Is less more? The escape to minimalism.

rachypeachy • Jan 31, 2017

With the release of the documentary ‘Minimalism’ in 2016 the idea of choosing to live minimally might be a tempting prospect for you. You are left with the feeling that you just might be happier if you have less. You might think that this is the answer to a stress-free, happier life! But does choosing to buy less, own less, or care less about fashion trends truly make you happier?

To my own ears minimalism is a a new spin on the old adage, “I’m choosing to live simply.” Whether minimalism is the answer to your own personal quest for happiness or not I am happy to hear that less can be more. Simplicity is a much needed part of our increasingly busy lives. We are all in desperate need of happiness and fulfillment in life. We all want healthier relationships, more time to do what we love and less stress.

That being said I’d like to suggest 5 different ways that you can begin living simply without adopting a whole lifestyle change . These simple steps will hopefully trigger some thoughts about how you live, why you make certain choices and start you on a path of greater freedom to live happier and more fulfilled lives.

  1. Be intentional. A lack of intentionality (when you choose something with intention it means that you actually put thought into it) is so often at the root of a lot of our “excessive-ness.” Simply put, when you choose intentionality you can choose simplicity. Before buying this or that thing, going somewhere or doing anything, ask yourself the question – Do I need this? What’s wrong with my old one? How might this affect my stress levels (whether financial, emotional, or mental) or the important people in my life? Will this really make my life easier, simpler and happier?
  2. Be outward focused. We are so often “me” focused. Yes, self-care is important, but so often we live for ourselves, choosing what is best for us, rather than thinking about it might affect others. Being self-focused is easy. This is just not a helpful or healthy way to live. This means make life and your choices more about others than about you. The outward focus means that you might choose a more ethical clothing option or volunteer or give some of your hard-earned money to those who are less fortunate than you. But when you start sharing and giving to others you will be surprised at how amazing making others happy can be!
  3. Take stock of what you have. I challenge you to actually look around you and assess or review what you have. Not a quick glance but a deep “I have this and this and this thing or friendship.” You may be surprised by what you find! You just might recognize that you have incredible relationships, tons of beautiful clothes and more than you possibly realized. It reminds you that you do have enough. In fact, you probably have more than enough.
  4. Start being thankful. This one is super easy to do and yet it is often the furthest thing from your mind! Start your day listing 2 things you are thankful for. When you are thankful you are less likely to be discontent with what you have.
  5. Spend some time each day praying or meditating. Life is busy. Work never seems to end, the emails just keep coming and bills pile up. You probably never stop until you go to bed at night (and even then your brain probably keeps going). You probably think you don’t even have time for this! But I know that personally, when I spend time praying, I suddenly am forced to stop and think about things in a much more meaningful and deeper way. I may still have things weighing on me but I gain perspective. Perspective that puts all the previous points  in place in a single moment: I become less about me, more thankful, more intentional and much more aware of what I have been given.

Challenge yourself to live simply. Live intentionally. Be someone whose happiness is no longer found in what you do or do not have.

Interesting reads:

Share

Choosing a homeopathy kit

By Rachel Van Halteren • 12 Sep, 2023
Which homeopathy kit is best for you?

Overwhelmed by all the Free Supplement Suggestions Online?

By Rachel Van Halteren • 31 Aug, 2023
3 Helpful Tips in Choosing Natural Health Products that Work for You

Let's Talk Lichen Sclerosus

By Rachel Van Halteren • 22 Aug, 2023
Lichen Sclerosus is a skin condition that can affect the vulva and sometimes anal area. It is a condition that presents externally (not inside the vagina or anus) and can present with intense, distressing itching (often worse at night), soreness and irritation or any combination thereof. Homeopathic treatment is an effective way to manage symptoms.

A MUST-HAVE Summer Health Essential

By Rachel Van Halteren • 13 Jun, 2022
Be fully prepared for most summer health emergencies with natural & effective medicines. Helios 36 Homeopathy kits contain natural medicines for burns, bumps, bruises, sprains, strains, bee stings, nerve injuries, sun burn and heat exhaustion & many more! Safe for all ages, easy to pack and travel with & completely refillable - these kits are a must-have summer essential!

Mental Health from a Holistic Perspective

By Rachel Van Halteren • 13 May, 2022
A holistic & natural perspective that gives hope for mental health issues

A More Natural Approach to Infections

By Rachel Van Halteren • 03 May, 2022
Antibiotics have detrimental health impacts. In fact, it's been shown that antibiotic use can impact future generations by weakening their immune system and reducing male fertility.

Hay fever? DIY Natural Management of Seasonal Allergies

By Rachel Van Halteren • 11 Apr, 2022
There are many great natural options for seasonal allergies that can help reduce the over-reaction of your immune system, reduce your symptoms and strengthen your immune system.

Supporting your body naturally through seasons of change & stress

By Rachel Van Halteren • 09 Mar, 2022
Learn how to support your body through stressful seasons with these lifestyle tips.

Defeat those Winter Blues Naturally!

By Rachel Van Halteren • 01 Mar, 2022
Looking for a few simple, easy to do, natural health tips to get you through the winter blues? Look no further!
Natural Supplements for Post-COVID healing

Recovering from Long-COVID & Post-Viral Symptoms Naturally

By Rachel Van Halteren • 07 Feb, 2022
It has been estimated that at least 25% of people who had covid develop long-haul covid. Post-viral symptoms can severely impact your life and prevent you from fully engaging with your normal activities like you used to. These symptoms can include: fatigue, lack of appetite and/or nausea, brain fog and/or difficulty concentrating, dizziness, etc.
Show More
Share by: