Speedy Publishing - Minimalist Living: A Guide to Simple Living, Declutter & Frugal Living (Speedy Boxed Sets): Minimalism, Frugal Living and Budgeting in 2015

Table of Contents

Adopting the Minimalist Lifestyle

How to Achieve A Stress Free, Simple Life

By: Ariel Horowitz

Chapter 1- What is the Minimalist Lifestyle?

Living with fewer possessions is one of the main facets of the minimalist lifestyle that people often focus on when exploring the basic tenets of minimalism. However, it is important to know that the minimalist lifestyle can vary according to the individual persons preferences. While embracing the minimalist lifestyle fully will offer the most benefits, it is possible to tailor ones practice of minimalism to fit into a persons routine without creating feelings of deprivation. When implemented properly, the basic tenants of minimalism will enhance ones life by offering more opportunities for personal growth that is free from the trappings of material possessions. Here, are the main components of a minimalist lifestyle along with the benefits they offer for those who choose this method of living.

Minimized Possessions

Eliminating clutter through discarding unneeded possessions is one of the most obvious aspects of a minimalist lifestyle. Minimalists strive to only keep the objects they use on a daily basis in their home. By avoiding bringing unnecessary items into their home, they can reduce their use of natural resources while also enjoying the benefits of being unencumbered by material possessions.

Reduced Spending

People are constantly being bombarded by advertising that touts the benefits of living in excess. However, many people accrue large amounts of debt trying to keep up with their neighbors. Newer cars, larger homes and fancy wardrobes are all major drains on ones financial resources. A minimalist lifestyle rejects the idea that one needs newer and better possessions to replace ones that are already working. This can lead to reduced spending and increased savings that can boost ones financial standing.

Simplicity in Appearance

In addition to establishing a home based upon simplicity, those who live a minimalist lifestyle may also make minor changes in their appearance that can have a major impact upon their life enjoyment. For example, eliminating one-use items from the closet can free up space while cutting down on overspending. Simple, basic wardrobe pieces that are versatile enough to be worn several different ways are favorite clothing choices among minimalists. This simplifies getting dressed in the morning along with the many cleaning routines associated with an overflowing wardrobe. Additionally, choosing a minimalist hairstyle and skin care routine can enable a person to still look good while slashing the time one spends on their appearance.

Streamlined Schedules

In a society focused on achievement and success, many people pack their schedules with appointments and activities that leave them feeling stressed and drained. Instead of rushing around to meet deadlines, a minimalist will choose the activities that are essential and leave the rest off of their schedule. This may include sports activities, pointless social occasions and work events that are not critical for their daily lives. By streamlining their schedules, minimalists find more time to spend engaged in activities that provide greater satisfaction such as hobbies and time with their family.

Simple Meal Plans

Eliminating processed foods and complicated meal plans is another major component of the minimalist lifestyle. Many minimalists choose to spend some of the time they save from streamlining their schedule on planting a garden stocked with plenty of fruits and vegetables. However, it is important to note that vegetarianism is not a critical element of living a minimalist lifestyle; it is just very common among minimalists to eat healthier. When wanting a change of scenery, minimalists may choose to pack a picnic lunch rather than dining out at an expensive restaurant.

Emphasis on Personal Fulfillment

The minimalist lifestyle emphasizes personal fulfillment through the elimination of all things that do not positively impact ones life. This means giving up wasteful habits that hinder productivity and personal happiness. Whether that means giving up on having a new car or cutting down on ones activities, the main goal is to find better ways to live with simplicity. Once one has streamlined their spending habits and daily activities, they can then focus on the things that make them truly happy. Creative careers, a focus on family time and the pursuit of ones passions are all associated with living a minimalist lifestyle.

Individualized Lifestyles

One of the most commonly overlooked aspects of the minimalist lifestyle is that it can be individualized according to ones current lifestyle and future goals. For example, someone who is pursuing a professional career may find that work functions must be left on their schedule and that they must have a few extra suits in their wardrobe. However, they may discover that they can cut back on dining out and clear their home of clutter. Finding a persons own unique path is essential to making a minimalist lifestyle work over the long term.

Learning more about the minimalist lifestyle can provide a person with a new perspective on living that can bring many benefits into their life. By choosing to implement one or all of the basic tenants of minimalism into their life, a person can begin to enjoy greater freedom and personal fulfillment. Although this lifestyle may seem strict from afar, it is actually simple to tailor to fit ones individual or family needs. Due to the flexibility that exists in the choices one makes while living the minimalist lifestyle, it is easy for anyone to embrace as they move toward a better way of living without the concern of acquiring more possessions than one can effectively maintain.

Chapter 2- Important Things to Simplify in Your Life

At many points in your life, you have said that you just want things to be simpler. This is a common battle cry across the land, and you'll probably hear plenty of others say it too. While you might not be able to simplify every last detail of your life, what are some of the things you can change?

The House

Years ago, you wanted the huge house. You had it have it all. You wanted five bedrooms, four bathrooms and thousands upon thousands of square feet. Ask yourself if all of this is really still necessary or if it ever was needed to begin with. Chances are, the answer is going to be no. Think about putting your home up for sale. Even if you love, it might be sucking all of the simplicity out of you. Opting for an adorable country cottage can teach you about what is important in life.

Your Celebrations and Parties

Hosting opulent parties can certainly be a lot of fun, but they are definitely not simple. You might want to go by the "religion and first birthday" party rules. For religious events and your children's first birthday parties, you can host large events. However, everything else needs to be kept simple. Remember, you do not have to host elaborate parties for those types of events either. If you are trying to find a balance though, it can be a good starting point to get things going on that end for you.

The Amount of Money You Spend

No matter whom you are or where you are living, you probably spending too much money on ridiculous things. The next time you are in a store, look at the things that are in your shopping cart. There is a good chance that a lot of them are not necessary at all. You would probably do just fine without most of them, and you likely do not need all of them to get by. Once you are home, you will probably forget that they were ever in the cart in the first place.