What is Minimalism and How to be a Minimalist in this Pandemic

During a pandemic, the least we can think about is having less, but what if I told you that minimalism helps you better handle this crisis! You may be curious to know how minimalism helps. Many can get through this crisis, but minimalists live a conservative lifestyle to tackle this pandemic. From the name, you can guess there is something minimal about them. "Minimalism is a style in which a small number of very simple things are used to create a particular effect"- Collins. Let’s take a quick minute and discuss what is minimalism? Minimalism is to live a simple life where your needs are in moderation and declutter things that are not important. Minimalism is a way to improve your lifestyle with the things that add value and importance to your life. You may have a question do I need to be a minimalist. That’s all to discuss! Let's take a stroll to Minimalist Park as you explore how minimalism benefits your lifestyle and particularly during this lockdown. Here this guide is about how to be a minimalist in this pandemic.

1. Making critical decisions is easier for minimalist

When practising minimalism, there is a need to make decisions with fewer choices. Mostly, decisions become tough when there are more choices. Usually, choosing clothes to wear for work or school has to be quick and appropriate. Minimalism helps to make quick and easy decisions. Also, having fewer choices gives us more clarity to make critical decisions in life. Time saved may be used to improve productivity. In a way, minimalist can make the most advantageous choices that will only take a few seconds! During this pandemic, a minimalist lifestyle helps as we focus on social distancing and self-hygiene.

2. Minimalist shop for needs and not for wants

During this pandemic crisis, we tend to buy essentials more than the need. But minimalists buy things to suffice their needs, and they stock up essential only for a smaller period. When you start to practice minimalism try to build a little storage of medicines, water, and food and never hoard. Because hoarding in this crisis may prevent the supply of essential needs for the elderly, doctors, nurses, other frontline workers, and so on. According to Mayo Clinic, hoarding happens in fear and anxiety. There is a probability of getting sick, and it is nice to have a back up to meet the needs. Minimalists have a backup, but they never fill up your whole basement with hand sanitizer!

During quarantine, minimalism can help to get over our wants and focusing on our needs. This pandemic has not only disturbed our health but also changed our lifestyle with social distancing, wearing a mask, etc. A minimalist will find it easy to focus on things that are imperative rather than fulfilling his wants. A minimalist will also have wants, but they don't focus on things that are not essential. Minimalism can alter our minds to concentrate on the needs for this moment. Just like how I mentioned before, a minimalist will always question him or herself if they need that product or does it go in the want pile.

3. A Minimalist saves money and time

A minimalist lifestyle saves money and time. When we start to shop things with clarity and clearness, we make decisions quickly and more precisely. Thus minimalists have a clear thought on what to shop and also buy meaningful things that meet his needs. By making the right choices makes them more prepared for the financial ups and downs. Minimalists will have no panic and won’t live a frenzied life. They will remain calm and prepared. When you start to save money, you also will feel relaxed about financial stability instead of being worried about your future. This pandemic has created job insecurities, but living with core basics will help tackle this period. So when you go or do online shopping prepare a list and always stick to the list. This minimalist list helps to buy things you need, save money and time. When the crisis ends, minimalists will still hold up to this habit, as they will develop clarity of thoughts and never hoard. During the lockdown, a lot can happen, but minimalists need not have to be head over heels to pay for the unavoidable expenditure. Instead, they lead a happy life as always.

4. Digital Minimalism is a must for this lockdown

Digital minimalism is when we stop using our computers, laptops, mobile, etc. and focus on other mindful activities. When we get information from media or read articles that are not authentic, our mind comes under stress and fear. This fear creates unrest in the mind and disturbs our daily life. When there is an increase in fear and anxiety in the mind, which over time leads to other mental health issues and troubled interpersonal skills. It is a good idea to have information or updates on COVID 19 but, too many stats can also over alarm you. This panic will drive you to hoard and also cause deprivation of mental peace. So try to minimize digital media and focus on mindfulness. Increased digitalism will create a sense of insecurity and depressed mental status. You may look for hope in the media, but our thoughts are just designed to create fear. A minimalist will be independent of media and use his or her time for other things. Minimalist takes news once a day. We should also listen to sources from trustworthy media and channels.

A list of things you can do in this corona pandemic that can inculcate minimalism

• Spend time with loved ones

• Read

• Try a hobby

• Exercise

• Cook

• Get enough sleep

• Attach with nature

• Take care of yourself

• Deep clean

• Relax

I have started to practice minimalism and I am planning to watch Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things on Netflix.

This pandemic is the right time we can bring minimalism into practice. Here you are at Minimalist Park. Please share your ideas on minimalism in the comments. I would also love to know your favorite thing about minimalism? I like the organization and mindfulness practised in a minimalist lifestyle. Now it is your turn. See you next time, enjoy the summer and stay safe.