Minimalism is a philosophy that encourages people to choose and simplify their hobbies to create a simpler, more meaningful life. This approach involves keeping hobbies in one room, using organizers and shelves, tracking spending and collection, finding what can be discarded, exploring other minimalist hobbies, knowing that you don’t have to go overboard, and understanding that interests can change.
There are numerous minimalist hobbies that can make your life more enjoyable and fulfilling. To become a minimalist, start by decluttering one area at a time and focus on keeping items that bring value to your life. Six strategies for approaching hobbies with an eco-minimalist mindset include choosing leisure activities wisely, preventing clutter from abandoned hobbies, and exploring new hobbies.
Some of the best minimalist hobbies include content creation, artistic endeavors, collecting stuff, playing sports, handiwork activities, mindfulness, yoga meditation, journaling, volunteering, and volunteering. By making a list of essentials, nice things to have, and extravagances, you can create a more minimalist lifestyle that brings joy to your life.
In conclusion, minimalism is about choosing and simplifying hobbies to create a simpler, more meaningful life. By choosing activities wisely, avoiding clutter, and focusing on items that bring value to your life, you can create a more fulfilling and enjoyable life.
📹 How to Hobby Without Clutter 🪁 6 MINIMALIST tips
Enjoy your hobbies and keep your space free from clutter, in a minimalist/essentialist way✨ Unique weekly content on Patreon …
Are minimalists actually happier?
A survey by the Simplicity Institute found that 87% of 2, 500 people living with fewer possessions reported being happier now than when they owned more. This may seem contradictory, but considering the benefits of living with less, such as less debt, stress, and cleaning, it makes sense. Happiness is not about owning as many possessions as possible; it’s about living life consistent with one’s greatest passions.
How do I train myself to be a minimalist?
The text encourages readers to embrace minimalism by initiating the process immediately, abstaining from shopping, determining the optimal method for discarding decluttered items, maintaining a balanced perspective on material possessions, and avoiding self-judgment and judgment of others.
What is the hardest thing about being a minimalist?
The author highlights the importance of clearing out emotional clutter, which is a common issue in our lives. By removing physical and mental clutter, we can push back on negative thoughts and find relief. This process allows us to become the watcher of our own mind and choose thoughts that build us up. The author also notes that removing excess, throwing out stuff, and minimizing lifestyle was relatively easy due to their high-powered job, big house, and good income, which did not bring happiness. Therefore, the most significant work on the minimalism journey is clearing out emotional clutter.
What is the 15 minute rule becoming minimalist?
The “15-minute rule” is a simple and effective way to manage time effectively. It suggests setting a timer for 15 minutes to engage in activities such as walking, journaling, writing, or checking in with friends. Many people believe they don’t have 15 minutes, but they could find the time to do so by reducing distractions, reducing phone usage, and waking up earlier. The rule encourages investing time in something meaningful, but it may lead to waiting for a free time or day off, which may never come.
What is the bare minimum lifestyle?
The concept proposes a lifestyle of minimal resource consumption for the purposes of survival and growth. It encourages the practice of making do with the resources available, rather than the constant accumulation of more resources for the sake of having more.
How do minimalists have fun?
The author emphasizes the importance of minimalism in focusing on what is most important to them: family, writing, reading, and running. They have found enjoyment in incorporating these activities into their daily routines, such as attending a family get-together for their daughter’s birthday, going on a walking date with their wife, running three days a week with their sister, working out with their nephew, reading with their kids, taking short walks, reading novels, magazines, and online articles, having lunch with their family, helping their mother in her garden, writing blog posts, and cycling for coffee.
What is the 90 90 rule for minimalism?
The 90/90 rule, as devised by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists, represents a systematic approach to decluttering. It entails posing two questions about each object: first, whether it has been utilized within the past 90 days; and second, whether it is likely to be utilized within the next 90 days. This rule is particularly useful in instances where JavaScript is disabled or blocked by an extension.
How can I start being a minimalist?
Minimalism is a philosophy that emphasizes intentional choices about what we surround ourselves with. It involves starting small, appreciating what we have, decluttering daily, organizing our space, building a capsule wardrobe, digitizing documents, and investing in multi-functional items. This approach helps reduce stress and enhances overall well-being by focusing on essentials. The goal of minimalism is not to live with the bare minimum, but to audit bad habits, downsize unnecessary belongings, and assess what adds value to your life.
The true definition of minimalism lies in prioritizing things that bring meaning to your life and focusing on what matters most. By adopting a minimalist lifestyle, you can reduce stress and enhance your overall well-being.
Can you have hobbies as a minimalist?
Minimalist hobbies can be a fun and fulfilling way to make your life more enjoyable. It’s important to find a hobby that inspires you and allows you to live a simple life. Venture into new hobbies and explore different options, as you might find a new one that you truly cherish. Courneen, founder of The Plain Simple Life and a certified decluttering and organizing coach, has helped thousands of people simplify their lives over the past three years, and she aims to continue helping others achieve the same goal.
What is the 20 20 rule in minimalism?
Over the past few years, the couple has been reducing their just-in-case possessions, ensuring they don’t pack anything just in case. They believe that any items we need can be replaced for less than $20 in less than 20 minutes from their current location. This theory has been proven to be true 100 times, with no replacements needed and no longer requiring more than $20 or going more than 20 minutes. This theory is likely applicable to all items and people, including the couple.
The couple hasn’t missed the hundreds of just-in-case items they’ve gotten rid of, and most didn’t need to be replaced. Getting rid of these items clears their minds, frees up space, and takes the weight off their shoulders.
📹 How do I pick the right hobby or passion project?
Ryan sits down to answer Bethany’s question about hobbies and how to pick the right one without wasting too much money trying …
Great advice. I tend to get bored of my hobbies very easily and have made the mistake of going all in and buying expensive equipment at the outset which end up getting used very rarely, like my sewing machine which.I asked for as a present and feel too guilty to get rid of it now. It’s true that quite often you can find substitutes around your house – my most used palette for painting is actually a plain white porcelain plate. Very easy to clean and I don’t need to worry about damaging it.
When I typed minimalism and hobbies, I didnt think I’d find any articles. I had a sewing machine that I asked for and it was two years before I even opened up the box. I FINALLY opened it and only did a few projects. I ended up selling it with all the accessories. My focus for many years is card making and I have slowly got rid of stamps and embellishments that aren’t my style. I’ve sold some items and donated many things.For me, it’s better to have less items because things are easier to keep track. Whenever I think, I need more space, it’s really that I need to let go of older items. Thanks for the great advice.
I love your wisdom and messages as always Ana ❤ I have collected a lot of Crafting tools, papers, fabric yarn etc through the passed years, but now they are collecting dust as I have not used them. So no more! Time to use what I need or let go. It is that kind of anxiety that I must have these things to make all the things that I want to do. But I haven’t enough energy for it all. Went to a Crafting fair 3 weeks ago, and realised that I didn’t need to buy anything at all. But just a little wooden needle holder for the sharp felt needles. But I went home with a new inspiration to craft more with what I already have. Wishing you a lovely and relaxing sunday evening, and a great new week of Crafting aswell as new adventures! ❤️
I recently felt overwhelmed by my many interests (to the point i stopped doing any art), so I put it all away! I organized them into boxes ‘knitting’ ‘paper art’, jewelry etc. The next few days felt amazing, my spacious room (i live in one room efficiency space) and stored the boxes in the garage. I felt free of the tugs .. the clutter.. and began to feel so much freedom. Then the feelings of wanting to paint and draw started to fill me up to the point that i decided to just get my drawing pencils, eraser and my watercolors out. Now I am beginning from a new mindset, simpler and finding just what it is that drives me to be creative. I’m taking my minimalist supplies outdoors at times. One other hepful things is that i numbered teh boxes and wrote what is in them. So instead of looking for any supply, i just look at my list and know which box it is in. Now i am so organized, I didn’t have to get rid of anything, but i live in a spacious inspiring room and my art feels pure and happy again. Like when I was a child. If years go by and i never open those boxes or if someone tells me they’re starting a jewelry (or whatever) hobby then I may gift them what i have. This has been such a struggle for so many years for me. I have found almost no youtubers with this issue so I thought I’d just write what i did here for anyone that might get an idea on options for feeling that spacious freedom of minimalism and ..for me, bringing me into a much more creative space, intrinsically speaking.
Wise insights, Ana. I don’t have much space to store my art supplies, so I also have to be mindful about what I acquire. But sometimes limitations can stimulate creativity in the way that having boxfuls of ‘stuff’ at your fingertips can not. Your beautiful crafted items and collages certainly show the truth of ‘less is more!’
It is indeed more difficult to stop buying supplies for hobbies than clothing. Crafting and hobbies make me so happy. It is really a outlet to forget time and stress for a while. You gave me a good reminder that sometimes less is also good. I’m in the middle of organizing my craft “stuff” in my little hobby room. I would find it extreemly difficult to not have a steady place, yeah I’m one of those people. Ana I hope you will find a nice steady place yourself. Thank you for all your efforts making these article’s.
You are so wise, Ana. I have far too much craft supplies and I end up feeling bad that I don’t have time to use them properly. I am in the middle of decluttering and so far have downsized by oehaps 40%. I need to get rid of a lot more, and also be more mindful what I am making so that I dont just end up throwing away things I have made because they have no purpose.
Bonjour chère Ana 😊🌷 As usual your sharing speaks to me so much !! I especially love the 1st tip because I realised some time ago that it’s so much more rewarding when using things I already have (and are not meant for that purpose) and think deeply about how to manage to create something ! Some years ago as i began with jewellery creation, I fell in the trap of buying so much stuff (because I always needed another thing, another colour for a certain person, or just to have free shipping !!) And I still have so many things I rarely use… and the feeling of guilt is not enjoyable ☺️ so yes your tips are very beneficial for me ! Warm hugs for you ❤️💐
Big round gherkin or candle jars (or any kind of bigger jar) also make excellent yarn bowls! We are all different in our needs and preferences; I prefer to use smaller sized fixed circular knitting needles, so there is no point for me having a “set” (most interchangeable sets begin at 3.5-4mm and go up to 8mm, while I prefer 2-4mm sizes). This way, I find my needles actually take up less space. It helps that I know what I like, and I can do anything with an 80cm length. I have found my favourite, medium budget brand and they will last a long time. Same with crochet hooks, I have the few I need. I do not have to be mobile in my life as you currently are, but it’s still good not to clutter up my permanent home with tools! With yarn, I’m afraid it’s theory v. practice and I happily admit to keeping too much! When I travel, or if I were in your situation, I stick to thin yarns and finer projects that take more time to complete, as they take up less space and I can still be creative on the road without having to carry much with me. The most minimalist tip I ever heard was one lady who said she only had one set of knitting needles or circular needle and therefore only made projects that suited her minimal tools… admirable 🙂
I do like this article, and these are valuable tips. I particularly like #6. Through the years, I have taken on a variety of hobbies and then had to let some of them go. I think sometimes I learn to do something just so I can teach someone else how to do it. For instance, many years ago I wanted to do solar cooking. I even made my own solar oven out of simple materials. Then I had the opportunity not long after to teach it to some boys at our church. After that, I lost interest. Several years later, I learned to do English Paper piecing and it came at a time when I got very sick and was sick for weeks and couldn’t do much, so I enjoyed that hobby. Then, a girl needed to learn a craft for a historical project at school, so I taught her how to do the English paper piecing. Not long after, I lost interest. I am keeping that one, though, in case I get sick again like that. I also took up “junk journaling” for a time, and enjoyed it immensely. Then, one of our granddaughters expressed an interest and she began doing it also. Later, we both lost interest. My youngest daughter says that she “wants all the hobbies” and that is how we feel, but we do have to keep it under control. It can get expensive and take up a lot of space for supplies and become overwhelming. Most of my current hobbies are hibernating. But right now, I am sewing and crocheting. My biggest hobby, which I doubt I will ever give up, is cooking! I garden and preserve food and cook nearly everything “from scratch.” I make all of our bread and have since 1972.
Hi! I love your advise and point of view. In a month I’ll be embarking a new adventure and chapter in my life by living on of my biggest dreams, which is traveling to Europe, I’ll be in few EU countries for 3 months. I’m not really a minimalist, but I do try to have that mindset to not consume more than I have to and certainly, the crafts supplies are my nemesis 😂 I’m an illustrator so I have a bunch of paints, markers, color pencils, pastels, spray cans and more, I also enjoy crocheting and punch needling so I can’t tell you enough how much yarn I have, lol. Since I need some money to fund my travels I came up with the idea of making some diy packs and offer some workshops, their very little packs, but I feel that’s a good way to fund my trip, some stuff I’m giving away as well as diy packs for friends and family. I’m also trying to make space in my suitcase to bring with me a couple of these items so I can crochet in the winter time. I do find it hard to not think that I can do a sweater or some socks, but honestly… I never will. Your words are giving me the strength to feel open to give this away with love and leave some room for new creations along the way. Thank you, Ana. Warm wishes from Mexico, Irma. ❤
I have so many supplies gathered around my chair . I get so overwhelmed with the clutter. I’m disabled and craft for distraction from pain and depression. Lately my supplies have been getting me down . I’ll try to get help to be more mindful and decutter or put some away to be more focused and have more peace in my space . Thankyou Anna xxx
I have minimalist aspirations, but haven’t really had the time & energy to really go for it yet, with a husband, 2 children, and a permanent address. (I’m convinced belongings will expand to fill any available space 😅) And—I am a serial hobbyist/crafter. My craft supplies and projects-in-progress are at the heart of the difficulty of being a minimalist for me. I have never met a new skill I didn’t want to learn. The only thing saving me from financial ruin is that I DO NOT. spend money on anything craft/hobby related unless I really can’t do otherwise. My knitting yarn comes from thrift store sweaters. My fabric is scraps from old clothing or thrift store sheets, table cloths, or the like. If I want to weave, I use the scarf loom my step mother gave me. Et cetera. And I still have sooo many projects from years gone by, that I have hit a minor bump in the road, and put aside for “later”. Turns out “later” can be ten years or more if you don’t have to move said project out of storage! 😂 Thank you for this very inspirational article so I am more likely to go through my UFO (unfinished object) bins and finish some of them! And I love the idea of highly visible craft supply storage. I think that would be so inspirational!!
Hi Ana, the only suggestion I didn’t like was number 6. I feel the message that comes across is that it’s okay to buy and get rid of stuff. This creates unnecessary waste. Not everything can be resold and actually I think that most of the stuff we get rid of will just end in the landfill or in the oceans. I’m not sure between a maximalist or a minimalist who is the one that contributes more to the environment problem. I’ve stopped following a Swedish minimalist YouTuber, who seemed to praise herself and make lots of articles about declutter, because I was getting so upset about all this decluttering. What about being more environmentally conscious and not buy then in the first place? I liked everything else you said though in the other points. ❤
Thank you for opening a discussion about it. I always thought about how crafts needs attention and supplies, how many options and stuff i can have because i like so many things, as you, i enjoy making knitting, crochet, embroidery and stationery stuff (draw, writing, calligraphy). By fear I used to thing that i need different things to make my crafts, some times to start a new one. I need to consume, because only with the proper stuff i will could try. But in other hand i just want to use the necessary to make my art. It is to difficult to declutering crafts stuff, the feeling to stay loosing money and maybe in the future the thing will be useful. Is this make sense? Thank you for sharing about your way to have hobbies stuff and the necessary! wish you a nice day!
