OMG I just did this and it helped. We have a toddler, and the rest of our friends are either single or recently married. So they are hosting a holiday party but it doesn't begin til 8:30 and we said no to going. But we are seeing the people going to the party, just separately and that's better for us.
Staying hydrated. Agree 100% that this is so important. I find it sad when I hear people say they don’t like the taste of water. Now I was one of these people for a long time. The reason I think it is so sad is that consuming water is important to staying alive. Speaking of myself, how far out of alignment was I that my body didn’t like the taste of something that was so important for me to stay alive. I slowly worked thru it and now I drink water all day long.
I am a starchavore. What turned my life around, other than my eating program, was to limit my eating to potatoes, sweet potatoes and veggies for a year. It woke up my minimalist desire. I eat basic and bland. Thanks for your wonderful videos. I love your style.
I love decluttering my room every so often, but now I’m going to change the colors of my room and make it as simplistic as possible. I’ve also eliminated many of my biggest commitments in life, in order to take care of my health. P.S~ I love how you talk.
Coming from someone who got burned out aged 25 from doing only fun but too many things in life & getting not enough rest or sleep - my number one advice to you is to reduce your commitments. I am now 39 and still suffer from a slight but chronic fatigue and deeply regret all the passions of my youth. When I hear about all your commitments my stress levels rise. I hope you take care of yourself & take your own advice more. Having a full time job as a teacher is enough and yet you have two (or more?) side hustles. That is not healthy. That is basically what I did. I thought that just because everything I was doing at the time - full time university studies, three extra side hustled and a rich & buissy social life were fun & interesting it was fine. But I got less & less sleep & rest util I hit a brick wall and spent the following 3 years crying daily & sleeping 12-18 hours a day... Even fun can be detrimental. Please. Take your own advice more seriously and say no to one or two of your side hustles... I really apreeciate your videos, but if giving up youtube is one way to stay healthy then do so... Your helath & future life is more important. Take care
Thank you for sharing your story here. I appreciate it! I definitely do take time for self care, so I am doing well currently, but you are right, doing all of these things is not forever. I'm actually in a building phase for the two businesses until we have our first child. Then, I will use the income to take about 10 years off of teaching to focus on our family and be a stay at home mom, which has always been a dream of mine! The exciting thing is that a large percentage of both businesses is passive income, which means that once the work is done once, the income is sustained without additional work. It is a little crazy at times, but the interesting thing is, I have never been so motivated about something as I have been about being a stay at home mom for a while and building that family dynamic, so even if I am working a little harder now, the trade-offs of getting to have family be the number one focus and sole portion of my time is worth it to me! :)
You have no idea how much I needed this. I’m a full time college student, plus part of the directive of an organization, plus a member of a lot more, plus I have a job, etc. I barely sleep, I barely eat. I’ve been with taquicardia for days, I’ve been having panic attack for days. I think I need to start saying no.
#2 is great advice, especially because we are renovating our home (downsized from a bigger home). There are sooooo many beautiful options, but we made a commitment to still be intentional. So, I put things I like in our online cart or take pics of items I see in the store and then just let it sit there for a few weeks or even several months. It's really helping us to only bring in items to our new home that we really love and will create the peaceful atmosphere we are craving and avoid high pressure marketing and the 'bright lights and glamour' of buying new stuff!
I really don't understand the American work mindset. In Europe when the workday is over - it's over. Most people manage to go home and not take any work with them. My husband is home by 4 p.m. and unless there is some work emergency or extreme crunch time, we enjoy our late afternoons and evenings as a family. We're only being paid for 35 to 40 hours per week - why voluntarily lower your salary by putting in more hours? Still, productivity is higher in Europe than in the US - I don't get it.
Good points, Tanja! I think many Americans could benefit from reducing work hours. In my own life I am currently working extra on my businesses with hopes that I can be a stay at home mom for 10-15 years in the future, so that makes me a bit of an abnormal example!
I think it starts in the business mindset we often have in the USA. And the factory background we have also from the 1800s and also the Puritan mindset of always working and seeing people who don't put in their work as lazy.
@@AbundantlyMinimal It literally never occurred to me that being a SAHM was an option not just for money reasons but just because we put so much pressure on ourselves to always be productive and work, especially if we have been on the college track as teens and young adults. I think in the 70s/80s it was easier for sure.
This video was well timed for me. I feel I’ve gotten caught up in my daily life and lost a little bit of myself. I’ve been trying to live more intentional and losing this has hurt me. I was thinking I need to get refocused and watching this has helped me recommit to myself. Thank you.
