Each year we celebrate National Simplicity Day on July 12, Henry David Thoreau’s birthday. Back in high school English we learned Henry David Thoreau was a transcendentalist.
What does that even mean? Thoreau believed that people have knowledge about themselves that “transcends” the external forces in their lives, so he advocated for living a simpler life to better get in touch with those feelings. A desire for the simple is still popular today.
National Simplicity Day reminds us to live simply in natural surroundings and direct our focus internally. It is a chance to re-evaluate our needs and understand that “less is more.”
The concept of minimalism has become widely popular in recent years because simplifying your life brings balance, freedom, and joy. It enhances all four dimensions of wellbeing:
FINANCIAL
It reduces excessive waste. Did you know that $1.2 trillion a year is spent on buying non-essential items in the U.S. alone? In fact, on average people spend an $18,000 per year on non-essential items. Having too many possessions complicates our lives by draining our bank accounts, our energy, and our attention.
Having debt contributes to our mental clutter. Paying it off leads to reduced spending, and that means you can set more aside for your long-term financial goals, like investing or saving for retirement.
EMOTIONAL
When you simplify, you also begin to appreciate solitude, freedom, and silence — by slowing down you can savor the moment, enjoy life more, and get more done. Sitting silently helps you reflect on your life and what’s going on in the world around you. It can also help you relax, destress, and clear your mind.
PHYSICAL
Living a simplistic lifestyle can also be beneficial to your physical health. It often means less stress and more rest; both are key to being healthy. Being a minimalist allows you to pay attention to your health and listen to what your body is telling you about what is important and make the necessary changes for a healthier lifestyle.
SOCIAL
It’s easier to focus on other people when your life is simpler, and the interactions are more sincere. Likewise, spending excessive time on social media or being occupied all the time can mean relationships suffer. If we reduce or remove these things, we free up more time to spend with friends and family. By simplifying your life and doing less, it could mean shifting your focus to having fewer, more quality friendships and closer relationships.