7 Tips From Minimalist Philosophy That Can Improve Your Non-minimalist Life

I got rid of almost everything I owned when I moved cross-country at 18. I was so desperate for a new life I got rid of everything that reminded me of my old one. While the adventure of throwing away all my stuff was certainly a learning experience, it was never going to be a sustainable lifestyle for me.

Owning things brings me joy and allows me to express myself creatively! I love having 30 colors of acrylic paint and 13 pairs of shoes, I adore my 8 fuzzy blankets, 45 books, and religious 7 step skincare routine. These things all bring joy into my life more than being an extreme minimalist ever did.

My story may not be the inspirational one-backpack stories or perfectly empty minimal house you hear about online, but I’m proud of how much I’ve been willing to let go and gain back. More than my physical possessions, I am grateful for the mindset shift minimalist philosophy has given me. The tips below are tried and true ways I have improved my own life through minimalist philosophy.

Organize and Purge your Digital Clutter

Digital clutter is all the stuff on your computer or phone you never use; all the apps you haven’t opened in a month, the selfies you’ve already posted to insta, papers from classes you finished in college, pictures of you and your ex, random pdf downloads from work, etc.

Because a computer is only one object, digital clutter is often overlooked. Going through your downloads folder is a trip-I just cleaned out mine before this article (again) so I wouldn’t be a hypocrite.

Staring at an overwhelming desktop or phone screen can be just as taxing on your brain and choice fatigue as physical clutter. Your subconscious doesn’t comprehend what “digital” versus “physical” is, clutter is just clutter. The first digital clutter purge usually takes a long time; my first purge took three hours! After I made a habit of cleaning out my digital clutter once every 3–4 months I found myself much less overwhelmed when opening my laptop to work, and now it only takes about 30 minutes to “clean up”.

Tapestries are the Best Decorations

Walls are the most difficult part of my house to decorate. I move frequently, so taking down and rehanging paintings and framed posters got old very fast. I switched to using locally made tapestries for wall art for several reasons. Tapestries come in every size and color imaginable (not just mandalas and flags), can be washed and folded into the tiniest portion of a moving box, absorb sound so I annoy my neighbors less, and instantly decorate an entire wall.

I bought a giant black and white minimalist mountain tapestry from society6.com (love artist KookiePixel’s work!) and had an entire wall decorated in the five minutes it took to hang it up. The easiest decoration and packing possible-and with any art I want to display.

For a more “serious” decorative style of tapestry, try hanging handmade rugs, heirloom quilts, or even decorative curtains.

Walking is the Simplest Way to Exercise

I love walking. It helps you stay in shape, work through complex emotions, and can give you time to explore new music, audiobooks, or podcasts. The positive effects of walking are even stronger when done in green spaces such as parks or hiking trails. Getting out of your home and getting your body moving can only benefit you.

Nothing is easier than walking-you don’t need a destination or workout gear. Just get up and walk out the door. Sometimes I walk in athleisure, sometimes I just go in my work clothes. It’s the minimalist exercise- simplicity at its finest.

Make it a habit to get up and just go. Your body, stress levels, and mental health will thank you. I’ve also found that a lot of people who dread going to the gym are just fine going on a walk that twice as long- why torture yourself on the elliptical if you would rather just walk around your neighborhood? Simplify and choose joy.

Upgrade your Underwear

The days of having to choose comfy or good-looking undergarments are over. Upgrade what you wear every day helps many people feel their best. The same principle applies to your underwear; you deserve to feel comfortable and confident. There are so many options out there that let you have both now.

There are so many alternatives to worn-out boxers and granny panties. Basic well-fitting black underwear will never steer you wrong. Having well-fitting underwear (and Bras) makes all the rest of your clothes look better, and you won’t have to spend any more time thinking about how your underwire is digging into your skin. Simplifying your underwear drawer to the point that you know no matter what you grab on the days your running late will be comfortable is a must-I don’t need to be late AND uncomfortable.

Get Unkillable Plants

Taking care of plants is a skill many people find effortless-I am not one of those people. I forget to water or I water them too much, I can never seem to get the timing right. That’s where my favorite plants come in-Spider plants and succulents.

Spider plants need to be watered maybe twice a week (depending on how much sun you’re giving them) and can survive in a variety of sunlight exposure. They grow quickly and are easy enough for even the worst plant-parent around.

Plants have definitely become part of the minimalist aesthetic, but they also have many benefits. Plants have also been proven to improve mood and air quality in multiple psychological studies. You can easily improve your life and living space, even if you struggle to keep plants alive as much as I do.

Use the 48 hour Rule When Buying Non-necesseties

Shopping can be addicting in the same way that gambling can. Despite not creating a physical dependence, many people compulsively spend money to avoid or cope with negative emotions. Even if you are not addicted to shopping, many people fall into the trap of the dopamine hit a new video game, dress, or accessory gives them.

When you want to buy something, tell yourself you can only buy it if you still want it in 48 hours. This gives you some time to think and really evaluate if what you are about to buy will be adding something positive to your life.

Obviously, there are exceptions- after a rough week I will gladly buy Chipotle takeout or a new bottle of wine and ignore the 48-hour rule. It’s really up to you how often to use it. One of my friends that has a weakness for buying new car parts only uses the 48-hour rule for car parts.

Ask for experiences and services as gifts

The gift-giving season can be a nightmare-being given useless things you don’t really want but feel too guilty to get rid of. My way around this problem (if I’m not close enough to just straight up ask for the items I need-last Christmas I got an electric toothbrush and vacuum cleaner) is to ask for experiences, services, and edibles.

Gift cards for big box stores are common for many people, but my family refuses to give those. So edibles (home-baked goods, nice wine, edible arrangements), services (pay for a cleaner, car wash, babysit their kids), and experiences (tickets to a play, going skydiving, plan a picnic) have become my go-to.

Remember that all of these tips are more about consistency than sudden change; clearing out your digital clutter once a month does a lot more than once every ten years. Walking will make you a healthier person if you do it consistently, not by taking one huge 4-hour walk.

Minimalism is a marathon, not a race. Collect the things that bring you joy and get rid of the useless stuff just taking up physical or emotional space.

Recap for your memory:

Tapestries are the simplest decoration

Digital clutter is as harmful as physical clutter

Walking improves people’s mood and health

Underwear should make you feel comfortable and confident

Own plants that are easy to care for

Wait 48 hours to buy

Ask for experiences and services as gifts

Originally published at https://kosowrote.com on October 22, 2020.