As always, your videos are fantastic. It makes me sad that you even have to suggest that people carve out one minute of me time. One minute!? It got me thinking of some of my most busiest times of life. One thing that has helped me feel more relaxed and content is to take some of regular things that I do daily (cook dinner, make coffee, walk my dog) and do them slowly and without multitasking. Being fully present and enjoying the task is a form of me time.
Thank you so much, Tanya! I completely agree with everything you are saying, and even in my busiest times, I always have moments to be present and grateful, and to allow myself to focus on self-care. I'm not sure if there are any people who are in a situation where they haven't given themselves even one minute of me time, but I wanted to include that in the video, just in case there is and they didn't realize that self care or me time has to be time consuming and thus risk feeling like it is out of reach.
Loved the new setup, Sarah! I am also trying to bring some plants home (we have two now, which is a huge progress, since I am not a "green" person). After decluttering many aspects of my life, tip #7 is my goal now. Healthier diet, getting rid of toxic cleaning products and toiletries. Minimalism has spread its wings over my entire life! My husband and I have became vegetarians for a few months and it's great! Our plates are sooo colorful now. Also, by deleting social media I have peace of mind, at last! Biggest struggle: exercising...a battle against laziness hahaha.
I love your inspiration of starting to take at least a minute to be with yourself, with your thoughts. Practicing gratitude, quieting your mind... so essential. Thanks!
Hi Sarah, love your plant. I have loved reading forever then along the way I just started picking books up. Collecting instead of reading. As I told you earlier I have gotten rid of many of them. Now I am pulling out the ones I want to read and then they go in to the anti haul box. I gave a very old book to a friend the other day and the joy on her face was amazing. I can't wait to do it again. With more than just my books. And yes, I eat junk food when I am stressed, specifically m and ms !
Thank you, Jenny! Collecting books is such a common thing, but it is so great to hear about how it gave your friend such joy when she received a book from you!
For a while I was working at a toxic job. Toxic in that it took up a lot if time, I didn't like it, and my manager didn't seem to like me. In order to cope with that I made a few changes at that time which I still think are helping me. I used 1/2 of my lunch hour to take a walk by myself, and I removed the Facebook app from my phone and decided to only use it on my home computer. Since then I find I sometimes use Facebook several times a week and sometimes don't use it at all for a month. I also started listening to audiobooks while doing chores and driving to increase the amount of time I have available for books in my day.
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS. I didn't get a lot of these lessons until recently when I went back to work post baby and hit a wall so hard I thought I was going to die. Now I am prioritizing sleep, self-care, and controlling what enters my mind and physical space. It's a huge adjustment but will serve me better for the rest of my life than the frantic DO IT ALL pace I was at.
As a person suddenly struck down by Lyme disease, now chronic, I find all your advice very applicable. Slow down, unplug, hydrate, say no. Some days all I could manage was to declutter a few things into a box. The next day I might get the box into the car, a week later hit the donation spot. There is a lot of pressure to tell people I am feeling better, but that is not the case, and that is part of saying no. As a dedicated minimalist it is important to stay on and explore this path because after all, this is all about finding ways to take really good care of yourself.
Hi Sarah; we have moved: I feel so good in our new house. I’m so thoughtful about what I bring into the home. I actually love my indoor plants... I’m nowhere as attached to ornaments like I used to be. Life is so much more simplified now. My young children have adapted well too. I feel with less physical possessions in my presence I feel more peace and clarity and although I can’t undo all the years I lost cleaning and sorting clutter and work I now direct my energy where it’s most important on my family and mental health. Absolutely love your videos as you already know! 🙂
I love how u take the time to explain step by step or with examples. U are awesome keep up the great work :). Thank u for keeping it real and not fake like an actor
I see I can take more time for myself. Also, getting an alarm clock instead of using my phone as one., building time to do the things I love. Aligning my life with my values and saying no when needed are the handful I will start with. Adding one every week and keeping them going.
New subscriber here! I started my journey 3 years ago and now that I'm an adult, I have the authority and resources to take minimalism to a new level. It made me really happy to realize that I already do most of your tips! They are great tips and thank you for your amazing channel!
Welcome to the channel, Lili! It is always so exciting to me to hear about young people who are able to start out on a more minimalist path...that will likely be so helpful as you go through life! :)
Awesome! I really enjoyed the inserted clips. I’m sure it takes more time than we realize to set those up and I’m sure editing is more difficult...but I really enjoyed your effort. Great job!
