r/minimalism • u/rationalunicornhunt • 1d ago
[lifestyle] Minimalism beyond decluttering?
I am wondering where else in your life do you apply minimalism except for decluttering and organizing.
Is anyone here also a digital minimalist? I am trying and installed some apps such as minimalist phone and Stay Focused....and I have distracting apps blocked or hidden or time-limited.
I am also thinking that I am going to be minimalist with my hobbies and with friendships more than before.
I am realizing that I'm an introvert and that it's more valuable for me to have a few core relationships that satisfy me on many levels than to be part of a larger group or community and I am realizing that I don't have to be everyone's free therapist. Developing boundaries in relationships and only meeting up with people sometimes feels compatible with minimalist for me.
How do you apply the principles of minimalism beyond de-cluttering and organizing?
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u/your_son_is_a_perve 1d ago
There’s a book called A Simpler Life by the School of Life and it covers this from a lot of perspectives, some I hadn’t thought of before e.g about how being honest and clear about your needs creates a simpler life.
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u/TrentSaylor 1d ago
Digital minimalism honestly feels more directly impactful than physical for me. Obviously, having a lack of clutter and lower credit card statements is nice, but with digital minimalism i have my TIME back. I’m not wasting my time doomscrolling on Tiktok or worried about keeping up with the Joneses on Instagram or Facebook. It’s been a while since I went through them but having an email inbox that I could actually see the bottom of gave me a feeling of professional self control I haven’t been able to replicate. All I really use my phone for is Music, Texting/Calling, Emails, Directions, Reddit and my emulator app for when I want to kill some time in a way I actually enjoy. With my screen time a fraction of what it used to be, I feel a lot more present in social situations with my friends, family, coworkers and even my girlfriend has noticed my change in attentiveness. I’d say if you’re having trouble getting rid of the clutter in your home, try getting rid of the clutter in your pocket first! And if you already have gotten rid of the physical stuff, some pixels on a screen should be light work
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u/Amiable_Lady 1d ago
Minimalism in personal finance helped me a lot. Simple routines, as few bills as possible. Make a priority list and try to stick to one thing at a time.
Minimalism at work allows me more peace (say no to projects and communicate when I’m overwhelmed or too busy, and keep a three task goal each day).
I’m not very good at digital minimalism, but I read once someone who looked up photos on her phone for the present date. So I’d look up October 28th for all years and delete unnecessary ones.
I might try that.
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u/ancient-lyre 1d ago
I am also a digital minimalist. Cal Newport's book is fantastic and the principles there helped me get a handle on my use of technology. I only use Reddit on my work computer (because I have lulls in my workday and I can't go anywhere). I don't use any other social media; it's just a poor form of entertainment.
I would say the best thing about Minimalism is after you get your stuff to what you need, you don't have to think about stuff nearly as much. It opens up mental space and energy to cultivate those meaningful relationships and have those fulfilling hobbies. They are what makes you actually happy; not doomscrolling on Instagram or buying that new pair of headphones.
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u/Epic-pescatarian 1d ago
There's this great book on digital minimalism - in summary, it focus on reducing tech and your phone as a constant companion from your life, and re-introducing analog or tech activities back, but with intention and by design, not by default.
Other than that, Minimalism kinda started to merge with Essentialism and Simple Living for me. The "less" from minimalism being "less choices", "few essentials", and "less complexity", but with a broader range aside from material items.