The Power Of Simplicity: 5 Mental Health Rewards Of Embracing Minimalism

Here's why adopting a philosophy of minimalism can maximize your mental well-being.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | July 6, 2023

Minimalism is a lifestyle philosophy that emphasizes the intentional reduction of material possessions and the simplification of one's physical and mental space. It is mainly a response to the excessive consumerism and cluttered environments that have become prevalent in modern society. In general, minimalism has been found to have a profound impact on mental health, promoting a sense of calm, clarity and overall well-being.

For instance, an article published in the Journal of Positive Psychology suggests that there are definite psychological advantages to adhering to a philosophy of minimalism and voluntary simplicity.

The lead author, Joshua Hook of the University of North Texas, comments, "In our society today, we often get caught up in going after 'more' — for example, more money, a bigger house, a fancier car, etc. — thinking it will make us happy. But studies have shown that reducing your consumption and lowering your focus on material goods was actually related to more happiness."

Here are five ways in which minimalism can positively influence your mental health.

1. Better Mood

One of the primary benefits of minimalism is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Our environment plays a significant role in determining the status of our mental well-being, and living in a cluttered space can be overwhelming. When you eliminate physical clutter, you also experience a reduction in mental clutter, which can uplift your mood.

In a study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, women who described their homes as less cluttered and more organized experienced a decrease in depressed mood over the course of the day. In other words, a home environment free from clutter and disorder may contribute to a more positive emotional state.

The bare necessities approach of minimalism can help people keep their living space stress-free, taking away a big chunk of anxiety and work they previously worried about. This also relieves brain space to pursue other activities that are more enjoyable than straightening up one's house.

2. Better Focus and Productivity

Minimalism leads to heightened productivity and focus by effectively eliminating clutter and distractions. When we surround ourselves with fewer possessions, we minimize the chances of being overwhelmed or sidetracked by unnecessary items. This intentional reduction of physical clutter creates a clearer and more organized environment, enabling us to concentrate on our priorities.

Psychologist Asaf Mazar explains that a cluttered environment can create figurative "friction," which refers to the overstimulation and distractions that hinder positive behavior. To reduce this friction, it is important to eliminate minor distractions that interfere with our focus.

With fewer distractions vying for our attention, we can direct our energy and mental resources toward the tasks that truly matter.

3. Financial Security

Minimalism promotes financial abundance by encouraging mindful spending and conscious consumption. By adopting a minimalist mindset, we become more aware of our actual needs versus our wants. This shift in perspective empowers us to make informed decisions about our purchases, distinguishing between essential items and unnecessary indulgences.

When we curb impulse buying and avoid unnecessary expenses, we save money and allocate our resources more wisely. We become more intentional about our financial choices, prioritizing investments that align with our values and long-term goals.

A series of studies published in the Journal of Economic Psychology found that individuals who endorsed materialistic values exhibited higher levels of financial worries, poorer money-management skills, and a greater tendency towards compulsive buying and spending. The study also found direct links between overspending and deep financial debts.

Thus, mindful spending can not only prevent wastefulness but also cultivates a greater sense of financial security and freedom.

4. Lowered Loneliness

In a society that often equates material possessions with self-worth, minimalism redirects our focus towards experiences, personal growth, and meaningful connections.

According to a study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, when individuals equate success with material accumulation, they may feel compelled to constantly acquire and display possessions to validate their achievements. This emphasis on material success can inadvertently isolate individuals from meaningful social interactions, as the pursuit of possessions takes precedence over building and nurturing relationships. As a result, these people may ultimately end up feeling lonely.

When you cut down on your constant pursuit of material possessions, you get to invest more time and energy in nurturing relationships, building social connections, and finding fulfillment through human interaction.

5. Greater Sense of Well-Being

Simplifying our lives and reducing clutter can create a space that promotes tranquility and harmony. Living in an environment that is free from excessive belongings allows us to appreciate the beauty of simplicity and be more present in the moment.

For instance, a study published in International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology found that individuals who embraced minimalism reported experiencing a range of positive impacts on their overall well-being. The study identified five key themes, namely:

• Autonomy
• Competence
• Mental space
• Awareness
• Positive emotions

These findings reinforce the idea that intentional and mindful approaches to consumption and possession can have positive effects beyond just making your day-to-day life a little easier. Not having to worry about accumulating more things can broaden your horizon and create meaningful changes in your worldview as well.