Why do we deserve Minimalism as a lifestyle?
In the era of advanced technologies, when everyone lacks one resource - time, minimalism is becoming a popular lifestyle. His supporters decided to abandon the pursuit of "must-have" purchases and decided to spend their time on real action, and money - only on basic necessities.
Minimalists are people (usually 20-30 years old) who have realized the value of time and decided to limit their consumer hunger. They do not just have to constantly analyze the situation and monitor their own actions. The ability to value every day, to protect your space from unnecessary - this is the truth of simplicity and happiness.
What gives a new lifestyle to its fans:
Rest. With less stress, there will be more opportunities to focus on the main thing.
Realization. The fewer things, the more financial resources that can be invested in a business that brings satisfaction.
Communication. More time for family and friends.
Simplicity. All a minimalist needs for a week in a tropical country is a backpack, no more hassles.
Health. There should always be time for oneself, a conscious person always takes care of his body and spirit.
Purity of thought. Awareness of what is important in life and what to worry about (in fact, there are not many such things).
Self development. Ability to focus on important things and good endurance.
Happiness. The bed you sleep on, the food you eat, remind you that not everyone has what you own. If you understand that most of your problems are trifles, then you can start living for real.
How to become a minimalist?
Learn more about minimalism
Watch a video, read a study or a book about minimalism; chat with minimalists or start watching them on social media. When you learn how minimalists live, you will understand how best to introduce this philosophy into your life.
Understand why you need to become a minimalist
Do you want to save money, get rid of unnecessary, go shopping less? You need to clearly answer the question: "Why should I become a minimalist?", And then take the first steps towards your goal. For example, instead of buying a new blouse, save money for travel.
Be prepared to feel uncomfortable
At first, it may be difficult for you to say goodbye to certain things. Even if you don't use them anymore. You may regret spending money on them, and now you have to get rid of this thing. Feelings of discomfort will be inevitable. You just have to come to terms with it and continue on your way.
Choose the unloading method
For example, you can clean your house around the room for a day or divide the process into even smaller tasks: a closet, chest of drawers and more. You can create a schedule for several months, what and on what day you disassemble.
Do not hurry
You need to understand that it is unrealistic to get rid of all unnecessary things in a few days. This should be done gradually and consciously. Minimalism is not just a lifestyle, it is a special philosophy and you should prepare yourself for change.
Do not compare yourself with others
Everyone uses minimalism differently. It depends on the person's goals. It makes no sense to compare yourself with others. Think about how minimalism will help you, how it will improve your life.
Don't be fooled
Trigger (from the English trigger) - in marketing is used in the sense of a message that forces the customer on a psychological level to perform a certain action, such as buying a product. It can be anything: advertising a new shampoo, discounts in malls. These things will provoke you to fail and buy unnecessary again. You can turn off advertising or not go to the shops, so as not to be tempted.
Don't stop unloading
Set aside 30-60 minutes each month and look at things in different places: table, closet, refrigerator. Keep a box for unnecessary things at home. When it is full, sort out the junk and get rid of it. Minimalism is a continuous process. New things will always come into your home, even if you don't buy them - gifts and more.
Buy consciously and economically
Remember, it's best to buy things that will last you longer. Even if they are more expensive, but better. You should not be led by trends and fashion. Buy what suits you. To do this, ask yourself before you buy, "Will I be wearing this leopard coat next year?" Also, remember that some things can be borrowed or rented. You should not buy clothes for a party that you wear only once.
Focus on something specific
You should not immediately minimize the use of things in all walks of life. Think about what you use most often and don't touch it yet. Instead, focus on what bothers you the most and in what area of life you feel the most chaos. Give yourself a month to put things in order there.
How to get rid of unnecessary?
First, audit things. View all your clothes, shoes, household items. Determine what you no longer need and get rid of it.
What to do next with things?
Unpack things. Divide things into three categories. The first is the things you like and will wear. Put them back in the closet. The second is clothes that you are unlikely to wear yet. Put them in a separate box. And third, things you haven't worn in a long time and you don't like.
Lifehack. Put the things you may still need in a separate box and put it on the top shelf of the rack or other hard-to-reach place. If you need any of these things, you can take them. But if you do not remember them in a few months, you can safely get rid of them.
Where to take things that you will not wear anymore?
You shouldn't take everything to the dump, because that's how you litter the planet. If things have disappeared from your home, it does not mean that they are no longer in principle. Think about what you can do with them: give for recycling, charity, take to the shelter or reuse.
Minimalism in the interior
If you want to become a true minimalist, you should follow this philosophy in everything, especially in your home. If you create an interior that will inspire you, you will notice how you become happier in other areas of your life.
How to choose your style?
For starters, you can take a test to find out what you like best. Then create a list of styles and cross out the ones that don't exactly suit you. Do not combine more than four styles at home. Find pictures of these interiors on Pinterest and save the ones you like best on your virtual board. Decide on a range of colors. Their number should depend on the style you choose. Combine several neutral tones with bright ones to create contrast. After these steps you can go shopping. Don't forget to add an element to the house that will mean something special to you.
Digital minimalism
Turn off notifications on your phone
This will help you to be less distracted. Reply to the message when you have time, not at work. There is a "do not disturb" mode on telegram channels or groups in which notifications can be read later. Don't be afraid to miss something important. Be sure to call you in this case.
Clean your phone and computer once a month
Handed out apps on your phone that you don't use. Leave only one screen on your smartphone and sort everything by folders. Send unnecessary files, documents, photos, videos to the cart. Cleaning your gadget regularly will not overload your memory and you will not have to spend a lot of time cleaning it.
Clean your mail
Unsubscribe from newsletters that you no longer read or that do you no good. Don't subscribe to new ones. Read emails were issued.
Arrange a digital detox
We can get more negativity than the joy of using social media. Try opting out of your Instagram and Facebook feeds for a few days. Do not be distracted by them while working, instead, set aside a special time when you can go to social networks. Do not charge your phone in the bedroom by the bed. So you can relax and wake up easier in the morning. The worst idea is to watch Instagram at bedtime. It is better to read a book or watch a movie. It is also not the first thing to check your social networks after waking up. In the morning you need to adjust yourself to a new day, not to load the brain with unnecessary information.
Minimalism helps people think about the value of things in everyday life. If you take away all the rubbish, you can prepare the place for something more important and better - health, relationships, development and happiness. Everyone deserves to have a meaningful life.