August 15th, 2021
2 minute read
In short, Minimalism is owning fewer possessions. Consumerism has gripped society with an iron claw and it is not talked about enough. We have become too reliant and obsessive with hoarding, buying and collecting to the point where we would work 7 days a week if it meant owning more stuff. It's an epidemic.
Minimalist living allows you the freedom to spend less time and money on stuff, and spend more energy on actually living. In many ways, its liberating, it allows you to look within and realise you don't need that expensive bag or the latest phone to live a happy life. And if you don't believe me, look at the science. There have been numerous studies proving that people with less are happier (with exceptions obviously). Dr. Joseph Ferrari of DePaul University in Chicago found that clutter directly increases cortisol levels. Cortisol is the hormone that causes stress.
It's a common misconception that Minimalism means living in a one room studio with no furniture or TV. Start small, take a look at your wardrobe, could you afford to donate 30% of your clothes to charity? chances are you probably could. Now move on to technology, it's almost September and Apple will announce the new Iphone soon. Do you need an upgrade? will it make your day-to-day that much happier? I doubt it.
These are questions you should be asking yourself in order to drop that excess baggage and focus on what really matters in your life. Now, for the Muslims reading this, you'd be glad to know that the Prophet (SAW) also adopted Minimalism in his daily life, so you'll actually be reviving a sunnah!
The easiest way to start is to first find your Why. Write down the main reason why you want to adopt this lifestyle. Is it because you want to save money? Is it because you want to be happier?
Next, go through all your possessions and take each item through a 'Use it or Lose it' check. If you haven't used this in the past 3 months and don't see yourself using it in a while, get rid of it. You'd be very surprised with the results.
Thank you again for reading my post, I'd appreciate it if you share this with friends and family