Those who care about fashion will understand the irresistible urge to buy clothing or accessories that perfectly express who we are. More often than not, these purchases are not mindless, but reflections of taste and values. And yet, there comes a moment when their meaning fades, and the weight of all we own begins to press down on us. When does the love for objects become something else entirely?
The answer lies in how our mental well-being is partly shaped by our surroundings and the material possessions within them. A carefully curated collection can bring temporary satisfaction, but too much can crowd the mind. And so, we arrive at the notion of minimalism.
In an article in the Journal of Positive Psychology, Joshua Hook, lead author and professor at the University of North Texas, writes, “In our society today, we often get caught up in going after ‘more’ thinking it will make us happy. But studies have shown that reducing your consumption and lowering your focus on material goods is actually related to more happiness.”
This is because the state of our physical space affects our mental health more than we might realise. Overloaded rooms are likely to cause anxiety and decision fatigue, while relatively simplified rooms can offer calm and encourage focus. A study in the Journal of Economic Psychology makes this argument, showing that individuals who place high value on material goods tend to experience greater financial stress, poorer money-management skills, and an increased tendency towards compulsive buying.
Minimalism also raises questions about how much we rely on objects to curate our identities. It is easy to give in to the culture of consumerism and equate self-worth to the things we own. But once we practice minimalism, we will begin to notice that identity is not in what we own, but in what we value.
Another reason why minimalism is the way to go for this year is because a sustainable lifestyle is more urgent than ever. The intentional and mindful philosophy of minimalism coincides with the sustainable lifestyle. This year, we should choose brands that use biodegradable materials and reusable goods, replacing rather than accumulating, in a world already overflowing with excess.
Whether we embrace minimalism fully or take small steps towards its principles, minimalism invites us to live deliberately and to find, in less, the contentment we have long sought in more.
Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash