These days, it’s not uncommon to feel the world’s weight on your shoulders. More people are dealing with decision fatigue, anxiety, and other issues that make them look to their homes for peace and comfort in ways they may not have in the past. If this sounds like you and you want to create the perfect sanctuary, consider creating a minimalist home. There are so many benefits to minimalism beyond just the health benefits. If you’re looking for reasons to jump-start your journey to peace through a minimalist aesthetic, keep reading for proven reasons a minimalist home is beneficial.
Less Stress
There are many ways to de-stress your home, and minimalism greatly reduces the chaos. Did you know that the average American home has over 300,000 items? That’s a remarkable amount of belongings you must clean, tidy up, and repair when broken. Not to mention, the stimulation of visual clutter has been shown to increase cortisol levels, especially in women. Minimalism can help you achieve a serene and stress-free home environment.
Mental Health Benefits
While less stress goes hand in hand with mental health benefits, there are more benefits to your mental health than minimalism brings. With fewer distractions in your home, you can focus much better than someone with too many possessions; even an average amount of possessions can distract you. In addition to focus, minimalists experience less anxiety, more happiness, and more fulfillment. You’re also more confident when your mind is clear and free from too much stimulation. If you struggle with mental health issues, in addition to calming practices like meditation, therapy, CBN gummies, and regular exercise, minimalism can help boost your mental health.
Financial Freedom
More than half of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Even if financial insecurity is something you’re used to, it can still take its toll. Living more intentionally with what you bring into your home makes you less likely to spend money you can’t afford on unnecessary items. While the impulse to shop can feel rewarding at the moment, the financial guilt experienced afterward far outweighs the temporary benefit. While it takes time to achieve financial freedom through minimalism, it is possible and is one of the most cited benefits by minimalists. In addition to saving money through shopping less, you can also choose to sell valuable items as you declutter them. While this takes more effort than donating or giving away your belongings, you can make some serious cash to help pay down debt and create a rainy day fund.
More Time
Life is short; time is precious. We’ve all heard these adages exist because there is truth. There never seem to be enough hours in the day, but think about how much time you waste cleaning up dishes, toys, clothing, and other things that could be significantly reduced simply by owning less. If you have a family, getting them on board with decluttering and owning less may feel impossible, but they, too, will reap the benefits of more time once you’re on your minimalist journey. In addition to more time in your day, you have more time to spend doing activities you and your family enjoy. Making memories together, going on vacations, and volunteering in your community. These things become more feasible when you reclaim your time through minimalism.
You’re Helping the Environment
In addition to the personal benefits of curating a minimalist home and lifestyle, you’re also creating a better environment and future for your children. The climate crisis is real, and every small step we take in our homes does have a global impact. Living and purchasing intentionally reduce waste from our homes and less demand for items mass manufactured in harmful factories. On top of accumulating and discarding less physical items, many people who live minimalist lifestyles find it trickles into other areas of sustainability, from installing rain barrels at home, picking up gardening, and choosing more environmentally friendly products used in the maintenance of their home.
Minimalism has benefits beyond those outlined above, though the ones mentioned are the most significant payoffs when creating a minimalist home. There are no rules or outlines for minimalism. You don’t have to have white walls and no knick-knacks. The minimalist home is about living free from items that no longer serve you. If you’re ready to start feeling less stressed, save money and feel at peace in your home, let the benefits above motivate you.
Mark is the founder of Financial Pilgrimage, a blog dedicated to helping young families pay down debt and live financially free. Mark has a Bachelor’s degree in financial management and a Master’s degree in economics and finance. He is a husband of one and father of two and calls St. Louis, MO, home. He also loves playing in old man baseball leagues, working out, and being anywhere near the water. Mark has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, NerdWallet, and the Plutus Awards Showcase.