Speedy Publishing - Frugal Living Guide for the Minimalism Lifestyle: 3 in 1 Box Set

Table of Contents

The Minimalist Lifestyle

Getting Back To The Simple Life

By: Henry Rainford

Chapter 1- Defining the Minimalist Lifestyle

Though it may seem so to the person on the outside looking in, a minimalistic lifestyle does not have to mean a radical change in ones way of life. The core statement of those living in this manner is that downsizing on material objects and the clutter in their life can lead to more important aspects of existence being focused on. In essence, the message being received is that with fewer distractions, growing as a person and becoming extra productive is a more easily obtainable goal. Simple living is a completely voluntary choice and is not another term for poverty. Although many lessons may be learned by witnessing this lifestyle, the goal for the people living it is not to make a statement but to improve themselves.

There are quite a few misconceptions about minimalism and simple living. Though some may practice the action, living a more simple life does not mean constantly counting ones possessions. There is no required number of items one must own. The most important factor to consider when it comes to personal objects is desire versus need. By making sure that they only keep the items that are necessary to their existence, people engaging in minimalistic lifestyles can control what they may be distracted by. Often times, items such as a television may be deemed unnecessary and removed from the equation. Though that may be a common choice, there are not right or wrong items and the process changes for every individual.

Purging excess belongings from ones household may be a common form of simplistic living, but there are other ways to practice the lifestyle as well. Controlling the diet is another frequent practice. Often, the goal in this area is to eat natural food choices. This is not the same as simply looking to eat healthily, but instead to eat foods that are not too heavily processed. Portion control plays into this as well. Gorging oneself is considered a wasteful practice and is looked at as a conflict with a minimalists ideals.

There are quite a few reasons as to one might choose this lifestyle for themselves. One factor could stem from monetary concerns. Many times, due to spending less on unnecessary items and consuming less in all respects, there is a considerable decrease in expenditures. Learning to become more frugal may be a difficult process for some, but often times it leads to less stress and an overall boost in self satisfaction. Many who have found themselves in debt consider the frugality of this mindset to be a helpful tool in pulling themselves out.

For others, thinking about living a simple lifestyle may be a more spiritual decision about improving their sense of self. These people do not merely look at necessary versus unnecessary, but instead also attempt to analyze their relationship with their inanimate objects. It is important for them to not give too much meaning to their possessions. The rallying point here is that there are far more important connections to be had found elsewhere.

A relationship with a phone may be sacrificed to establish a more powerful connection with another person, just as one with a television may be sacrificed to leave more room open for reading a good book. With less clutter, these practitioners intend to open themselves up to a better version of the person they are. Many focus on improving an art or practice with the new time they have granted themselves, such as painting or writing.

Yet another reason some may find themselves longing to begin a minimalistic lifestyle is to lessen their impact on the environment. Purely on principle, a simplistic life is compatible with that of a person attempting to live a more green life. Plainly put, it is common knowledge that cutting down on consumerism cuts down on needless waste. When one spends less, it causes a chain reaction. Purchasing less packaged goods leads to opening less packaged goods, which obviously leads to less rubbish. With less garbage being produced some may feel they are leaving a positive impact on the planet.

Though there are many different aspects to take into consideration when questioning why one may be turned onto simple living, the results and benefits wind up essentially adding up to the same outcomes. As previously mentioned, oftentimes it leads to a decrease in stress. With less to split ones attention between there are less distractions to be had and more time to focus on what truly leads to ones happiness. There is more time to be shared amongst the positive factors in life.

Working to become healthier, creating art, relaxing, and sharing more time with family members are all products reported by those who take part in making the effort to live this way. Other benefits that have been noted are the newfound ease in organizing for some, what with their new lack of clutter. Another aspect of note is the near effortlessness of sustaining this lifestyle. With monetary resources not being stretched as thin, there is more comfort to be found. With less to maintain, many people have found solace in this lifestyle, and swear by its practicality and advantages as pure fact.

At times, those who do not practice a minimalist lifestyle have been known to have looked at the process as a harsh choice weighed down with radical changes and strict rules. The truth however is not so extreme. Simple living is more of a state of mind than a tangible thing. By being mindful of their own impact and focusing on what is important, people are already practicing the life choice. There is no right way. It is a continual process, one that can be started by any type of person at any stage in their life. Many who live this life have a relaxed attitude towards the method. Though it may never be the desired way of life for everyone, living a minimalistic lifestyle has undoubtedly affected many people for the better.

Chapter 2- The Advantages of the Minimalist Lifestyle

People who embrace a minimalist lifestyle are often admired for their environmental awareness and their willingness to do without a hoard of material possessions. In fact, the focus of simple living is much more about what you get than it is about what you give up. For those who choose it, simplicity delivers enormous benefits, including the ones below.

Improved Physical Health

It would be difficult to pursue a minimalist approach and not end up with a healthier lifestyle. Burning less of the worlds energy and more of your own by walking instead of riding, cleaning your own house instead of hiring someone to do it, and taking on your own DIY projects put activity back in your life. Dietary choices such as growing your own vegetables, baking your own bread and eliminating junk food nourish you better on far fewer calories.

Mental Ease

An overstuffed life creates a good deal of mental anxiety. Theres the distraction of keeping track of everything, the worry over paying for it all, and the eternal low-simmering discontent of always wanting more. For many, assuaging this anxiety results in acquiring even more, buying a bigger house to keep it all in, and experiencing increased levels of stress as you work longer hours and fret over just how long you can keep all the plates spinning. Simplifying your life stops the spin cycle and eliminates many unacknowledged drags on mental health. The mind is free to spend its energy in different ways, such as learning, creating, enjoying and other activities that are far more likely to foster satisfaction and a sense of well-being.