We’ve all heard the saying; Tidy House, Tidy Mind. But how true is it? Well in my experience very true.
My most recent obsession is minimalism. I watched the Netflix documentary “Minimalism” and I could feel it changing my life as I watched clean, clutter free spaces move along the TV screen. I have always considered myself tidy, and having a complete clear out wasn’t unusual but this time I had a different perspective. Minimalism isn’t just about having less stuff, studies have shown that is can be a way to combat mental illness, by having fewer things to distract or trigger you, your mental health can be positively affected.
Minimalism gives you more freedom. Say what? I know, I was the same at first but I began the complete overhaul in my very tiny kitchen with the idea that surely I won’t have much to release from the cupboards. But as I went along and followed the two questions to ask whilst creating that pathway to freedom, does it serve a purpose? Does it bring you joy? I held a cake mixer in my hands that my Gran gave me when I moved out of my parents’ home seven years ago and realised that I have never made a cake and that was the start.
I am still making my way through this journey but I can say my house and importantly my mind have a lot more space. I also have more time to do the things I enjoy. The benefits of a minimal life is never ending, but the ones I have noticed in myself, a sense of freedom from being overwhelmed, rid myself of excess stuff, and my favourite one the freedom from the consumer culture that we see so regularly. So take one small space at a time and see how your mind can feel so much happier.
