We live in an age where consumerism is encouraged more than ever before. Wherever we look, there are advertisements endorsing pretty much anything you could imagine: perfumes, makeup, clothing, fast food, soft drinks, technology… the list could go on forever. It’s not surprising that most of us spend our disposable income on things rather than experiences.
But when it comes down to it, minimal living can truly change your perspective on things and your understanding of the world around you. Now, it’s exceedingly difficult to break free from the chains of capitalism. We have to pay for shelter, food, and other forms of basic sustenance. However, it’s clear that many of us could cut down on a number of things that we purchase and take on a more minimalistic lifestyle..
There are several benefits of doing so, which we will go through now:
Environmental Benefits
Let’s start with the very planet that we live on. Our current consumption of goods and services has profound effects on the environment, the majority being extremely detrimental to the world around us. We buy things that we don’t need, which are then cast aside. Much of this waste will not degrade and ends up littering the earth.
The way that we get from A to B produces:
- Greenhouse gases
- Destroying the ozone layer
- Contributing towards global warming.
- Deforestation is on the rise
- The general population’s hunger for meat is seeing habitats wiped out to accommodate cattle for consumption.
This is all just scratching the surface. By reducing our consumption of non-necessary goods and services, we can be much more eco friendly. If people accept this en mass, there will be less waste produced and insufficient demand for certain products and services, ceasing their profit and thus their continuation and detrimental effects on the world around us. Minimal living is one of the most environmentally positive life choices that you can make. Check out the quick and simpe guide to living a more eco-friendly life for 2017!
Social Benefits
The more you want to buy, the more hours you’re going to pour into your job. But if you don’t aspire to accumulate a wealth of physical belongings, you have a little more time to focus on things like your social relations. You can reduce your work hours. Instead of spending your time working towards a piece of technology or a designer piece of clothing, you can spend it working towards a better understanding of others and engaging with others.
Personal Benefits
You could also spend your newfound free time to explore yourself a little more. The better you know yourself, the more content you are likely to be with your character.
- Travel
- Meditate
- Tai Chi
- Take up yoga…
Whatever it is that allows you to explore what you like and enjoy will fill your life with a whole lot more joy and positivity than overtime and an impressive car.
This is all easier said than done. It will take time and practice to break free of habit and expectations. But in the end, you will realize that minimal living really can be one of the simplest routes to maximum positivity.
You are so very right about all of this! I retired early from a very stressful job, leaving quite a chunk of change on the table and have since downsized my life dramatically—-And I don’t regret a thing! Love this! Pinned and shared!
HI Heidi,
Living simply can make our lives not only less stressful but so much more fulfilling without all the extra baggage. I can relate to the stressful job and the need to get out. Money can’t buy you happiness and some jobs can drain the life out of you. So glad to know that you have made decisions that improved your life and no regrets! Thanks for stopping by, commenting and sharing my article. Have a healthy, happy & blessed day!
Great article Marla that I pinned. I agree about doing with less. It’s better for the environment, and working less allows us to have time to engage with others or nurture ourselves. Be well and have a blessed day.
Hi Nancy,
I like it would do most of us good to do with less and focus on forming solid relationships and you are certainly correct that it’s better for the environment in so many ways. Thanks for sharing, stopping by and commenting. Have a healthy, happy & blessed day.