Minimalism Can Make You Happier. Here’s Why

Insights on breaking free from materialism, and living well.

Not too long ago, I watched a thought-provoking interview where José Mujica, the former President of Uruguay, was expressing his philosophy of life on the real value of time, money, freedom, and happiness.

Mujica’s known for being a strong advocate of simple living. Besides, during his mandate (2010–2015), he was often called “world’s poorest president” because he donated 90% of his monthly salary to charities.

His words can seriously make you rethink the importance you give to material things:

“When you buy something, you’re not paying money for it. You’re paying with the hours of your life you had to spend earning that money. The difference is that life is one thing money can’t buy. Life only gets shorter, and it is pitiful to waste one’s life and freedom that way.”

— José Mujica, HUMAN the movie

It puts things into perspective, doesn’t it?

You trade your non-refundable time for something so temporary, like possessions. You think that you are happy with all this stuff you can buy but in reality, you’re losing your precious freedom this way. And you forget to cherish life.

The stuff you buy has the value of your time converted into money to pay for it plus someone else’s time to make it.

Your happiness shouldn’t be conditioned by how much money you make, how many clothes you have, or when you’ll buy your next phone. But by how and what you spend your time on.

If you only spend your time working so that you can buy stuff to feel a sense of fulfillment, then that’s not freedom. It’s called being captive in materialism and in much need to break free from it.

Escaping Materialism and Finding the Path to Freedom.

Minimalism helps you free yourself from the heavy baggage materialism brings with it. And it teaches you to live a simple life with only what you need.

To give less importance to material things, and invest your time, and energy in what’s most important — family, friends, experiences, inner peace, personal growth, etc.

Minimalism is the key to free yourself from being kept captive by materialistic needs.

More stuff, more worries. Less stuff, more freedom.

As The Minimalists themselves put it,

“Minimalism is a tool that can assist you in finding freedom. Freedom from fear. Freedom from worry. Freedom from overwhelm. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from depression. Freedom from the trappings of the consumer culture we’ve built our lives around. Real freedom.”

And freedom is one of many forms of happiness.

The Correlation Between Minimalism and Happiness.

I’ve always admired people, who, regardless of their financial situation, know how to be happy.

And I’d often ask myself, how do they manage to have this attitude?

It’s all about their mindset.

They know how to live in the present moment. They find joy in the small things, and value life for what it is. They figured that happiness is not about having lots of money and splurging on every occasion. It’s rather about living a simpler life.

When we grow up, we tend to believe that materialism equals happiness.

But that is not true. And studies show that investing in experiences and not possessions leads to more happiness.

Minimalism helps you make space for happiness by using your time to create meaningful moments. To be present, happy, and free.

Shop Like a Minimalist.

Contrary to what we hear everywhere, shopping is not therapy and it doesn’t solve your problems. Yes, it gives you a dopamine boost but that’s just a temporary feeling good sensation. And the negative side is that it can get addictive.

Feeling sad? Shopping. Bored? Shopping. You don’t like your old clothes anymore? Shopping.

Before you buy anything new, ask yourself this question:

Why? As simple as that.

Give yourself at least three reasons for buying that thing. Be intentional with your shopping habits. Every new item you buy should fit a purpose in your life.

Know your needs. If you need a new white t-shirt then buy just that, not another seven items. Learn to say no and refrain from impulsive buying.

Closing Thoughts.

Happiness is not about accumulating or owning material things. It’s rather about living a simpler life and cherish experiences rather than possessions.

“Living a simple life, you are able to prioritize what makes you happy.”

— The Minimalists

And the purpose of minimalism is to make space for the things that actually make you happy and contribute to your growth.