How Doing Less Can Change Your Life

When Ludwig Mies van der Rohe became associated with the term “less is more,”  he likely didn’t think it would become the cultural phenomenon that it is today. His “less is more” applied easily to his architectural style and design. But, for many, “less is more” has become about more than design. It’s an oxymoron that can catapult you into change for the better. It’s about achieving contentment without needing all the “stuff.”  It’s a stepping stone towards understanding that true happiness doesn’t come from stuff but rather from what is on the inside. The oxymoron that can change your life: less is more. Curious how to apply these three words to your life? Keep reading!

Owning less means better mental health.

With megamedia giants like Meta constantly pushing ads at you, it’s hard to decipher needs from wants and even harder to believe that there’s benefits in less is more. Less stuff in your house means less cleaning, which means more time spent doing things you actually want to do. In addition, owning less and having less clutter can reduce stress levels. You can literally improve your mental health by owning less. 

Regular exercise, regardless of the intensity, is more beneficial than inconsistent and intense exercise.

Going for a walk every day for 20 minutes will have a bigger impact on your overall health than every so often doing an intense workout. Small actions add up to big results. You just have to consistently choose to take that action, and over time, you’ll see the benefits. Making those good choices consistently, no matter how small they might seem, will be more beneficial long-term than anything drastic you could do. Less is more. Small steps generate big actions.

Limiting your screen time to improve your sleep.

Getting a good night’s sleep is a problem that many adults face. With anxiety rates being as high as they are, wandering minds are busy in the dead of the night. That’s why you need to implement the mantra “less is more.” Focus on the type of content you’re consuming and engaging with. Focus on creating more meaningful connections and less “how many followers do I have?” Limit your screen time and watch how your mind slows down. This is especially important before bed, as it directly affects sleep quality. And you can’t change your life if you’re tired. You can’t do much very well if you’re tired. So, get rid of the screens an hour before bed and set boundaries around them during the day so you can protect your mental peace and get some good shut-eye.

Natural light is better than any pretty light fixture you might have.

Natural light is an instant mood booster. Turn your lights on less and open the blinds and curtains more. Natural light changes the entire vibe of a room. It also helps you get your vitamin D and regulates your circadian rhythm, which is responsible for your sleep cycle. 

Fewer hair products and more healthy hair care practices.

You can’t change your life if you’re not coping well with your hair. One mistake we see all too often is women having way too many hair products in their hair. It adds buildup and can make the texture of the hair rough. Focus more on building an intentional, healthy hair care routine with products that solve the problems you have. Less products and more scalp massaging, hair oiling, heatless healthy hair care stuff.

Less work hustle and more balance.

Make sure you’re not living to work. You don’t necessarily need to work less but rather have boundaries around work and home to protect your sanity. You don’t need work meshing with home or vice versa. Especially if you’re a parent and wear multiple hats at once. Focus less on long, hard days and more on consistently working toward your career goals by taking small steps regularly.

Commit to learning a few things every day instead of taking an intense class.

You might have put off learning because you can’t afford the classes or make the life arrangements to be able to go. But, instead of making big changes and accumulating substantial debt, explore online learning platforms that are available 24 hours a day and for a fraction of the cost of traditional educational routes. Commit to spending a set amount of time learning each day, and the results of that learning will accumulate quicker than you might initially think. 

Adopt a minimalist spending attitude.

Buy what you need and not what you want. Some wants are okay, but by adopting a minimalist way of spending, you’ll end up collecting less “stuff” and be able to commit more money toward long-term goals. 

Learn how to live within your means—less debt.

Less debt and more financial stability are what you’ll get by learning how to live within your means. Focus on not accumulating any new debt, paying off what you already have, and whilst doing this, making lifestyle and spending changes to successfully be able to live within your means.

Prioritize long-term savings over short-term gains.

Saving a little bit consistently will add up to a lot more than making random deposits of random amounts and not having any discipline about it. Saving £10 a week adds up to £520 in one year. Less amounts are saved each time, but savings occurring more often will be better off long-term.

Look for small, simple bursts of joy rather than finding and creating extravagance.

Rather than using money as a tool for joy, commit to the less is more mentality and actively look for small and simple bursts of joy throughout your day. Money doesn’t buy happiness, and you might surprise yourself with how much joy your day actually has once you start noticing.

And, the obvious: eat less sugar and more vegetables.

The ways that applying this one principle will improve your life are endless. Focus on fruits and vegetables and less processed and artificial. Making these choices consistently will add up to a healthier you.

Are you convinced of the oxymoron “less is more” yet?

Have we convinced you that the secret to bettering your life is but the sum of three words? “Less is more.” These three words can be applied to all areas of your life so you can glow up and be the best version of yourself.