Am I A Minimalist? 20 Signs You Might Be

Am I A Minimalist? 20 Signs You Might Be

by ajohnson | Feb 28, 2023 | Blog, Minimalism, Opinion

Minimalism has been the talk of the town lately. It’s the in-trend approach to life that many people are considering practicing. And those who have already practiced it have promised that they would not let it go. 

But have you wondered, why this rage? I mean it’s just an approach, a concept. Well let me correct you, it’s not just an approach, it’s not just a concept. It’s LIFE CHANGING. 

Less is more, savings, frugality, simplicity, zero wastage are all the pillars of minimalism. Interestingly, these principles are not new and exclusive to minimalism. Yet surprisingly, these values and principles are what most of us follow and believe in. So, if you happen to be on the list, you are already a minimalist! 

Minimalism gives you more time and space to do the things you want — travel, experiences, quiet time, quality time, etc. These are just a few things you can gain with adopting a minimalist lifestyle!

Need more? Well, look for these signs and find out for yourself. 

Am I A Minimalist? 20 Signs You Might Be

1. You declutter from time to time because a cluttered, messed-up home obstructs you in your daily affairs.

You seem20 Signs You’re Secretly a Minimalist to have a struggle concentrating when you have a load full of things lying around you. So, whether there’s tons of stuff on your plate or not, you manage to take some time out for decluttering. 

2. You focus on moments, not materials.

You are someone who is not driven by materialist temptations. So you don’t give a damn about what things you have, and what you don’t; rather you are more concerned about moments and memories.

3. You think you don’t belong in this age.

You uphold your own values and principles. But when you look at the world driven by materialism and consumerism, it somehow breaks your heart. You wish to go out and scream at the top of your lungs, as you know it’s you against the world. 

4. You believe in savings.

Money has been an utmost concern for you, not because you are not able to make ends meet, but because when you think of the future, you see millions of expenses, and you know what can save your future is your savings. 

5. You focus on quality, not quantity.

Unlike the rest of the world, quantity does not concern you but quality. You are someone who wishes to spend their money, if at all, on something, which has to be of the utmost quality. You don’t care if you buy one unit of it, or three, it has to be top quality, and you don’t settle for anything less. 

6. Your home has a lot of space for movement.

As a secret minimalist, you let the principle reflect in your home. You don’t stuff your home with a million decoration or storage pieces, instead, you consider keeping fewer possessions. You don’t concern yourself with filling up the walls and passage, you concern yourself with the space your halls and rooms provide. 

7. You are decisive.

While the world out there plucks out flower petals trying to decide what to keep and what to let go of, you are pretty sorted in this area. You don’t find it hard enough to declutter. You decide you don’t want this thing or that, it is of zero value to you, and so you put it down the trash without thinking twice. 

8. You never struggle to find time to do things you like.

As fellow minimalists, finding time is not a hassle for you as for other house makers or professionals. Owning fewer possessions diminishes your cleaning time drastically and allows you to spend more time doing what you enjoy. Consequently, you don’t struggle to make time for the people you love.

9. You don’t find happiness in things.

If someone asks you, would a million dollar and a large home with all the amenities would make you happy, your answer would be a straight NO. All because as minimalists, you don’t find happiness in things and possessions. For you, happiness lies with people you love. 

10. You have good mental health.

As minimalists, you are sorted in life. Life is complicated, but you don’t let its complexities affect you. You go out there in the world, live in the moment, take time out for things you like to do, and all that what counts as peace and happiness for you. You don’t enjoy wasting time on miscommunications and conflict. 

11. You are satisfied with what you have.

Minimalism is not about forcing yourself to own less. It’s about being satisfied and content with what you already have, so you don’t crave for more. If you are someone who is satisfied with the life you live, and what you own, my friend you are a true minimalist despite you acknowledging it. 

12. You want to gain control of your life.

As they say, you are the author of your own life, you firmly believe in that. You are not someone who lets the universe and thoughts control your life. Instead, you take matters into your hand. You take actions. So you go out there, grab things you want rather than waiting for life to hand them to you. 

13. You can distinguish between what you want and what you need.

People exhaust their credit card limit because they fail to differentiate between things they need and things they think they need. There’s a difference between the two, and if you recognize it, and let it influence your purchasing decisions, my friend you are a minimalist at heart. 

