. Bad things will happen, unfortunately, but if you have fewer distractions in your life, you’ll be able to focus on making things better.)

Steps to Living a Minimalist Lifestyle

So now you may be wondering what steps are necessary to incorporate this minimalist lifestyle. Honestly, it’s effortless, and it’s merely a matter of choice. Once you decide to live simpler, you will begin to interact with the world differently. Here are some articles that can help you get started.

Shop less. Consider creating a Capsule Wardrobe to make sure you wear everything in your closet. Click here to download a FREE checklist to help you create your first capsule wardrobe!
Unsubscribe from shopping magazines and store emails. Removing the temptation for impulsive spending is the key to staying on track.
Declutter your home. Once you have purged all of the items you no longer need, your home will feel lighter and easier to manage. Download a FREE decluttering checklist here to declutter your entire home!
Pay off debt. A great way to begin living a simple life is by paying off debt. Paying off your debt will allow you to save and give more to help others in need. If you need help figuring out where to begin, start here!
Plan out your meals. Meal planning is definitely the way to go if you are trying to live a simple life. Once you plan out your meals for the month, there will be no more frantic nights wondering what to have for dinner!
Watch less TV. When you watch less TV, you are not tempted to run out and purchase what the advertisers say you must have in your life RIGHT NOW!! Those commercials will get you every time! 🙂
Pay your bills automatically. Putting your bills on autopilot will free up time for you to do other things you enjoy.
Hang out with like-minded people. If you’re trying to live a simpler life, it would be in your best interest to find others living the same way. You can encourage each other when it gets hard and keep each other on track.
Turn off phone notifications. Check your phone regularly to see if there are any new messages instead of having your phone notify you each time a new one comes through. Choose 2 or 3 times per day to check and respond to them to keep your mind focused on other things.
Use a calendar. Begin using a calendar to keep track of appointments, birthdays, anniversaries, car registration dates, school due dates, etc. Make entries right away and use the reminder feature, so you don’t forget. Enter recurring items into the calendar, so you don’t have to remember them each year. It will remind you! 🙂
Stop multitasking. Although this is something we like to do to try to get as many things done in a day, our brains can only handle one thing EFFECTIVELY at a time. Slow down and give each task your full attention. You’ll notice that it will get done faster this way because you’re not constantly switching between tasks.
Exercise regularly. Doing some form of exercise (walking, running, yoga, meditating, etc.) will help you stay in shape, reduce stress, and calm the mind.
Don’t compare. Choosing not to compare ourselves to others is the hardest part. We have to learn to be content with our possessions if we genuinely want to live a simple life. We can’t let what other people own persuade us to purchase things we don’t need. There’s nothing wrong with buying things you need, just make sure it’s something you REALLY need and will use regularly.

That’s It!

So, those are some of the steps you can incorporate to live a minimalist lifestyle. The first thing you have to do is make a choice and begin implementing the steps. This type of lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight and you have to constantly be aware of your decision to become a minimalist.

Some people regularly downsize their possessions to get rid of stuff they no longer use. Others make frugal decisions when spending money. Just remember, when you live a minimalist lifestyle, the focus is on what you currently have and not on what you don’t have.

Do you already live a simple life, or would you like to give it a try? What do you think would be the hardest tip to follow? Let me know in the comments! 🙂

How to Live a Minimalist Lifestyle-Is It Right For You?