In today’s materialistic world, we tend to think the more things we have the better our lives will be.

Yet, this isn’t really the case, and many people are moving to a more minimalistic lifestyle.

Some minimalists define this “less is more” practice as owning 100 things or less.

Others who enjoy a minimalist lifestyle don’t obey a strict rule that dictates exactly how many items they have, they simply limit the number of virtual and physical possessions they obtain, and practice this ideology on an ongoing basis.

However you define minimalism, here are 7 benefits to the idea that you shouldn’t be defined by the number of things you have.

1 – Lower Stress Levels

When you own fewer possessions, you have less stress and anxiety. You don’t have to worry as much about maintaining, protecting, repairing and insuring possessions when you own fewer of them.

2 – You’ll Have More Money

Monitor all of your purchases for 30 days. Strictly judge whether or not you need any and every one of them. You will notice more money in your bank account at the end of that month. When you own fewer things, which you generally have to buy, there is more money available for you to save, or channel into other directions.

3 – Less to Clean

This is a benefit of minimalism not a lot of people think about. Obviously, the more things you own, the more things you have to clean, dust, wash and maintain.

4 – More Free Time

Researching, shopping, negotiating, travel time and trial periods where you can test out a product for free all require your time. You treat yourself to a ton of free time when you are engaging in these activities less and less.

5 – More Freedom

When you have a lot of stuff, you feel anchored to those possessions. People that practice a minimal lifestyle say that one of the first feelings they enjoy is a sense of freedom, as if a weight has been taken from their back, since they don’t have to worry about so many possessions.

6 – You Contribute to a Cleaner Environment

Yes, you help improve the health of the planet when you go minimal. Greedy consumption is leading to unsustainable earth practices. If everyone stopped making needless purchases tomorrow, the earth would instantly be a healthier planet.

7 – You Leave More for Others

Acquiring possessions can sometimes be a greedy endeavor.

Even if you are not adding “things” to your life for greedy reasons, you are, by the very nature of supply and demand, limiting how many things are available for other people.

Minimalism means leaving more for others, including future generations.

Try it!

Namaste,

Suzanne Lieurance
yoganudge.com

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