Interesting topic! I inherited craft supplies from my mother and grandmother and it was overwhelming at first. Over time I have been whittling down this treasure trove to my essentials and have used up, given away, donated, and made gifts from most of these items– I still have a ways to go. What i notice is that having fewer craft supplies gives me peace. I agree that keeping the materials visible keeps us honest — it also can be inspiring and decorative in the home. I’d like to ask you if you like using the inerchangeable knitting needles. I have contemplated these for such a long time because they seem like such a simple, minimalist solution. But the price is always the kicker. I want to be certain they are worth it. What kind did you purchase?
I find that, for myself and others I know, the impulse to buy all the things to take on a hobby is often an indicator that it’s less about the desire to do the hobby, and more of an impulse or infatuation with the idea of that hobby. The times in my life when I’ve fallen in love with a hobby for real, I was generally motivated to do the hobby as soon as as often as possible, using what I had around the house already and just being excited to get my hands dirty. (I like plants, so that’s a literal analogy for me!) Then, as the hobby developed and I was struck with new, bigger, or more complicated ideas, I might go out and buy or find something that solved a specific problem. You might eventually accumulate a lot of stuff, but even then you can check in with yourself and ask if those tools (cuz that’s what they are) are adding value to your life and your hobby, or if you’re keeping them because that’s what you do when you’re a ____ (insert: gardener, photographer, DJ, etc). Any time I go out and impulsively gather stuff for a craft or hobby I’m excited by, before I actually make any attempts at the hobby itself, I end up with a bunch of shit I don’t use and have to constantly move around or make space for. Not only that, but then I carry around the mental burden of “I need to use that stuff because I spent good money on it/it’s taking up space in my home/I should be pursuing that skill and I’m not” etc .. and often, that’s even heavier than the weight of the stuff itself. Just my thoughts. Hope that helps. <3
Ohhhh…I’m a full blown craft hoarder! But crafting (whatever I’m in the mood to craft) is my passion. I know I have to Destash some of my supplies bc you can even walk into that room. I just need to focus on picking one project, only buying the necessary items to make it…no extra supplies bc it’s 50% off and I could use it someday.
I am also an obsessive personality and my hobbies center around creating things. Crafts, art, etc. With most creative endeavors, even cooking for example, both tools and materials are needed. I find it easy to justify the cost of tools because they are used over and over, such as a crochet hook. Materials on the other hand are tricky because I often purchase them impulsively. They are what tend to pile up, such as a bunch of yarn that was on sale, and I am sure I will find a project to do to use it. And that is another factor with hobbies, often they are closely related in the creative world and sometimes it is easy to drift between two hobbies like scrap booking and card making. They often have the same materials and you shop for them in the same section at the craft store. So my advice to myself is to always complete one “project” within a hobby before I buy anything else. When I string that necklace with the beads I just bought before I buy any more, I am more creative because I am not overwhelmed by the shear amount of stuff laying around with the “potential” to be something cool, but is really just money spent on my intentions. My craft stash stays under control when I am disciplined about my projects. I have been able to make more things and still balance a number of different creative hobbies without spending too much money.
I hobbyhop too, but if I follow these rules it is easier to weed out. A hobby needs to be: 1. Fun 2. Beneficial to your health 3. Rewarding (also economically) Reg. 3, I think you should get some cashback from doing it. Makes it more sustainable and at least less expensive. Not always possible perhaps, but try and be creative.
I don’t have as much trouble with the camera angles as with the shot size (and it’s not the first time). Ryan is not centered, there’s something like a picture frame popping in from the top, and the way his feet are out of the frame is really awkward. Filmmakers usually cut the subject at knee level or show the entire body because otherwise it just looks unnatural and annoying. Last time I felt the same way was in podcast 146, Joshua & Ryan’s heads were so close to the top border of the frame that it drove me crazy during the whole episode. Sorry for being so picky. I just know you can do a better job. I hope this helps (It’s intended to be constructive criticism).