The idea of minimalism is not entirely new. It has been around for quite a while, but is seeing a resurgence in our lives today. Minimalism is the art of having fewer physical things and burdens in and around your home so you can focus on other things that you care about.
Throughout our lives, it’s no big secret that we tend to acquire a whole bunch of stuff. We may find ourselves going through a sea of things each time we move to another home or area, or maybe during a spring-cleaning spree. The average American home has more than 300,000 items in it, ranging from clothes, books, kitchen utensils, toys and more. As a society we are drowning in stuff.
It would be one thing if stuff we owned actually added to our general levels of happiness and productivity, but for most people, it brings anxiety and dread- definitely not the key to happiness!
There are many benefits to trying out this lifestyle for yourself, especially as a senior when you are about to make the move into your golden years and into your favorite retirement community. Downsizing at any time in your life is good to do, but as you age, it may become even more important. Having less clutter in your home not only makes your home safer for you as you age, but also helps promote a sense of calm and wellbeing, gratitude and of course- a feeling of peace and tranquility.
Below are 3 benefits of opting for a minimalist lifestyle:
- You take better care of your belongings. Having less stuff means less work and maintenance around your home, as well as helping you take better care of your belongings. When you have too much stuff, you may not have the time or ability to care for your belongings the way they should be cared for. Minimalism promotes being grateful for what you do have, and prevents you from taking it for granted.
- You learn how to let go. This can be a tricky one. As we age, we may be experiencing the loss of many people- spouses, friends and family included. One of the hardest things we have to do as humans is learn to let people and feelings go, so we can make room for happiness and good opportunities. Mentally preparing yourself for these losses can start by practicing minimalism and beginning to let go of physical things and stuff so you can make more room for the things and people you love.
- You soon learn and realize that happiness doesn’t come from stuff, but from spending time with others, engaging in fun hobbies or activities, or enjoying the great outdoors. When you have so much stuff and you’re drowning in it, you may be preoccupied with trying to clear the clutter or organizing the physical items that no longer serve your life’s purpose. Happiness from experiences will last much longer than anything you buy can, helping you reconnect with loved ones and open yourself up to new opportunities.
Minimalism is a lifestyle and a commitment. Fortunately, it’s an easy thing to start incorporating into your life a little bit each day. By not buying more stuff you save money, become happier and make time for the things in life that are truly important.
To learn more about how minimalism can help your life and especially help anxiety, click here.
For more tips on how you can start practicing minimalism in your life as a senior, click here.