Modern-day Western society has become accustomed to consumerism. With so many products available, people end up not having enough space and being overstimulated. Enter the antithesis of “buy new, buy, now”—minimalism, a.k.a., living with less to relieve stress.
What is Minimalism?
Minimalism is about living with purpose, only owning items that add value or joy to your existence. By changing your own ingrained consumerist mindset, you can gain more freedom to do things that you love without distraction.
Minimalism for Beginners
There are a few steps to help you lead a cleaner and happier life.
1—Start slow. There’s no rush to start a minimalist lifestyle. It takes time.
2—Declutter. If you haven’t used an item in 30 days, get rid of it. If you’re unsure, hold onto it; if you don’t use it in 30 days, donate or recycle it.
3—Drop emotional attachments to things. It can be hard to get rid of things that have meaning to you. Remember that these are items without a soul, but your memories last forever.
4—Analyze and find true value. If you’re having difficulty getting rid of an item, think of whether it’s truly valuable to your life.
5—No duplicates. No, you don’t need two of the same things in different colors.
6—Focus on the good. Keep the things that bring you joy.
7—Quality over quantity. Always.
Keeping a journal of your progress, goals, and dreams will aid you in your minimalism journey. By doing this, you’ll keep your focus on the things that positively impact your life.
Minimalism and Your Mind
By living with less, your mind has less to process every day. Physical clutter creates mental clutter. By paring down your life and living with less clothing, for example, you have less stress when you decide what to wear. The less you stress, the more you can enjoy life.
Minimalist Fashion
When it comes to fashion, stick with the items that you love and that make you feel confident. There are no rules about the colors you wear or what silhouette you want. Basics are your best friend when it comes to a minimalist wardrobe. Only have as many clothes as you need for warm and cold weather. If moving to a place with all four seasons like New York City, be sure to have a well-made jacket.
Remember that there are no rules to minimalism: You can do it at your own pace and in your own way. Simplicity is key. Emphasize the things that add value to your life.
Are you starting your own journey into minimalism or do you already have a minimalist fashion sense? Share with us on social media and don’t forget to tag @CFashionista!
