Less is More: Embracing Minimalism

Minimalism is the art of being satisfied with the quality instead of quantity and decluttering the excess or avoiding the piling up of materials. It is the act of moving away from the materialistic lifestyle and leading a happy life by owning what you have, instead of going after what you want. It needs some amount of courage to live with fewer material items. Minimalism reduces material possessions and takes us towards utility rather an futility. 

Minimalists tend to be happy with what they have rather than a materialist who runs behind several alternatives. Having so many alternatives brings in decision fatigue, which in turn leads to poor decision making, a low level of cognitive functions and several other consequences that interrupt your daily functioning. By getting rid of making unimportant decisions, you can save the energy to do more exercise, a better sleep, or do an activity you have postponed because you felt mentally exhausted. Minimalism is the art of preventing the over accumulation of materials, thereby leading a clutter-free life. In this modern society, having more has become necessary. Though we’ll know that we can use only one shoe at a time, people started collecting materials and started to call it a passion and named them sneakerheads instead of hoarders. 

Minimalism does not mean we should not buy new clothes or shoes. It means to avoid piling up of materials all around the home and utilising the whole of a wardrobe. Instead, get the needs and leave out the wants. The difference between need and want is quite subtle. Need is the necessity where want becomes luxury. Studies show that voluntary simplifiers lead a much happier life with a higher level of satisfaction. Minimalism is directly proportional to personal well-being.

Being a minimalist is an added advantage to lead a healthy and happy life. Choosing a minimalistic lifestyle saves ‘mental energy’ and occupies less mental space. Mental space is defined as the link between the internal and external world, and having clarity in one’s mind. Minimalist says, “I feel like the decision of what to wear is going to be easier. It’s going to take less time.” Being minimalist gives a sense of autonomy and effectiveness in everyday activities. Whereas, looking for several alternatives and maximum benefit indicates a low level of happiness and life satisfaction. 

The media portrays being a minimalist as out of fashion and as a sin, as it poses a threat to consumerism. It encourages an unhealthy obsession with materialism by fuelling self-doubt. Practising minimalism has become something people talk about, often sparking judgment from colleagues and neighbours. So, we choose flaunting instead of being ridiculed. 

 Like how the definition of happiness varies with each person, do realise, the needs also vary. “Living in a smaller space, owning fewer clothes isn’t something to be avoided; it’s a practice to embrace. It’s simply another approach to life.”