I went through this “trying to be more feminine” stage. And trying to reflect my “bold” style. Set it all up in my bedroom like pink, white, black all over the place. Then I was like umm. I think this is just too juvenile for me. Plus the bedroom needs to be more “relaxing.” 😅😅Turns out that I like warm blue/teal/cream and sage green and peach/coral tones and “county French” is much more relaxing and cozy feeling to me. ESP for a bedroom. I’m saving the red and white (with some light blue lol) for the living room and the black and white (with some red) for the kitchen. 😅😅 I like having some more “energized” rooms in the house, but def not for the bedroom. Lol. It really was affecting my ability to calm down and relax tho...The overstimulation of bright and high contrast colors in my bedroom. I love that for most things...just not for resting. Lol. The bedroom for me now is more like the one soft and inviting space I can just go chill in like it’s my “she cave.” Lol. A sanctuary of sorts. Sort of physically designating a rest space as distinguished from the more “productive” or active spaces. I need both types of spaces. I’m seeing that now. Lol. Bcuz when I’m on, I’m very on. Like let’s go get ‘er done. Lol. But when I want to shut it all off...I want it ALL off lol.
I’ve eliminated the minimalist short cut of calling/addressing EVERYONE as “guys” in order to realign with my value of being present and actually seeing the people who I’m greeting.
Great point about the cell phone. I have to have mine completely off and plugged in charging. I can't sleep hearing all of those little notification sounds. I also suggest having healthy snacks and drinking plenty of water (and maybe a cup of te or coffee)during those self care times. I ALWAYS have my water with me, I have to, I live in the desert :)
Thanks for another inspiring video about how we can seek to live a minimalist lifestyle 😊. I really agree with the value of self-care. I also, loved your suggestion of setting a timer to read. I love reading actual books 📖, but have barely made time for this so I think this suggestion of yours will help me a lot, along with a note 📝 that I leave out for myself saying ‘Read’ to remind me 😀
Love the plants. As always, this video was inspiring and uplifting. As a new retiree, I want to start doing more useful things with my days. It's not easy, having no structure in my week. It's not good for me and I find myself just wasting day after day instead of living to the full.
I am one of the lucky people with a professional non-exempt position in a company that does not encourage overtime. At the end of eight hours, I have to clock out for the day and go home. You have a wonderfully calming voice.
I love the space and I love the ideas! I’m having to learn an important word when it comes to relationships at work and with people I associate with at my Church. That word is boundaries. I’ve never been good at setting boundaries and have gotten both burned and burned out by it, so that has been part of my doctor prescribed self care.
I just got some plants too, fingers crossed I can keep them alive Lol. I’ve been making an effort recently to align things to my values and I’ve been struggling with the cost factor. Trying to keep my spending low and yet trying to buy from companies that promote sustainability and more natural products. It can be such an internal debate.
The cost factor is so tricky. I felt that the other day when I had to order some boots for the winter. I'm happy with what I purchased, but it was much more expensive than an less-ethical pair I could have bought from a big box store. There are sometimes times though where I don't always go with the most ethical option due to the cost. I agree with you that it is an internal debate!
I've heard the items on this list before, but it's nice to hear it again. The only thing I do that could be differently, is that I use my phone as an alarm. I feel that I can control the scrolls on my phone, though. Sometimes I end up scrolling longer than I plan, but I notice some people around me do it more. 🤔
#1 is needed now more than every in todays world. Its just crazy how addicted to stimulation we have become as a result of the "always on" culture people are literally afraid to sit in solitude or give their mind attention or space to breath, its just go go go all the time. I myself have started looking for opportunities to sit in silence and just let my mind wonder and think and do what its meant to do instead of feeding on junkfood interactions 24/7.
I'm your new subscriber. I have come from the frugal minimalist channel. I follow minimalism too. It's great you are impacting people in such an amazing way.
