Can Minimalism Help with Clarity?

Ever looked around in your home, apartment or office space and felt the weight of everything in sight was going to give you a panic attack? It’s real easy to feel suffocated with a clutter of items that impede you from either doing your daily tasks or even encouraging you to give up because it’s too much. I had these issues with some books I had. I made a purchase at a garage sale not too long ago, and the seller sold a lot of Daniel Silva books which I’m a huge fan of. I placed the books (it was 4 of them) on my nightstand since I wanted to encourage myself to read more before going to bed versus using my phone. While I did start reading the first book, I realized that I was still resorting to my old habits of using my phone, and just looking at the stack of books discouraged me from reading. 

So the question for today is, if we embrace minimalism, will it help us gain clarity and focus? The answer will not surprise you. So I decided to hide the other books while I tried to make progress one the first one, and I actually started reading again. I realized that just starting at the large pile of books was overwhelming me with the task. 

Declutter Your Space

The best way to start is to let go of the things that don’t bring you any type of joy anymore. That vinyl collection, when was the last time you played some of those records? Maybe you have a bookshelf with all the books you’ve read, make time to go through them and consider letting go of the ones that you didn’t love. If you want to start small, just look at your desk, kitchen or bedroom and let go of things that are not meaningful to you. I promise you will feel lighter and less close to an anxiety attack when you’re done. 

Quality Over Quantity 

Whether if it’s your clothes, your vinyl or book collection, focus on quality over quantity. Choose some nice pieces of clothing that you love and feel great in, and let go of clothes that you haven’t used in more than a year. Do you have your nightstand full of decor items? Maybe remove a couple, remember just because you have space doesn't mean you have to use it for something. Also, let go of relationships that don’t uplift or support you. Go through your phone and delete all those contacts that you haven’t spoken to in a while, and just keep a tight and close circle of people who really do care about you. By narrowing down the things and people that bring joy into your life, you’ll have a beautifully crafted surrounding of those who are truly there for you. 

Mindful Consumption

We live in a world that is constantly encouraging us to buy more and more. Every time you’re thinking about making a purchase, think if whether it’s going to bring joy into your life down the road. Ask yourself, will it really add value to your life. Mindful consumption can also be about your social media use as well. Unfollow all those pages that aren’t really promoting positive of helping you move forward in your life. 

Remember, it’s not about just letting go of things – it’s about making the space for the things that bring you fulfillment, and peace. Start small, and let minimalism lead you to a clearer mind, and more intentional life. 

References: 

https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthu/2023/12/12/5-mental-health-benefits-of-decluttering#:~:text=Decluttering%20your%20living%20space%20or,from%20Old%20Bridge%20Medical%20Center.

https://www.myhubble.money/blog/embrace-mindful-consumption-and-minimalism-for-a-happier-life#:~:text=In%20conclusion%2C%20embracing%20mindful%20consumption,find%20more%20joy%20in%20life.

https://seasoned-journeys.com/minimalism-and-its-positive-effects-on-your-mental-health/

https://lifegoalsmag.com/quality-quantity-minimalist-happier/