It’s that time year where I start frantically making plans for the holidays. I’m the planner in the family and the minute I feel it in the air I need to start.
I know, I know. Holidays! Really?! And, Costco has their Halloween AND Christmas decorations out. It's confusing and it triggered my familiar holiday planning craziness. Reviewing my options I started checking out flights for a possible holiday visit to: my brothers, or mother-in-law, or possibly them to my house. And guess what? It’s barely past Labor Day and the flights are few (mostly booked), really expensive (double what we paid last year) My go-to dog sitter is already booked. Ugg. It is way too early for this.
So, before the full on holiday stress sets in, now may be a good time to think about being more zen through minimalism. Minimalism is about intentionally simplifying your life by focusing on what truly matters and letting go of the excess. My whole body says yes to simpler.
When I looked into this I found some easy ways to add some zen/ minimalism, each tailored to different aspects of life. Hey, I figure I need all the zen I can get.
Decluttering Physical Space
Home: Start by decluttering your living space. Go room by room, identifying items you no longer need or use. Donate, sell, or recycle these items. The goal is to create a living environment that feels spacious, peaceful, and free of unnecessary distractions. (This works for your office as well—mine seems to attract paper)
Wardrobe: Adopt a minimalist wardrobe by reducing the number of clothing items you own. Yep, clean out the closet time. Honestly, do you really wear even half of it?
Digital Minimalism
Devices: Declutter your digital devices by removing unused apps, organizing files, and limiting notifications. (Tip: got a desktop filled with files—create a folder for your desktop and move it all into it. Presto! Clean desktop.)
Social Media: Time for a social media diet? Unfollow accounts that don’t add value to your life and set boundaries on how much time you spend on these platforms. Personally, the time saved here I could use to call one of my brothers.
Financial Minimalism
Spending: Focus on mindful spending by prioritizing experiences and purchases that align with your values. Avoid impulse buys and consider whether each purchase will truly enhance your life. (Tip: Delete your amazon app, Uber eats app, etc. Spending with just a click is often mindless shopping)
Budgeting: Simplify your finances by creating a clear budget, automating savings, and paying off debt. Living below your means and focusing on financial security can reduce stress and contribute to a more minimalist lifestyle. (Tip: I’ve attached my credit cards to a savings app. Every time I charge it rounds up and invests for me. I’m currently getting 15-20% interest on this and have a built in emergency fund)
Minimalist Mindset
Mindfulness: Embrace mindfulness as a way to live more intentionally. Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and actions, and make conscious choices that align with your values. (Tip: Set aside some thinking time each week to set your weekly intentions. Even better, spend a few minutes each morning setting your intentions for the day.)
Gratitude: Cultivate gratitude for what you have, rather than constantly seeking more. If you’re not content with what you have, more won’t change that.
Minimalist Relationships
Quality over Quantity: Focus on building deep, meaningful relationships rather than maintaining a large number of superficial connections. Spend time with people who inspire and support you. Of course this means you need to know who those people are. Yep, more thinking time.
Boundaries: Set clear boundaries in your relationships to protect your time and energy. Learn to say no to commitments that don’t align with your priorities. Honestly, just clarity here can save you so much grief.
Minimalist Schedule
Time Management: Simplify your schedule by prioritizing essential activities and reducing commitments. Focus on what brings you joy and eliminate activities that cause unnecessary stress. (If you have your boundaries set, this gets easier)
Slow Living: Take time to enjoy the present moment, rather than rushing through life. Appreciate the now. This might involve slowing down your work pace, spending more time in nature, or simply taking the time to notice everyday experiences.
Minimalist Health and Wellness
Simple Nutrition: Focus on a simple, nutritious diet that nourishes your body without the complexity of fad diets or excessive supplements. Eating whole, unprocessed foods can be a minimalist approach to health.
Exercise: Adopt a minimalist exercise routine that fits your lifestyle. Whether it’s daily walks, yoga, or a simple strength-training regimen, the key is consistency and enjoyment rather than complexity.
Minimalist Travel
Light Packing: Practice minimalist travel by packing only the essentials. A lighter suitcase not only reduces stress but also allows for greater mobility and flexibility on your travels. (Do you really need 5 pairs of shoes?)
Experience Over Possessions: Focus on experiences rather than souvenirs. Immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of your destination, creating lasting memories rather than accumulating physical items.
Choosing Your Path
Minimalism is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about finding the path that resonates with you and aligns with your values. Whether you start with decluttering your home, simplifying your schedule, or adopting a minimalist mindset, each step toward minimalism brings you closer to a life of greater intention, clarity, and peace. And let’s face it, as the pumpkin spice latte season takes over—shouldn’t we add the peace on earth element? Maybe, as we simplify one area the rest will follow, and what is truly important to us will rise to the top.
Karen C. Freeman
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