Hi Sarah great advice as always. I definitely want to start reading more, so will try to make time for that. Also i find it hard to say no to certain people as don't want to upset anyone but realise that sometimes we have to put ourselves first xx 💕
As a young attorney I'm still struggling with the work/life balance to try to detach from my job once I'm home especially since I'm a HSP as well so I definitely can relate
Hi Sarah, My husband and I are going to stay on an Airbnb today finally, we were looking toward to it since you suggest it on a video, but I have a question. Are we supposed to give a tip for the owner once we leave or is it supposed to be included on the total charges of the stay? Thanks, Linda from 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico (by the way, we are doing Turismo Interno) 30 minutes from home 😊😂 Sorry to use this forum the email returned with error. Sent from my iPhone
Loved your video! Just became a new subscriber! I am already pretty minimalistic, but there is definitely room for improvement and your tips are helping! My biggest issue is work/life balance and working into my schedule more things that I enjoy, like yoga and exercise, and seeing friends more often. Saying 'no' is also an issue for me but I'm getting better at it. I can't do much about keeping the phone away before bed, as I need to listen to ASMR in order to go to sleep, but I've found that keeping the phone nearby hasn't been a problem. It would be a bigger problem for my sleep if I didn't have my ASMR because I have one of those minds that doesn't shut up for hours unless I'm listening to someone else's voice. With the ASMR, I'm asleep in less than 10 minutes. I do keep the phone on Do Not Disturb though so I don't hear any notifications during the night. My alarm is another phone (doesn't have service) that I use just for an alarm across the room.
Noticed and enjoyed seeing the new plant. Just recently I've increased my reading time and am really enjoying it.( I needed to use number of pages as a guide because I rebel if I have a time constraint. Lol)
The note about devices at bedtime is critical for me. As a lifelong, hardcore insomniac, I can't afford to look at bluelight devices (even with my bluelight reducing glasses) for at *least* two hours before bedtime. It really does make a difference, and I was seriously skeptical (and churlish) when my sleep physician demanded I do this. :p
Also, as a college professor, I hear you on the reading thing. Especially during the time when we need to grade papers, it can feel like we're drowning in words. But it's critical, especially for an English professor, to keep that love of reading (to infect our students), so it's not merely punitive for either of us.
Organic, unsweetened tart cherry juice at bedtime Earplugs Eye mask Weighted blanket Delta Sleep Music played on youtube on your TV. Reading a physical book makes you sleepy. Gamw-changer!!!
Thanks Daniel! I actually received the tea set as a gift and there is not a brand listed anywhere on it. I think the person who gave it to me got it from a local shop that sold loose leaf tea. Sorry I don't have more details!
I really enjoyed this video and found it very helpful! My only question is how do I know what my values are? As a 20 year old it can be hard to navigate such deep questions. Is there any activities you would suggest to help me figure out what my values are? Thanks!
This is a great question, Leora! It definitely requires time and reflection, and reevaluation as we get older. I would recommend to think about what you care the most about, and maybe sketch those out on a sheet of paper. Then, think about the activities that you do in your life that connect to what you care about most. In an idea world, the things we actually do on a regular basis are also the things that we care about. For example, I value and care a lot about my marriage to Jake, so I make sure we spend time together every single day. Was this helpful? There may be other better resources online.
Hi Sarah, loving your videos, so professional, what does your hair look like when you bring it both sides of your face, wish my hair was that long.what are you doing for your masters. ? 🌷💐🌺🌸
Aww, thank you so much, Cath! I got my masters in Global Studies in Education! It looks okay with the hair on both sides, but with the microphone I have been using, sometimes having the hair on both sides leads to some random microphone noises haha
Hi Sarah ! Love your channel and all the topics you talked about. Thanks for the effort. All the best from Spain. By the way, I' d like to know more about your teaching channel. Coul you give the link ? Bye.
All excellent tips and you framed them all very well. I'm tyring to practice most (all?) of them myself, especially the ones that contribute most to good health and a positive mindset. I'm trying to let some things go that are not giving my life value, joy or purpose and spend more time and energy on the ones that do - less stuff, more me-time, saying no to things I really don't want to do etc. On a side note, I've noticed that a lot of the minimalists I follow have Snake Plants! It's just something I've picked up on and I'm keeping my eye open for one myself, even though I'm a long way of being a minimalist lol. Your plants look nice and healthy.
I don’t keep my phone in the bedroom but it has caused one major problem. When my dad had to take mom to the emergency room at 1:00 am, he called but I didn’t hear my phone because it was in the kitchen rather than next to my bed. Even though the volume was turned up, I was too deeply asleep to hear it.
What I do, is place my phone in Do Not Disturb Mode to mute/stop all notifications, yet I do custom exceptions with certain Contacts are still able to contact me despite it. And then I place my phone as far away from my bed, yet still in the bedroom so I don't miss those potential emergency calls.
I love reading, I want to read more, BUT, every time I read, no matter what time of day, I start to fall asleep after about ten minutes. What's the solution? Takes me forever to read one book because after about 3 pages I'm falling asleep x
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Saying "no" has made a huge difference in my life! I learned it's okay to turn down invitations and focus on self care.
