More and more people are abandoning their 60 hour per week jobs, McMansions, and pricey leased cars for a simpler, less expensive way of life. Minimalists, like the name implies, are people who focus less on acquiring possessions and more on intangible things that matter most to them. This includes family, friends, hobbies, learning, traveling, and just about anything else you can think of.
Not all minimalists live in 400-square foot furniture-free homes, grow their own food, and walk or bike everywhere. A minimalist lifestyle can be as simple as donating toys and clothing you don’t use, cutting down on shopping trips, and de-cluttering your home.
If you’ve never considered adopting a minimalist lifestyle, here are a few reasons why you should.
You’ll save money.
The relentless pursuit of bigger and better cars and homes, designer clothing, and the latest gadgets is part of the reason Americans are so deep in debt (over $880 billion just in credit card debt, to be specific). Living below your means and making due with less is one of the best and fastest ways to save money. It also keeps you out of crippling debt and leaves you the peace of mind of knowing you’re not one paycheck away from bankruptcy.
You’ll have less stress.
In order to pay for their things, many people work long hours at jobs they barely tolerate. This means lack of sleep, high stress levels, and no time leftover to exercise, meditate, or do other activities that are good for health. What’s more, when you’re maxed out on debt and living above or beyond your means, the stress of keeping the bills paid can take a toll on your emotional and physical health.
That’s not to say you’ll never worry about money again. However, living with less often means less stress.
You’ll have better relationships.
The majority of couples with serious marital problems often cite money as a main point of contention. Spending too much, not having enough to cover the bills, and differing views on money can wreak havoc in any relationship. By shifting your priorities and taking the focus off of acquiring possessions and spending quality time with your partner and family instead, your relationships will flourish.
You’ll spend less time cleaning.
Have you ever heard the saying “A cluttered home is a cluttered mind?” When “stuff” accumulates, it starts to take over your living space and can be stressful. Imagine how much easier it will be to clean your home and do laundry if you didn’t have drawers full of junk and piles upon piles of laundry to do.
There are many more benefits and reasons to live with less. If you’re toying with the idea of shifting your focus, remember you don’t have to make big changes all at once. Sometimes, a few small changes are all you need to notice a difference.
