Minimalism And My Mental Health

in #hive-194848 • 3 years ago

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I've been thinking about what minimalism really means to me as I've been writing some of my hive posts in that line lately. I started by trying to connect the dots in my life and let me tell you, it's not a pleasant discovery.

It's Mental Health Awareness month this month of May by the way, and it means a lot to me because I deal with anxiety and depression. Yesterday, I came to a realization that my need to live a minimalist lifestyle stems from me searching for peace.

I've had a troubled mind for as long as I remember and a coping mechanism was to shed excess weight as regards my personal belongings and surrounding in general. It all makes sense now why an 11-year-old was obsessed with decluttering and getting rid of belongings that she actually liked.

It created a semblance of shedding parts of me that I didn't like and the parts I didn't feel I was worthy of. It made me feel lighter, better organized, and seem in control of my environment - and in extension, my life.

Years on, I still feel this way about being in control of my environment but not in a depressive way. I have learned that there is indeed peace in less clutter and I can truly be in control of my life.

Owning only a few personal belongings has definitely made my life less chaotic. I don't have to think too much about a lot of things and I have lesser items to look after and clean.

I can tell at a glance what's needed and what should be replaced, I mostly don't have regret purchases and I spend less overall. Not to forget how content I feel about everything that I own.

It all started as a way to run away from myself, a special therapy that my mind offered to me. What it did was take away the chaos outside, so I could deal with the chaos inside.

It's kind of a good and bad thing at the same time but what matters is that there's less chaos and the intention behind it right now is positive.

Less personal belongings means more focus on my mental health and dealing with all the things that truly matter to me. My mind is at a better place and I like that I do a lot of introspection and I'm more self-aware in the clutter-free space I created for myself.

How about you? Is your mental health any way affected by the belongings you own?

This is my entry to the #kiss topic #1 for this week 👇

How has owning fewer personal belongings changed your life since you embarked on a minimalist journey?

Discord - wolfofnostreet#4939

Twitter - wolfofnostreet_

#kiss #minimalism #lifestyle #writing #contest #neoxian #proofofbrain #vyb #thoughtfuldailypost
3 years ago in #hive-194848 by
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     3 years ago 

    Hello @wolfofnostreet,
    I agree that an organised, clutter-free space brings mental clarity which helps to improve one's mind and well-being.
    I trust that you're doing better and putting things into perspective to help cope with all your difficulties.
    Thank you for stopping by:)

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     3 years ago 

    Yes, I am doing better than I could have imagined. Thank you.

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     3 years ago 

    You're very welcome:)

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     3 years ago 

    It created a semblance of shedding parts of me that I didn't like and the parts I didn't feel I was worthy of. It made me feel lighter, better organized, and seem in control of my environment - and in extension, my life.

    Wow, I've never heard this perspective on decluttering -- so interesting! I've often heard the other perspective you mention -- that decluttering helps with mental clarity -- and generally found it to be true. However, I'm now starting to realize that I sometimes use decluttering and cleaning/organizing in general as an escape mechanism so I don't have to deal with the inner clutter (though I suppose it's a healthier escape than turning to drugs or any number of things). Thank you for helping shed awareness on this!

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         3 years ago 

        However, I'm now starting to realize that I sometimes use decluttering and cleaning/organizing in general as an escape mechanism so I don't have to deal with the inner clutter (though I suppose it's a healthier escape than turning to drugs or any number of things).

        Interesting to know this. I know many people see cleaning as an escape too and like you mentioned, it's a healthy way to deal with issues. I'm just relieved knowing that I don't punish myself anymore by decluttering important things. Now I approach decluttering with a clear mind and it's really been good for me.

        Thanks for checking out my post.

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           3 years ago 

          Whoever is directly controlling the V2K told me to kill myself.
          They told me if I killed myself now it would save the lives of countless others.
          Saying the longer I wait to kill myself the more people will suffer.


          They are reckless and should have shown the proper media what they had before taking me hostage for 5 years. I know there are many in prison that dont deserve to be there because of this. Your stay in prison will not be fun @battleaxe and friends. People are going to want you dead when they find out what you did. I hope you die a slow painful death. You sick mother fuckers.

          https://peakd.com/gangstalking/@acousticpulses/electronic-terrorism-and-gaslighting--if-you-downvote-this-post-you-are-part-of-the-problem

          Its a terrorist act on American soil while some say its not real or Im a mental case. Many know its real. This is an ignored detrimental to humanity domestic and foreign threat. Ask informed soldiers in the American military what their oath is and tell them about the day you asked me why. Nobody has I guess. Maybe someone told ill informed soldiers they cant protect America from military leaders in control with ill intent. How do we protect locked up soldiers from telling the truth?
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               3 years ago 

              Whoever is directly controlling the V2K told me to kill myself.
              They told me if I killed myself now it would save the lives of countless others.
              Saying the longer I wait to kill myself the more people will suffer.


              They are reckless and should have shown the proper media what they had before taking me hostage for 5 years. I know there are many in prison that dont deserve to be there because of this. Your stay in prison will not be fun @battleaxe and friends. People are going to want you dead when they find out what you did. I hope you die a slow painful death. You sick mother fuckers.

              https://peakd.com/gangstalking/@acousticpulses/electronic-terrorism-and-gaslighting--if-you-downvote-this-post-you-are-part-of-the-problem

              Its a terrorist act on American soil while some say its not real or Im a mental case. Many know its real. This is an ignored detrimental to humanity domestic and foreign threat. Ask informed soldiers in the American military what their oath is and tell them about the day you asked me why. Nobody has I guess. Maybe someone told ill informed soldiers they cant protect America from military leaders in control with ill intent. How do we protect locked up soldiers from telling the truth?