Totally agree! :)
Omg....
OMG I just did this and it helped. We have a toddler, and the rest of our friends are either single or recently married. So they are hosting a holiday party but it doesn't begin til 8:30 and we said no to going. But we are seeing the people going to the party, just separately and that's better for us.
Staying hydrated. Agree 100% that this is so important. I find it sad when I hear people say they don’t like the taste of water. Now I was one of these people for a long time. The reason I think it is so sad is that consuming water is important to staying alive. Speaking of myself, how far out of alignment was I that my body didn’t like the taste of something that was so important for me to stay alive. I slowly worked thru it and now I drink water all day long.
It's awesome you worked through that! I have always been a big water drinker and imagine it must be tough to not actually want it.
I am a starchavore. What turned my life around, other than my eating program, was to limit my eating to potatoes, sweet potatoes and veggies for a year. It woke up my minimalist desire. I eat basic and bland. Thanks for your wonderful videos. I love your style.
That is wonderful, Karen! You are so kind!
I love decluttering my room every so often, but now I’m going to change the colors of my room and make it as simplistic as possible.
I’ve also eliminated many of my biggest commitments in life, in order to take care of my health.
P.S~ I love how you talk.
That is wonderful! Thank you for your comment!
Coming from someone who got burned out aged 25 from doing only fun but too many things in life & getting not enough rest or sleep - my number one advice to you is to reduce your commitments. I am now 39 and still suffer from a slight but chronic fatigue and deeply regret all the passions of my youth. When I hear about all your commitments my stress levels rise. I hope you take care of yourself & take your own advice more. Having a full time job as a teacher is enough and yet you have two (or more?) side hustles. That is not healthy. That is basically what I did. I thought that just because everything I was doing at the time - full time university studies, three extra side hustled and a rich & buissy social life were fun & interesting it was fine. But I got less & less sleep & rest util I hit a brick wall and spent the following 3 years crying daily & sleeping 12-18 hours a day... Even fun can be detrimental. Please. Take your own advice more seriously and say no to one or two of your side hustles... I really apreeciate your videos, but if giving up youtube is one way to stay healthy then do so... Your helath & future life is more important. Take care
Thank you for sharing your story here. I appreciate it! I definitely do take time for self care, so I am doing well currently, but you are right, doing all of these things is not forever. I'm actually in a building phase for the two businesses until we have our first child. Then, I will use the income to take about 10 years off of teaching to focus on our family and be a stay at home mom, which has always been a dream of mine! The exciting thing is that a large percentage of both businesses is passive income, which means that once the work is done once, the income is sustained without additional work. It is a little crazy at times, but the interesting thing is, I have never been so motivated about something as I have been about being a stay at home mom for a while and building that family dynamic, so even if I am working a little harder now, the trade-offs of getting to have family be the number one focus and sole portion of my time is worth it to me! :)
@@AbundantlyMinimal great plan! I wish we could do that too ! Best of luck!
Abundantly Minimal Well I wish you good luck then & hope it will all be as you hope :-) Take care!
You have such a great plan. I love it!
You have no idea how much I needed this. I’m a full time college student, plus part of the directive of an organization, plus a member of a lot more, plus I have a job, etc. I barely sleep, I barely eat. I’ve been with taquicardia for days, I’ve been having panic attack for days. I think I need to start saying no.
#2 is great advice, especially because we are renovating our home (downsized from a bigger home). There are sooooo many beautiful options, but we made a commitment to still be intentional. So, I put things I like in our online cart or take pics of items I see in the store and then just let it sit there for a few weeks or even several months. It's really helping us to only bring in items to our new home that we really love and will create the peaceful atmosphere we are craving and avoid high pressure marketing and the 'bright lights and glamour' of buying new stuff!
That is great to hear, Jacque!
I really don't understand the American work mindset. In Europe when the workday is over - it's over. Most people manage to go home and not take any work with them. My husband is home by 4 p.m. and unless there is some work emergency or extreme crunch time, we enjoy our late afternoons and evenings as a family. We're only being paid for 35 to 40 hours per week - why voluntarily lower your salary by putting in more hours? Still, productivity is higher in Europe than in the US - I don't get it.
Good points, Tanja! I think many Americans could benefit from reducing work hours. In my own life I am currently working extra on my businesses with hopes that I can be a stay at home mom for 10-15 years in the future, so that makes me a bit of an abnormal example!
Capitalism is a butt-kicker. If one isn't in charge, one can get run over.
