Minimalism & Mental Wellness
How do you mentally declutter? I mean, really clear your mind of the obsessive thoughts which can overwhelm you and keep you stuck in avoidance, indecision and procrastination.
When we are no longer just going through the motions in our daily lives, we begin to think more deeply about the objects that surround us in our homes. We realize how much we need and, in turn, how much we don’t.
It is about discovering what is important.
What is minimalism?
Minimalism is taking a mental inventory of our belongings and deciding what enriches our lives and what does not. Once we get rid of all those extra belongings that are weighing us down, we have the opportunity to achieve the minimalist lifestyle.
How does living a minimalist lifestyle improve your mental health?
By having fewer things to distract or trigger you, your mental health will be positively impacted. Minimalism gives you the chance to tune out all the noise in your life and help you change for the better.
Here's five key things minimalism can bring you:
1) Clarity
By decluttering your living space, you can begin to declutter your mind. A minimalist environment is peaceful, keeping your brain from being constantly overstimulated. When we are bombarded with sensory information, we cannot think clearly. Overstimulation caused by too much stuff can even trigger a schizophrenic episode to someone who is prone to them.
2) Self-Discovery
At first, getting rid of material possessions may seem like you are losing a part of you, but it's actually a step towards finding yourself. When we keep our minds busy with things, the effects are only temporary. When there are no longer so many things to distract you from uncovering who you truly are, the most enlightening self-discovery takes place. Knowing who you are is the best thing you can do for your mental wellness.
3) Focus on what is important
It is so easy to lose focus when you are surrounded by reminders of other things you could be doing. When you have the freedom to focus, you remove the inner clutter from your mind. You have the option to find a place in your home where you no longer feel like you have a ton of things pulling you in different directions. This works wonders for your mental health. You can use this focus to learn something, giving you a sense of pride and accomplishment. When you have the space and focus necessary for such an accomplishment, you can continue to push toward a peaceful life.
4) Space to unwind
By emptying your living area of unneeded clutter, you create open space. The more open a space is, the less constricting it feels. The human mind is influenced by the distance between objects. Make your home feel more spacious by having your home be a blank canvas where you can unwind however you need to. Your personal corner could become a place of creativity. Creating art reduces cortisol levels, which is one hormone that contributes to stress and anxiety.
5) Self-Control
Transitioning towards the simplicity of minimalism is a tough decision to make. If you decide to go down this road, you will have more control of your life. This is important when struggling with mental wellness - our mental health is comprised of feeling a loss of control over various aspects of our lives. Regaining control over our things can be crucial in becoming mentally stronger. While not focusing on material possessions, you are able to face your problems more effectively.
Minimalism gives you the time, space, clarity, and freedom to find your true self and fully engage with everyday life.
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