Minimalism: Is it really that good for us?

Before I start this article, I think it's important to say that I am completely against fast fashion. I shop at charity ships 90% of the time and try to buy only when I need now.

However, I first remember when the term 'Minimalism' really became popular. I remember watching some guys on television and I really fell into their unique idea of having this completely empty and pristine house. 'Only having what you really need and only one of it' was a big thing- they were the extremists of what is now a minimalist trend. They lived in a house which looked unlived in, only had what they needed. They said it 'uncluttered' their mind- and everything seemed to be white to 'clear their senses'.

What made me think again about being a minimalist is when I watched another show where some other 'minimalists' were going through their mothers stuff after she passed away, and were saying they didn't need any of it, that it wouldn't add value. That sentimental things should not be kept- as they won't add use. I saw a lot of this kind of thing online too- for example, things like: get rid of your books and get a Kindle. People constantly pushing minimalism, 'Chuck what you have away- you will be happier. Get rid of what you don't use, you will be happier'.

As much as I understand the prospect of this, and the idea behind it- it is not something I would personally agree with anymore. I think keeping a memory box full of bits that make you smile is absolutely important. Not only to your mental health, but to make you feel at home in your home. And no, we don't 'need' them, or 'use' them. But we like them to feel safe, as a dog does with it's favourite toy. To me, it's natural. Self soothing, even. Also, we don't all have the luxury to be going out all of the time and spending time outside the home, a lot of us like staying in and getting 'snuggly' and feeling warm in the home. And when I say warm, I mean feeling the home is lived in. I am not saying we should live in filth and dirt, cleaning is so important to our health due to mould and disease.

I am going to show you two photos of Christmas now, and I want you to think which one looks more appealing to you.

This one describes a 'Minimalist Christmas' On the Telegraph.

This one is a Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

The first one looks appealing to the eyes, and 'Instagram' perfect- don't get me wrong. However- would you really want all white everything in the cold of December? No colour? Brown Christmas presents, and only 4 of them!? Maybe for a day, but for a whole month of what is supposed to be a festivity full of joy?

I know for a fact people will be screaming at me now saying 'But it's great for the environment, using environmentally friendly wrapping paper and not buying loads of gifts!'

However, you can still get colourful environmental friendly wrapping paper, or at least jazz the wrapping up a bit using eco friendly cheap methods (there are tons on Pinterest). And the biggest thing, presents do not need to be big and expensive or bits of tat!

-I cannot repeat this enough. You can still put lots of Christmas presents under the tree that you've made (what about a scrapbook of favourite memories or learn to knit a hat for someone?) or maybe you saw something at a charity shop that made you think of someone and gift that? What about some books (also charity shop- there are loads of pre loved items on there and on Vinted- a second hand online platform). Second hand bits have already been bought. Meaning you are just giving them a new use of life and not contributing to a consumeristic society (unless you buy like a nutter and end up getting a million things you don't need!) This goes for both adults and kids- I don't know about you but I much prefer hand made presents or presents that really say 'I have thought of you' that are small and cute and perfectly imperfect (made with love) rather than a new console or device that costs £100's made by a robot or some big firm abroad that I will only use once...

The room in the second photo is full of fun and laughter, excitement and love. People don't care that the kids are going to throw wrapping paper all over the room, that the dog is going to carry the teddies around the house and probably shred them. I absolutely love the cards hanging next to the tree too, showing how much the family are loved. The tree is decorated with this and that, and hasn't got a theme. It is to me, what Christmas is all about: family, smiles and laughter.

When did Christmas' get to the point where we put a bin bag in the room and methodically put all our paper in there as we unwrapped presents?

When did Christmas' get to the point where you dressed your tree and room for Instagram?

When did Christmas' get to the point where if your present wasn't wrapped perfectly, it wasn't good enough?

Where did Christmas' get to the point where we all feel pressured to get each other the perfect present, and lost the joy in actually getting it because maybe we can't afford it?

I have actually created a Pinterest board on my phone now called 'Messy life' which is full of glorious photos of a 'messy' house- (I don't mean dirty! I mean stuff isn't all in the perfect place!)- it makes me feel comfortable, and that it is totally normal to live in a world where your house doesn't look like this:

And looks more like this:

And your meal prep looks less like this:

And looks more like:

Have you ever walked into a house and felt like you can't get comfortable because of how incredibly pristine it is? Or that you are worried about dropping your food, or getting dirt anywhere or spilling your drink? Or, that you simply just don't fit in in this seemingly 'perfect' house?

Well, just know you are definitely not alone. To me, the houses I 'wow' over and think are amazing, are the ones I walk in and feel instantly comfortable. You can see the activities the family/couple/person has been doing throughout the day, their knitting is spread out on the sofa, the telly is on on the last programme they were watching. The radio is on in the kitchen playing their favourite songs, there is a muddy dog pawprint on the floor and cat scratch marks on the stairs.

Exhale.... Ahhhh. Doesn't a house that feels lived in make you feel so incredibly alive? So personal to that person/people. It doesn't smell of fresh flowers, it smells of home made cooking and maybe a little bit of dog!!

So just remember: Minimalist is great if that is who you want to be. But it doesn't have to be who you have to be. There are so many ways to make your headspace better than just throwing out things that might actually mean something to you- or minimizing activities that at one point, brought you joy, and may bring you it again...

With love,

Helena x

All Photos Taken by Photographers on Unsplash for this article solely.