14. You are an environmentalist at heart.

When you stand for minimalism, you stand by a zero-wastage principle because you care a lot about the environment. You anticipate how your one decision or consumption would affect the environment, and you make a wise decision accordingly.

15. You are organized or wish to be organized.

If you are a Monica Geller or Sheldon Cooper when it comes to organization, that my friend is enough for us to declare you a minimalist at heart. 

16. You donate often.

As a minimalist, your goal is never solely to eliminate things from your home but to give them away to see how it can change the lives of others, and perhaps spread a smile on their faces. Consequently, you never think twice about donating things you know would be much more useful for someone else. 

17. You don’t own a large wardrobe.

We are no stranger to human propensity of having a vast wardrobe. However, if you happen to be someone who can go live their life on just 5-6 pairs of clothes, you deserve the title. 

18. You are worried as to how buying something would affect your space.

A lot of people worry about their credit card bills before making purchases; however if you worry about the space it will obstruct or how you wished to own fewer things, that counts as minimalism. 

19. You prioritize doing special things for people.

Your idea of a perfect gift is not a branded watch, or a Gucci bag, but it’s a smile you can spread on their faces by doing something special for the people you love.  

20. You have your priorities.

You know what you value the most in your life, and that makes things easier for you. 

 

Ask yourself then, are you a minimalist? Admittance won’t harm you, in fact, minimalism is a good thing. Be proud of yourself. 

If you’re like me, you enjoy having a lot of options when it comes to your wardrobe. But after a while, all of those clothes can start to add up both in terms of cost and clutter. That’s where living a minimalist lifestyle comes in. A capsule wardrobe is one way to embrace minimalism and save money at the same time.

In conclusion, you know you’re a minimalist when you display these characteristics of a minimalist person…

1. You believe that less is more. And that intentional living is key. This means being purposeful and intentional about the things you allow into your life, including material possessions.

2. You’ve decluttered your home and gotten rid of anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or bring you joy. For you, living with less means having more space to breathe and move freely. It also means having less to worry about and taking better care of the things you do have.

3. You don’t believe that stuff equals happiness. You think the Pursuit of Happiness is a bit misguided. Instead, you focus on experiences over things and on living in the present moment.

This doesn’t mean you don’t ever buy anything new it just means that your purchases are intentional and based on need rather than want.

If you need some further confirmation and inspiration of Minimalism, I have quite a few posts on the topic and you can check them out here: 
What Is Social Media Envy and How to Deal with It

What Is Social Media Envy and How to Deal with It

by ajohnson | Feb 16, 2023 | Blog, Business, Health, Life, Opinion

Do you ever feel like you’re falling behind on social media? Like everyone else is doing something amazing and you’re just not keeping up? If so, then you might be experiencing social media envy. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a very common phenomenon, but it can be tough to deal with. I find when I take a break from social media, I feel one of two ways: I feel jealous and envious of what I missed or I reflect on the time I spent doing something else. In this blog post, we will discuss what social media envy is, and how to overcome it!

What Is Social Media Envy

What is social media envy and what causes it

It’s easy to scroll through social media and feel like everyone has a better life than you. The photos people postWhat Is Social Media Envy of themselves on vacation, enjoying a delicious meal, or being surrounded by friends and family can make you feel envious. This feeling is known as social media envy, and it can have serious consequences. Social media envy can lead to low self-esteem, depression, and even anxiety disorders. If you find yourself feeling jealous regularly, it’s important to take some time for self-reflection. Why are you comparing yourself to others? What is lacking in your life that you hope to find by looking at other people’s lives?

Once you’ve identified the root of your social media envy, you can start to work on dealing with it. There are several ways to do this, including unfollowing accounts that make you feel bad about yourself, focusing on your own life and accomplishments, and seeking professional help if necessary. Social media should be enjoyable. So don’t let envy ruin it for you. Remember, comparisons are rarely accurate, and social media is often an unrealistic portrayal of reality. Don’t let the highlight reel of someone else’s life ruin your happiness!

Symptoms Of Social Media Envy

  • Comparing yourself to others
  • you’re feeling inadequate
  • feeling like you’re not good enough
  • feeling behind
  • FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)

The effects of social media envy

It’s no secret that social media can be a breeding ground for envy. We compare ourselves to others, scrollingHow to deal with social media envy through carefully curated images of people’s “perfect” lives and feeling inferior in the process. But what exactly is social media envy, and how can we deal with it?

