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One key aspect of this lifestyle is the intentional reduction of personal possessions. But why does owning less have such a profound impact on our ability to find calm and maintain focus?
According to consultant psychiatrist Dr Nurul Ain Mohamad Kamal, reducing personal belongings is not merely about discarding unnecessary things – it’s about deciding what holds value and meaning in one’s life.
“When the number of possessions decreases, our physical space becomes more organised and free from clutter, thereby reducing visual distractions that can lead to stress and anxiety,” she told Bernama.
The expert in psychogeriatric psychiatry noted that owning things in moderate quantities also helps reduce mental burden as one no longer needs to worry about maintenance, storage, or making unnecessary purchases.
She highlighted a 2021 study that showed how the minimalist lifestyle can have a positive impact on emotional well-being. “It helps enhance positive emotions such as a sense of contentment and calm, while reducing symptoms of depression.
“In another study in the International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology (2020), individuals who practised minimalism also experienced benefits such as autonomy, self-efficacy, heightened awareness and more stable emotions.”
Pointing to KonMari, the popular decluttering method introduced by Japanese consultant Marie Kondo to “keep only items that spark joy”, she called it a form of self-reflection that helps people identify the real values in their lives and rebuild healthy relationships with their surroundings and emotions.
“When we keep something solely out of guilt or fear of letting it go, it may stem from unresolved unconscious emotions. On the other hand, when an item is truly used and serves a real function, then its presence is justified,” she explained.
Nurul nevertheless cautioned that minimalism should be practised in a moderate and balanced manner as discarding items excessively without considering their value can lead to a loss of identity, especially if those items represent relationships or important parts of one’s life.
Meanwhile, psychology officer Norezzati Hanafiah agreed that the minimalist lifestyle not only has a positive effect on one’s mental health but also contributes to physical and social well-being.
She, too, pointed out that a cluttered environment can negatively impact a person’s emotions and productivity. It can trigger stress and anxiety out of being overwhelmed by visual clutter, along with the feeling that there are unfinished tasks.
“Individuals are also more likely to feel mentally exhausted, have difficulty focusing, and experience reduced productivity because a lot of time and energy is spent managing disorganised items,” she said.
Finally, she highlighted that minimalism can encourage mindful spending and reduce impulsive purchases. “It is particularly suitable for urban living today, where residential spaces are increasingly limited and require smart and efficient management of belongings.”
