Embarking on a minimalist lifestyle can be a transformative journey, improving your life and overall health and wellbeing. While you’re probably more familiar with the minimalist aesthetic in interior design, a minimalist lifestyle embraces living intentionally with purpose and simplicity. Science-based research shows that minimalism has a range of benefits.

In terms of adopting minimalism as a lifestyle choice, the concept can be applied to any aspect of your life. A good starting point is minimising consumerism. One study of middle-class American families found that three in four garages are packed with so much ‘stuff’ that there’s no room for a vehicle, even though the average new home in the U.S. has more than twice the square footage per person than homes built in 1950!

The depletion of natural resources and pollution produced from consumerism is not only wreaking havoc on our planet, but also driving climate change. By buying fewer (new) things, recycling, reusing, and repairing items we own, we can use significantly fewer natural resources and produce less waste and pollution.

Manage stress, improve sleep and increase happiness

Adopting a minimalist mindset can help you manage stress levels, improve sleep, mental and physical health, and increase your happiness and wellbeing.

Here are some practical tips to get you started on the road to embracing minimalism as a broader lifestyle choice:

Focus on essential nutrition
Keep it simple and nutritious. Focus on whole foods – fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Reduce processed/sugary foods.

Stay hydrated
Drinking water is crucial for good health, so ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day.

Practise gratitude
Gratitude helps shift mindsets towards contentment and away from rapacious capitalism and the need for constant consumption.

Exercise
Find activities that you enjoy and make them part of your daily routine. Regular exercise improves mood, energy levels, and overall health.

Prioritise sleep
Focus on sleep hygiene and create a healthy routine.

Practise mindfulness
Incorporate mindfulness into your daily life – e.g. meditation, cold water therapy or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and increase focus.

Declutter
A clutter-free environment promotes a clear and focused mind.

Get outdoors
Connect with nature regularly.

Be present
Unplug from technology and social media, especially before bedtime as this will have a positive impact on your sleep and mental wellbeing.

Enjoy the process of simplifying your life
Be flexible – embrace the concept of a minimalist lifestyle in a way that works for you. Set realistic goals that will make your minimalist approach sustainable. Everyone’s journey is unique, so don’t be afraid to adapt and experiment.

Remember, the goal is not perfection, but progress and improved overall wellbeing.