Holistic Simplicity in 7 Easy(ish) Steps

Too much junk is cluttering up my home, body and brain.

Dammit, I’ve had enough.

As a recovering maximalist, I need some tips to follow in order to arrive at the minimalist life of my dreams. And let me tell you, I found some friggin tips.

So I’ve been doing a lot of reading and have come up with the following 7 steps to achieve my own kind of minimalism. Some come from my most recent heros (links above), and some are born right out of my own experiences as I’ve started down the path to holistic simplicity.

1. Go through and simplify one “area” each day.

This can be a drawer, shelf, corner, or dresser – whatever you’ve got it in you to do. Some days I can attack a whole section of my closet, others just one square foot of countertop. Don’t hold yourself to inflexible standards. Just get in the habit of doing a bit of simplifying each day.

2. Get some warm fuzzies from the act of simplifying.

Give your unwanted clothes, books, or whatevers to friends who would appreciate them. Donate your magazines to a library and your clothes to a charity. If you get warm fuzzies from making a little cash (that’s me!), sell your stuff at a yard sale or online. In short, enjoy the act of simplifying.

3. Do three hobby activities each week.

I’ve got a lot of hobby-related clutter. If I’m going to keep it, I should at least get some joy out of it. On the other hand, if I can’t bring myself to knit a couple times a week, I shouldn’t really keep yarn and knitting needles around. Get into the habit of doing the activities you like to do. After all, your new simplified lifestyle will have room for them.

4. Don’t buy anything but groceries for 30 days.

(Ok if necessary you can gas up your car too, I suppose.)

This one might really be a toughie. Chances are good that you’ve already got everything you need to make it for a month – clothes, shoes, household items, personal entertainment, etc. So for the next 30 days, call it good. Don’t buy a new book, don’t browse the sale racks, don’t pick up a new color nail polish, just don’t. My 30 days start today, and I’m really excited to see how it goes. This one will reset the way I think about buying, and I expect my bank account at the end of the month will encourage me to keep it up.

5. Drink plenty of water, eat plenty of whole food.

I’m a huge believer in the power of food over our bodies and minds, and I can’t believe that a minimalist lifestyle is achievable while eating junk. Processed food, fast food, junk food and soda will only leave your body feeling at odds with simplicity. Feed your body from nature and your natural instincts to live simply will thrive.

And if you’re up for it - go vegan or vegetarian. Try it for a week. Seriously.

6. Use your body for (at least) 10 minutes each day.

Exercise is practically a dirty word to me. It makes me think of going to the gym, pulling out the pilates video, or going for a sweaty jog… basically it makes me think of work I don’t wanna do. If you’re like me, don’t exercise; just use your body every day. Whether that means doing some intense yard work or simply stretching your muscles, it’s important to get your blood flowing to give your mood, brain, and overall health a boost. If you’ve got a functioning body, be thankful and use it!

Which brings me to -

7. Incorporate your spiritual/religious beliefs into your simplicity goals.

Making this connection will further cement minimalist habits into your daily routine. Without it, living simply will most likely be a passing fad in your life. Connected with your spirituality, it can play a vital role in your purpose on earth. Give your simple life greater meaning.

I am convinced that a holistic approach is required for making any positive life-change. As I retool my life to focus on what’s important, I’ll get in the habit of including physical, mental and spiritual simplicity into my plan. Join me!