“Beware of the barrenness of a busy life.” –Socrates
recently, new york times labeled as a modern family most stressed, tired and in a hurry successive generations. Few people would disagree.
I have no doubt that one of the reasons this may be true is that our modern generation owns more things than at any time in human history. As material goods become more accessible and affordable, we accumulate more and more.
Moreover, as the pace of life has increased, so has the expectation that being busy is something to be proud of. We often complain that life has become busy…but we always complain loud enough for everyone to hear. It’s as if being busy has become a badge of honor that we all want to wear.
But does this never-ending pursuit bring true fulfillment? i doubt it.
As Socrates said, beware of the barrenness of a busy life.
Minimalism offers a different perspective and approach to living life to the fullest.
Here are 10 ways you can make yourself less busy by adopting a minimalist lifestyle.
1. Shop less
Freed from the buy-buy-buy consumer culture, you will inevitably spend less time in stores and online marketplaces.
Minimalism teaches us to put our needs before our wants. The result is fewer trips to the store (and less time researching and returning items).
2. Reduce distractions
Remove distractions from your work and living space by minimizing physical clutter.
This increased opportunity to focus increases productivity, allowing you to complete tasks more efficiently and save time.
3. Wardrobe efficiency
Having a minimalist wardrobe means spending less time deciding what to wear each day.
It also takes less time doing laundry, shopping for clothes, and organizing your closet.
There’s a reason so many successful people have adopted this idea.
4. Reduced cleaning and organization
Minimalist homes require less maintenance. You’ll also have more time in your day with fewer items to clean, maintain, and organize.
Want a cleaner home? Own less. Works every time.
5. Intentional Ripple Effect
Embracing minimalism in one aspect of our lives tends to have ripple effects in other areas, such as calendars, habits, and work.
Intentionality evokes intentionality.
6. Clearer Values
Minimalism forces us to articulate and prioritize our greatest values.
When you understand what’s really important to you, you can make better decisions about how you spend your time. We can say no to activities that do not align with these values and devote time to activities that align with them.
7. A new value for quiet moments
As we become accustomed to the idea of “less,” we begin to cherish quiet time.
Instead of feeling like we have to fill every moment with activity, we learn to appreciate the peace in simple, quiet moments. And these moments of quiet solitude nourish our souls and direct our path.
8. Reduce financial stress
Minimalism offers an opportunity to reduce financial stress by owning and buying less.
And less financial worry means less time spent worrying, budgeting, paying bills, and sometimes arguing.
9. Decrease decision fatigue
Every day, we make many decisions about what we wear, what we eat, how we enjoy ourselves, what household chores and errands we get done.
Having fewer possessions and simplifying your routine will reduce the number of daily decisions you make, saving you mental energy and time, which will lead to better decisions in the long run.
10. A life lived in harmony
Less clutter frees us up to focus on what matters most to us. Our most finite resources (money, time, energy, focus) can be spent at our greatest value.
And when that happens, life becomes less “busy”. We still have very important things to accomplish. However, the adjustment does not feel busy. It feels like purpose.
As always, minimalism is a personal journey, and everyone sees it differently.
But in a stressful, hectic, and rushed world, we all appreciate a little less busyness. Minimalism makes it possible.
