HOW MINIMALISM REDUCES ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

Have you ever been at that point where you felt like your whole life was falling apart? I know exactly how that feels because I’ve been there myself.

 

For a moment, I sat down and asked myself questions like, “what’s really making me feel anxious and depressed?” “Why do I constantly feel like my life is in chaos and out of control?” 

 

The things that I was once excited about, like planning a vacation with my friends, didn’t matter much to me. I was lost in thought, like someone drifting into an overwhelming blackness. Looking back at my mental state, the best word to describe it is ‘Terrifying.’

 

After years of struggling on my own, I’m glad to say that I found a way out of my ordeal through therapy, minimalism, and confiding in my loved ones. 

 

Maybe you’re there thinking, “oh! What has minimalism got to do with improving your mental health?” 

 

Well, you’ll soon find out!

 

Minimalism Helped Me Become Guilt-free

 

One of the best decisions I made while trying to fight depression was to adopt a minimalist approach to life. For some who may not know, a minimalist lifestyle means removing anything that distracts you from living free and purposeful. 

 

I realized that I didn’t need to compare myself to others or feel inferior to them. Neither do I have to feel guilty for not living up to their expectations.

 

When the feeling of guilt and regret were all dealt with, I had enough room to focus on my purpose and how I wanted my life to be. 

 

Ever since, I have become happier about my decisions because they now reflect what I want out of life, not what others think my life should be.

 

My Stress Levels Reduced With Minimalism

Family had started to notice that the way I managed stress had improved, and other people also gave the same compliment.
Well, clutter and mess had triggered my abnormal stress levels, but my minimalist approach won again, giving me less to worry or feel over-stimulated about.

 

Minimalism Restored My Sense Of Purpose

When you feel out of purpose, it’s difficult to enjoy your life and live it to the full. But that was the old me! 

 

Minimalism gave me back a sense of purpose, and now I’m living life the way I want it and focusing on only what’s important to me. Every day, I’m happier about my decisions because they align with my life’s purpose. 

I’m finally living, not just existing.

 

Minimalism Reduced My Decision Fatigue

We’re constantly making decisions- what to eat and what not to eat. What to wear to the beach and what not to wear on an adventure. Where to have dinner or whether to eat a home-cooked meal… and it just goes on and on.

 

For me, my major challenge was deciding what to wear whenever we travel, and it always stressed me out every time I opened my large closet. After I decluttered my wardrobe, I had fewer clothing options to worry about, and that simplicity changed my mental health for good.

 

Minimalism Gave Me A Mindset Shift

Have you ever scrolled through your social media feed and just felt very inadequate after seeing the fancy lifestyle or perfect pictures of some of your following? 

 

We’ve all been there at some point.

 

Minimalism gave me a mindset shift. Instead of feeling less from comparing myself to my virtual friends, I began to see it as their way of enjoying their life and living it to the full. 

 

I figured out how to enjoy mine as well by living purposely and developing a sense of gratitude for how far I’ve come and faith for greater accomplishments.

 

Did I also mention that I used to be so anxious about my finances? How could I forget! Through minimalism, I figured out how to reduce my spending, and the depression I always felt from my financial struggles fizzled out effortlessly.

That is my story, what’s yours?