Minimalism as the best anti-stress (and anti-societal problems) medicine

Flashy advertisements and persuasive influencers make us believe that new things = happiness. That 'more is more'. And it's true, but not in a good way: more stuff is more problems.

Studies increasingly show that constantly accumulating things causes stress. Physical clutter leads to mental clutter as every item competes for your attention. The more we own, the less we genuinely appreciate what we already have. Besides, every item you own carries emotional weight, as you need to maintain, organize and worry about it. Moreover, owning many things causes decision fatigue. How difficult is choosing what to wear in the morning when you own hundreds of pieces of garment?

Not to mention the reduced freedom that comes with owning things: the more you own, the more you are trapped in one place, making living flexibly harder. And then there's hidden costs of owning things. Maintaining, repairing and storing things costs money. And finally, every purchased item has an environmental impact.

You can see, the problem is real. Especially if you consider that the average US household has 300,000 items. That's a lotttt of things taking up your (mental) space. And let's face it, most of the items we hoard are destined to become dust magnets anyways.

Sure, buying shiny new gadgets can be fun. But an item doesn't stay new, and this dopamine hit we get from buying quickly fades, after which the item joins the 'Drawer of Forgotten Dreams', next to the smoothie maker you swore you needed. So, buying doesn't truly make us happy. Immaterial things like friendships, love and health do. That's right, the things that can't be bought.

It should be clear by now: letting go is good.

You're probably familiar with the term minimalism. More and more interior gurus promote the idea of owning less as a reaction against excess. A good approach to decluttering is Marie Kondo's technique: hold each item you own and ask yourself whether it genuinely sparks joy. If it does, you keep it. If it doesn't, it's time to let go. (Don't bother having the spotless home Marie Kondo used to promote in her early days of fame. She admitted that spending time with her kids is now way more important than having a meticulous house.)

This aligns with the principles of Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese practice on creating harmony between people and their surroundings. In Feng Shui, it is believed that objects hold energy (chi). Clutter blocks the flow of chi. By decluttering and thoughtfully arranging spaces, people can create a more balanced, harmonious and energized atmosphere.

Other sources of inspiration could be Scandinavian and Japanese interiors. They both combine functionality with simplicity and beauty. These styles prioritize living with fewer, carefully selected items. Every piece serves a purpose, ensuring that all things add value, while maintaining simplicity, peace and clarity in daily life. Items are often even multi-functional, reducing the number of things we need. Natural light is prioritised. Soft and neutral colours create an airy, spacious feel, while natural materials add warmth.

Minimalism isn't just an aesthetic: it's a way to make deliberate choices, creating a space that reflects who you are. And to keep you from looking for your keys for 20 minutes under an avalanche of 'just in case' stuff.

Don't just chuck your things all out, though. Donate, gift, or responsibly discard, and create a cycle of renewal. Great for both your mental state and the environment. Owning less, passing the things you own on, and buying second hand are powerful answers to overconsumption, an important factor leading to environmental pollution and climate change.

Plus, by giving your items a second life, the stories of these items continue. And people love items with a story. I mean, how precious is the ring you inherited from your grandmother? The tent in which your cousin made the trip of his life and that he passed on to you for more adventures? The coat that kept the stranger you bought it from warm during his daily evening walks through icy Paris?

Again, we can find inspiration in Japanese philosophies. The Japanese concept of wabi-sabi means finding beauty in imperfection, appreciating the uniqueness of aged or handmade items and celebrating natural wear and tear. These objects have a history. It's about the appreciation of things with a story.

Minimalism isn't about owning nothing. It's not about living in an empty house with a single chair in the middle. It's about owning the right things.

So if you do decide to buy something, make it worth it like a minimalist would. Research well and choose items of high quality. They might be more expensive to start with, but they last longer and require less maintenance, eventually saving you money. Or go for things that have a story. Pre-loved or vintage items add character and meaning to your space in a way that any mass-produced item couldn't.

Less can truly mean more. If only we decide to rethink our things.