Minimalism And Mindfulness For Moms: The Many Benefits Of Living Minimally

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When you hear the word ‘minimalism’ something inside you just cringes!

Why is that?

It’s probably because we are used to having an abundance of things all around us. Most of the time just because it matches the decor.

Consumerism (owning material objects) fills a hole inside us which used to be filled with something more substantial and something that no longer seems to be around much, mindfulness.

Mindfulness means a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment.

It is this mindfulness that sparks up a fuse that kicks starts your life and changes your overall outlook in the world around you.

This new perspective involves detaching yourself from material things and focuses on thoughts and emotions; mindfulness encourages us to be present.

Thankfully there has been a movement going around that started around the 90’s called minimalism, also known as simple living; but in reality, it is ‘modern minimalism’ as Mia Danielle explains.

Most people associate minimalism with restriction, and you couldn’t be further from the truth.

What is the concept of minimalism?

Minimalism simply means having only the things you need and which serve a purpose in your life, even if that purpose is to ‘spark joy‘ as Mary Kondo puts it – instead of having a more practical value.

No one else has a say in what matters to you, or on what is important and adds value to YOUR life.

My goal here is to share with you how to make the best of your time and energy in a world that simply sucks the life out of you.

And minimalism is one way to do that.

Now, mindfulness and minimalist they are complementary concepts as they both revolve around intentional living.

By embracing minimalism, owning less and simplifying, we create time and space to become more mindful. Allowing us to be present in the moment.

Melissa from Simple Lionheart Life

I know you agree with me that the constant need to buy more and have more can literally eat you alive.

There is no such thing as enough anymore.

We want more and more and not because we actually need more but because we’re constantly told that we do.

Now that you’re more acquainted with the term minimalism, I will share with you how it has changed my life and why I think introducing minimalism into your home will change your life for the better.

If you’re still here, I would like to say, Hi. My name is Genesis and I am the hand behind the curtain of One Stoked Mom, a blog that was born while I was recovering postpartum with my daughter.

Now, I know that you clicking on this post wasn’t by chance.

You are looking for something more out of life, for both yourself and your family.

So let me help you.

Your desire to change is usually brought on by a longing to be more present and in the moment. A longing for better health (mentally and physically as well as emotionally), for time and intentional living as Ashlynne Eaton, puts it.

First, know that it’s a process: it takes time. I was tickled by the minimalist bug back in 2018 when I was around six months pregnant and I’m still working on it today.

It is an ongoing process, but over time you will have an idea of what truly matters and how minimalism works for you.

I will be sharing with you some tips on how to start your minimalist journey, and these tips are tried and true by yours truly. They worked for me as a first-time mom who is trying to figure out motherhood, minimalism and mindful living.

How to begin a minimalist lifestyle?

Three simple steps can get you started on your minimalism adventure.

You don’t need to overcomplicate this.

Simply study, remove and repeat.

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Tip #1: Study.

Take time to go around your home and look and study your surroundings.

Asses and find things that just simply don’t add to your life and put them all together.

This might take you a while and that is okay!

Hack: Grab a clothes basket to put those items you plan to get rid of.

Tip #2: Remove.

Remove those items that do NOT add value. These items can be what you don’t use and what you keep for a ‘what if’ (shoes your worn once or think you’ll use someday).

When removing items from your home consider donating or repurposing before you decide to throw it out.

Tip #3: Repeat.

Do it all again, and again and again…

Over time you will know what you need and what is important for you and your family.

How a space without clutter or an overabundance of material things, adds value to your life.

Minimalism and mindfulness for moms

As a mother, it can be so hard to live minimally because we “need” so many things for our child or children.

Mainly because we WANT to be prepared in case something happens and we want to have it ALL.

That’s understandable but a bit wasteful because most of the things we’re preparing for will never happen.

It’s fear propelling us to hoard things we never use. Anxiety for the future that makes us unwilling to let go of clothes that no longer fit.

So I’ll give you another good tip: stick to what works and what you actually use.

Don’t keep going after every shiny thing, trying product after product, when you already know that what you have been using actually works and you actually like it.

I tend to want to try new things and end up just going back to what I used before and that new product sits and does nothing for me or my family.

As mothers, parents or caregivers for our children, we have no control over the need for bigger clothes or shoes as they grow so fast… but we do have control of the number of things purchased.

And where we purchase them.

Living minimally is healthier for our children and for ourselves.

