Minimalism has taken the world of wellness by storm in recent years. It’s everywhere, from Marie Kondo’s many books to The Minimalists’s documentary on Netflix.
What is minimalism, though? Well, simply put, it’s the process of taking things away. Why? Because, as Paulo Coelho once said,
If it doesn’t add to your life, it doesn’t belong in your life.
In truth, most of us find it difficult to part with our possessions - even if we don’t need or use them very often. Over our lifetimes, these items pile up and pile up. We start finding clutter everywhere. Inside our desk drawers, in our wardrobe, pantry, bedside tables.
The thing is, when we allow mess to build up like that, it makes our mental state messy, too. We start thinking about the mess around us rather than the tasks that need completing. It hinders both our productivity and our ability to relax.
If follows, then, that we could all do with a little declutter every once in a while. But where should you begin? Here are three simple ways to start.
Clear surfaces. Desks, beside tables, kitchen worktops. Clear your surfaces of any unused clutter, putting it away or discarding it entirely.
Reorganise your wardrobe. If you haven’t worn an item of clothing at all in the past six months, you don’t need it. Give it away, sell it or throw it out.
Declutter your bathroom. Clutter builds up in the bathroom easily. Empty bottles, blunt razors, old toothbrush heads. Throw them out.
Once you begin decluttering, it becomes a little addictive. You’ll find yourself wanting to clear more things out - and that’s a good thing. Continue on your mission until you’re satisfied.
The feeling of peace that comes from a good-old declutter is wonderful. For the first time, you’ll be able to relax in your spaces without thinking about the mess surrounding you. And wouldn’t that be nice?
Self-Care Saturday: It’s important to work hard, but it’s also important to look after ourselves. When we’re busy, our mental and physical health are usually the first things to fall to the bottom of our priority pile. For that reason, Self-Care Saturday is all about taking the time out indulge in a little self-love - about discovering new ways to take care of ourselves, even if that means we have to take a day off.
Photo by Robert Bye on Unsplash