Minimalism – a lot has been written and said about it. Many people claim to be experts on it, but have we really covered it all?
Kyle Chayka, a writer and critic, argues that minimalism goes beyond just decluttering your possessions and opting for clean, simple decor, as he explains in his book “The Longing for Less.” Instead, minimalism can have profound positive effects on your mental well-being when you grasp and embrace its deeper meaning.
Read on to explore how adopting a minimalist lifestyle can bring you a sense of abundance in terms of simplicity, inspiration, and ultimately, freedom.
What Is Minimalism?
In its essence, minimalism adheres to the principle that “less is more”.
According to Kyle, this concept has manifested in various forms throughout history, spanning from ancient Greek philosophy and early Buddhism to mid-20th-century architecture and design. Notably, the Minimalist art movement of the 1960s emphasised “seeing the world from a different perspective and breaking free from preconceived notions of art and beauty”.
In contemporary terms, minimalism is predominantly associated with a non-consumerist way of life and is often linked to notions like psychological well-being and deliberate simplicity.
Minimalism and Mental Wellness
Kyle suggests that having fewer possessions could potentially lead to increased creativity, more profound connections with others, a stronger sense of community, and a heightened awareness of our environment. Doesn’t that sound enticing?
Now, let’s dig deeper into the psychology of minimalism and its positive impact on mental well-being.
- Fulfilling Fundamental Psychological Needs
In line with the self-determination theory, human motivation can be boiled down to three fundamental components: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies revealed that individuals leading lives with minimal consumption tend to fulfil these fundamental psychological needs, resulting in increased overall life satisfaction. The significance of addressing these psychological needs cannot be overstated: Autonomy provides a feeling of independence and authenticity, competence fosters a sense of control and self-reliance, and relatedness cultivates a sense of belonging and empathy.
- The Pursuit of Happiness
A 2014 study established a significant association between materialism and reduced happiness. This connection was particularly evident through negative impacts on health, behaviour, and self-esteem. The study’s conclusion emphasised that materialistic pursuits failed to meet the psychological needs of individuals who prioritise possessions.
In simpler terms, accumulating more belongings may actually lead to unhappiness.
- Overcoming Loneliness
A 2013 study found that associating possessions with pleasure and success can contribute to feelings of loneliness.
While it’s important to have moments of solitude, true loneliness is a separate issue altogether. Shifting your priorities from materialism to self-improvement, creativity, and engaging in positive hobbies can help break the cycle of isolation often linked to materialistic pursuits.
- Clear Your Mental Space
If you’re struggling to stay focused, your possessions could be playing a role. Clutter, often associated with stress and procrastination, can stem from excessive physical belongings.
At the very core, the condition of your external and mental worlds often mirrors each other. Excess or overstimulation in one realm can spill over into the other. This is a significant reason behind the current popularity of minimalism.
By practising stress management and removing triggers (such as a cluttered environment), you can expect to experience increased mental clarity and ease.
- Embracing Mindfulness
In essence, minimalism offers a significant benefit by directing your focus towards what truly matters.
Living a minimalist life necessitates being present. This presence enables heightened awareness of your core values and the surrounding environment, both of which can be obscured by the relentless pursuit of material possessions, the virtual world of social media, and various distractions that often divert us from life’s simple joys.
Choosing to adopt a minimalist lifestyle compels you to engage in self-reflection. It empowers you to understand your genuine needs, aspirations, and dreams as you progress along this journey.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, embracing a minimalist lifestyle not only simplifies our physical surroundings but also nourishes our mental and emotional well-being. By shifting our focus from material accumulation to mindful living, we gain clarity, foster self-awareness, and find greater contentment in the pursuit of what truly matters in life.
References:
- https://www.aconsciousrethink.com/6881/minimalism-mental-health/
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-about-trauma/201902/what-can-minimalism-do-mental-health
- https://acendahealth.org/how-minimalist-lifestyle-benefits-your-mental-health/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2023/06/28/5-mental-health-rewards-of-embracing-minimalism-according-to-a-psychologist/?sh=50c88a6d1ce9
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-016-9718-0
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267743492_The_Relationship_Between_Materialism_and_Personal_Well-Being_A_Meta-Analysis
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259726917_Bidirectional_Dynamics_of_Materialism_and_Loneliness_Not_Just_a_Vicious_Cycle