We have what we need and use which, in turn, models this way of living to our children.

The effect is immensely beneficial as our children grow and live a mindful and fulfilled life.

Living minimally since becoming a mother has changed my life for the better. It has brought a new purpose into my life and it has helped me be at peace in my home.

It feels lighter, brighter and so much better in my home.

Chores such as cleaning and laundry are stress-free now. The number of things I had has been cut to a third which makes these chores quick and my home stays tidy.

And every mom knows a clean and tidy home is the definition of bliss.

Benefits of Minimalism

Minimalism doesn’t just add value to your life, it saves you money and it helps you focus on something more than material things.

It helps you see beyond the here and now.

The most important benefits of minimalism don’t end there, at least in my opinion.

By mindfully living a minimalist life, you can have peace of mind, freedom, time, relief from stress, confidence, money and a completely new outlook in life.

Peace

This may seem odd to some but living minimally can and does bring peace of mind.

Think about it, have you ever opened a kitchen cabinet or pantry and you can’t see the back?

Isn’t it stressful? 

But once you organise it and tidy it up, it it feels like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders, doesn’t it?

That relief you felt, that is peace. 

Now, imagine your home, all of your home filled with this peace.

It’s like paradise.

Freedom

Have you ever felt obligated to buy things or to own something just because it’s trendy or you want to ‘fit’ in?

Well I have and most likely you have too, right?

Because, as humans, we all want to belong to a tribe, don’t we?

Not anymore though, now with minimalism, I have found freedom like no other.

I no longer have the desire to purchase anything other than what I need, use or absolutely love.

No more trying to keep up with the Jones’.

And what a relief that is!

Time

Living minimally frees time, and you will notice this right away.

In my case, I had so many clothes and shoes and jewelry, most I didn’t even use.

Choosing what to wear took so much time.

Once I finally cleaned out my closet and drawers, I realized all the time spent organizing was for nothing because I ended up just gifting, and donating them all. 

Since then I haven’t purchased any new item that I knew I wouldn’t use.

This has freed so much of my time, which I can now use on other far more productive and fun things (such as baking which is something I love doing). 

RESOURCES:
How To Get More Free Time – Written specifically for multitasking, creative free spirits like myself, this post will give you 3 actionable tips you need to get more free time.

Plus: A list of 4 personal time management systems that will help you accomplish your tasks in as little time as possible – resulting in more free time for all the other things you want to do. 🙂

How To Time Track – Learn how to time track effectively in four easy steps. This is basic step of time management that most people forget.

Time tracking helps you learn where your time is going and how much time it actually takes you to get things done (no more guesswork!).

Plus: A bonus list of all the tools you need to time track effectively.

No more stress

Stress is such a big factor in our lives nowadays.

It is bad for our bodies and our minds. 

Now that your home is decluttered, minimalized, and cleaned, you’ll notice practically immediately that you feel a lot less stress over all.

Sometimes, it honestly feels like stress simply melts away.

Confidence 

Living with less is so beneficial for confidence in life and in yourself.

When you’re constantly worried about the latest shoes or phone or activities, it feels like an obligation. 

The pressure almost feels like this noose that keeps tightening around your neck.

But when you live minimally, it opens a door into what is necessary and what you enjoy most. Whether it is trendy or not. 

For example, I love sneakers! With dresses or shorts or skinny jeans. And I absolutely hate heels. Now, instead of wearing heels to follow the trend, I simply wear what I love and feel confident in my own skin as well as at peace. 

Living minimally also helps you focus on who you are a person and less on what you own. 

More money  

The more you own, the more you spend.

Yet, when you don’t spend money on all sorts of unnecessary things you spend less, therefore have more money. 

Now those extra bucks can be date night budget, or saved for that desired vacation you have been putting off for years. 

Side Note: For more tips on what to do with your money, check out our post on effective financial planning.

New outlook on life

The way you look at life, at people, it will all change with minimalism.

This new outlook will fill you with an understanding you didn’t have before. 

Relationships and moments will now be at the top of the list.

 Objects will no longer be desired like before. Having the latest gadget and wanting to impress other people won’t be in your to-do list. 

They won’t obsess you or pressure you.

Minimalism is subjective. It looks different to everybody.

What works for one family doesn’t always work for another, so do not feel discouraged if your minimalist journey doesn’t look like someone else’s. 

The content of this article has been researched and written by Genesis, the content creator of the blog, One Stoked Mom.

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