The idea of minimalism is not entirely new. It has been around for quite a while, but is seeing a resurgence in our lives today. Minimalism is the art of having fewer physical things and burdens in and around your home so you can focus on other things that you care about.
Throughout our lives, it’s no big secret that we tend to acquire a whole bunch of stuff. We may find ourselves going through a sea of things each time we move to another home or area, or maybe during a spring-cleaning spree. The average American home has more than 300,000 items in it, ranging from clothes, books, kitchen utensils, toys and more. As a society we are drowning in stuff.
It would be one thing if stuff we owned actually added to our general levels of happiness and productivity, but for most people, it brings anxiety and dread- definitely not the key to happiness!
There are many benefits to trying out this lifestyle for mom or dad, especially as a senior when they are about to make the move into their golden years and into their favorite retirement community. Downsizing at any time in life is good to do, but as people age, it may become even more important. Having less clutter in your loved one’s home not only makes their home safer for them as they age, but also helps promote a sense of calm and wellbeing, gratitude and of course- a feeling of peace and tranquility.
Below are 3 benefits of opting for a minimalist lifestyle:
- You take better care of your belongings. Having less stuff means less work and maintenance around the home, as well as helping mom and dad take better care of their belongings. When they have too much stuff, they may not have the time or ability to care for their belongings the way they should be cared for. Minimalism promotes being grateful for what you do have, and prevents you from taking it for granted.
- You learn how to let go. This can be a tricky one. As we age, we may be experiencing the loss of many people- spouses, friends and family included. One of the hardest things we have to do as humans is learn to let people and feelings go, so we can make room for happiness and good opportunities. Mentally preparing yourself for these losses can start by practicing minimalism and beginning to let go of physical things and stuff so you can make more room for the things and people you love.
- You soon learn and realize that happiness doesn’t come from stuff, but from spending time with others, engaging in fun hobbies or activities, or enjoying the great outdoors. When mom and dad have so much stuff they’re drowning in, they may be preoccupied with trying to clear the clutter or organizing the physical items instead of spending time with friends and loved ones. Happiness from experiences will last much longer than anything they buy can, helping them reconnect with loved ones and open themselves up to new opportunities.
Minimalism is a lifestyle and a commitment. Fortunately, it’s an easy thing to start incorporating into mom and dad’s life a little bit each day. By not buying more stuff they save money, become happier and make time for the things in their lives that are truly important.
To learn more about how minimalism can help your loved one’s life and especially help anxiety, click here.
For more tips on how you can start practicing minimalism in your life as a senior, click here.