Also known as FOMO, social media envy is the feeling of jealousy or insecurity that we experience when we see other people’s lives online. According to a recent study, nearly 60% of millennials say that social media makes them feel worse about their own lives. And it’s not just young people who are affected; we all seem to be susceptible to the negative effects of constantly comparing ourselves to others.

How To Avoid Social Media Envy

How to overcome social media envy

Social media has become such an integral part of our day-to-day lives that it’s hard to imagine a world without it. Although social media can be a great way to connect with friends and family, it can also be a breeding ground for envy. If you find yourself constantly comparing your life to the “highlight reel” of others, it might be time to take a step back and evaluate your relationship with social media. Here are a few tips to help you avoid social media envy:

1. Approach social media with a different mindset: Instead of looking at social media as a competition, try to see it as a source of inspiration. There’s no need to compare your life to the highlight reel of others – everyone has their own unique journey.

2. Count your blessings: It’s easy to get caught up in what we don’t have, but try to take a moment each day to appreciate what you do have. Whether it’s your health, your relationships, or your accomplishments, be grateful for what you’ve been able to achieve.

3. Avoid comparisons: Comparing yourself to others is only going to make you feel worse. Instead of looking at what others have, focus on what

4. Seek professional help: If you find that social media is negatively impacting your mental health, it might be time to seek professional help. A therapist can help you work through any feelings of envy and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Dealing with this problem can be tough, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s life is different.Tips to avoid social media envy Comparison is rarely accurate, and social media is often an unrealistic portrayal of reality.

How To Deal With Envy From Others

Whether your on social media platforms or not, you will likely experience envy from others at some point in your life. Here are some tips for dealing with it:

  1. Don’t be quick to anger – that’s what your opponent wants
  2. Don’t take their insults to heart – what they think doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things
  3. Be true to yourself – don’t apologize your just doing you
  4. Be patient to respond – quick angry responses are exactly what the other party wants, a reaction
  5. Don’t retaliate – instead, build up your opponent so that they realize you are not the enemy

When it comes to social media jealousy specifically, simply remove them from your profile. You DO have control of who can see your social media, even if its a close friend. Limit the time you spend on social media, set boundaries, and make sure that your social media makes you feel happy.

Additional tips to help you deal with social media envy

Take a break: It’s important to remember that the images we see on social media are often edited versions of reality. If you find yourself feeling envious of someone’s life, it can be helpful to take a break from social media. Maybe set a rule for yourself where you only allow yourself to check social media once a day, or better yet, take a couple of days off altogether. This will help you to remember that what you see on social media is not always an accurate representation of reality.

Reassess the positive things in your life and your goals: It’s easy to get caught up in what we don’t have, but try to take a step back and reassess all the positive things in your life. Make a list of all the things you’re grateful for, no matter how big or small. This will help you to refocus your attention on the good things in your life, rather than what you’re lacking. Additionally, it can be helpful to revisit your goals and remind yourself of why you’re working towards them. This will help to motivate you and keep your envy in perspective.

Social media envy is a common problem that can be difficult to overcome. However, by following the tips we’ve outlined in this article, you can start to develop healthier coping mechanisms and avoid comparing yourself to others. Remember that everyone’s life is different, and it’s important to focus on what makes you happy. If social media is negatively impacting your mental health, it might be time to take a break or seek professional help.

What tips do you have for dealing with topic? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this article with your friends if you found it helpful.

50 Ways to Spend Time Alone

50 Ways to Spend Time Alone

by ajohnson | Feb 9, 2023 | Blog, Life, Opinion

Sometimes what matters at the end of the day is peace. Sadly, not everyone is acquainted with the feeling at all times especially when your head is full of worry and stress because of work, finances, or any other reason whatsoever. However, what can bring you peace is, ‘Me-Time’. In other words, a time spent with yourself. Me time can be the best form of self care and support available to you. 

However, if you find yourself surrounded by people all the time, or are busy doing something or the other, you mightMe time - Ways to Spend Time Alone feel that spending time alone is boring. As a Sagittarius, I would agree, however, even I enjoy alone time on the regular. I’d like to take a moment to help you understand it’s ok to spend time alone. Once you put in this boundary, even your family members will start to feel how important it is for your state of mind.

50 Ways to Spend Time Alone

Benefits Of Spending Time Alone

+ helps you get to know yourself better

+ sparks productivity, empathy, and creativity

+ builds mental strength

+ gives you some much-needed self-care time

+ allows you to consider your passions, goals, and future plans

 

Here are 50 ways to spend time alone

1. Read a book. If you are looking for a recommendation, You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. 

2. Watch a movie. It can help you reduce stress by taking your mind off of your work life and help improve your mental health by checking out of social media. 

3. Bake a cake or cookies. My favorite thing is to melt chocolates and make something out of a chocolate mold. 

4. Declutter your home. (More stuff, means more mess) Take as little as 15 minutes to clear a certain space in your home and I promise if you do it often, it will make you feel better in the long run. 

5. Go for a walk. (You can plug in your earbuds, and explore the world with music.) This one helps you learn how to spend time alone in nature, and helps to improve your mood and physical, triple win on the health benefits front! 

6. Do your pedicure, manicure, facial. Let it be a self-care day! Enjoy your time and take it slow, even throw in a bubble bath to make it seem spa like!

7. Indulge in a workout. (Kill time and burn calories at the same time.)

8. Go for a drive. 

9. Sing songs. (You can be as bad you want to be. No one’s watching)

10. Decorate your home. (Scroll home décor on Pinterest for inspiration)

11. Meditate and/or do Yoga. (Peace and meditation go hand in hand) If you feel lonely, let the mediation and yoga take over that feeling, and really let your emotions go. These are my favorite things to do when I need to cry or let out other emotions because they feel safe to me.

12. Listen to music. (You can listen to new songs, or treat yourself with some nostalgia)alone time ideas

13. Dance your heart out. (Once again, no one’s watching. Be as crazy as you can)

14. Pick up the painting brush if it has been too long. (Reminisce your childhood days perhaps?)

15. Call a long-lost friend with whom you have lost touch. Revive those social connections with family and friends.

16. Visit a bookstore or coffee shop. 

17. Declutter your emails. (Hours would go, and you won’t realize)

18. Clear your phone’s storage. (Yeah, you can delete those thousand pictures clicked in one pose)

19. Create a new meal plan. 

20. Play any musical instrument. (if you happen to have one)

21. Read some blogs. 

22. Write something. You may learn something new about yourself if you just let go of the judgement and let the pen do the magical work. (Again, you don’t have to be as good as Maya Angelo to express yourself, just let your mind wander..)

23. Make a vision board. This doesn’t have to be at the beginning of the year, you can make them for anything and anytime! 

24. Set targets for the week. (A little organization and systematic approach will bring you closer to success)

25. Go grocery shopping. 

26. Rearrange your closet. (That includes folding your clothes, and keeping them properly)

27. Try a new hairdo. 

28. Write things you are grateful for. (Don’t just do it today, include it in your daily routine to be happy and satisfied in life.)

29. Make career plans. (Think, where do you see yourself in the next five years?)

30. Plant a seed. 

31. Update your resume. 

32. Write a letter to your future self. 

33. Have an ice cream date with yourself. (Chocolate ice cream for us, please!)

34. Explore a new place you’ve been wanting to try around your home or work. 

35. Look at old photographs. (Always a good day for some nostalgia :’) )

36. Make new outfits with the pieces you already own. 

37. Do a photoshoot. 

38. Make candles. (Believe it or not, it’s easy. Make a trip to the store if you don’t have the materials)self-care things you can do alone

39. Practice calligraphy. You don’t have to be an artist for that.

40. Watch an inspiring Ted talk. 

41. Watch stand-up comedy and laugh your ass off. 

42. Water your plants. 

43. Rearrange your furniture to give your room a new look. After all, it is your sanctuary. 

44. Customize your gadgets. (Head to Pinterest for wallpapers!)

45. Do a little window shopping (from home, or go out for that)

46. Prepare a hot beverage for yourself. Couple it with a magazine reading. 

47. Create a journal if you do not have one. In case you have, try redecorating it. 

48. Read a newspaper. (Trust us, it is a life-changing habit)

49. Learn a new skill, or consider learning a new language. (Every skill is a plus-point for your resume) 

50. Take a long shower or relaxing bath. (Feel free to sing at the top of your voice.)

That’s it. I hope I have given you plenty of options to choose from to pass the time. Consider alone-time your blessing, there’s so much you can do after all! Especially when you are a new parent, in a new relationship, in a new environment, or newly out of a relationship. Time alone can also help the grieving process, so if you are also grieving, like many during these times, these suggestions can help. 

What do you do in your alone time? Feel free to share it with us in the comment section.