I think it starts in the business mindset we often have in the USA. And the factory background we have also from the 1800s and also the Puritan mindset of always working and seeing people who don't put in their work as lazy.
@@AbundantlyMinimal It literally never occurred to me that being a SAHM was an option not just for money reasons but just because we put so much pressure on ourselves to always be productive and work, especially if we have been on the college track as teens and young adults. I think in the 70s/80s it was easier for sure.
You should not saying Europe, in Italy is not like that.People work 10 hours a day, expecially who works on his own...
I always make time to read. It's a very important part of my life.
Definitely a lovely activity to do!
This video was well timed for me. I feel I’ve gotten caught up in my daily life and lost a little bit of myself. I’ve been trying to live more intentional and losing this has hurt me. I was thinking I need to get refocused and watching this has helped me recommit to myself. Thank you.
It is so easy for this to happen...I felt that way a bit this past week! I'm glad the video was helpful!
As always, your videos are fantastic. It makes me sad that you even have to suggest that people carve out one minute of me time. One minute!? It got me thinking of some of my most busiest times of life. One thing that has helped me feel more relaxed and content is to take some of regular things that I do daily (cook dinner, make coffee, walk my dog) and do them slowly and without multitasking. Being fully present and enjoying the task is a form of me time.
Thank you so much, Tanya! I completely agree with everything you are saying, and even in my busiest times, I always have moments to be present and grateful, and to allow myself to focus on self-care. I'm not sure if there are any people who are in a situation where they haven't given themselves even one minute of me time, but I wanted to include that in the video, just in case there is and they didn't realize that self care or me time has to be time consuming and thus risk feeling like it is out of reach.
Loved the new setup, Sarah! I am also trying to bring some plants home (we have two now, which is a huge progress, since I am not a "green" person). After decluttering many aspects of my life, tip #7 is my goal now. Healthier diet, getting rid of toxic cleaning products and toiletries. Minimalism has spread its wings over my entire life! My husband and I have became vegetarians for a few months and it's great! Our plates are sooo colorful now. Also, by deleting social media I have peace of mind, at last! Biggest struggle: exercising...a battle against laziness hahaha.
You are on a roll, Sandra! Keep up all of the positive changes! Also, I am with you on the exercising struggle haha :)
I love your inspiration of starting to take at least a minute to be with yourself, with your thoughts. Practicing gratitude, quieting your mind... so essential. Thanks!
You are welcome! Those practices have honestly helped me so much!
Hi Sarah, love your plant. I have loved reading forever then along the way I just started picking books up. Collecting instead of reading. As I told you earlier I have gotten rid of many of them. Now I am pulling out the ones I want to read and then they go in to the anti haul box. I gave a very old book to a friend the other day and the joy on her face was amazing. I can't wait to do it again. With more than just my books. And yes, I eat junk food when I am stressed, specifically m and ms !
Thank you, Jenny! Collecting books is such a common thing, but it is so great to hear about how it gave your friend such joy when she received a book from you!
For a while I was working at a toxic job. Toxic in that it took up a lot if time, I didn't like it, and my manager didn't seem to like me. In order to cope with that I made a few changes at that time which I still think are helping me. I used 1/2 of my lunch hour to take a walk by myself, and I removed the Facebook app from my phone and decided to only use it on my home computer. Since then I find I sometimes use Facebook several times a week and sometimes don't use it at all for a month. I also started listening to audiobooks while doing chores and driving to increase the amount of time I have available for books in my day.
Those are some great changes that I think a lot of people would benefit from. Thank you for sharing!
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS. I didn't get a lot of these lessons until recently when I went back to work post baby and hit a wall so hard I thought I was going to die. Now I am prioritizing sleep, self-care, and controlling what enters my mind and physical space. It's a huge adjustment but will serve me better for the rest of my life than the frantic DO IT ALL pace I was at.
Yes for sleep, self-care, and monitoring your mind and space! I imagine these are extra important with a 5 month old! :)
As a person suddenly struck down by Lyme disease, now chronic, I find all your advice very applicable. Slow down, unplug, hydrate, say no. Some days all I could manage was to declutter a few things into a box. The next day I might get the box into the car, a week later hit the donation spot. There is a lot of pressure to tell people I am feeling better, but that is not the case, and that is part of saying no. As a dedicated minimalist it is important to stay on and explore this path because after all, this is all about finding ways to take really good care of yourself.
I'm sorry to hear about the Lyme disease, Kathleen. I can't even imagine how challenging that is, but I wish you strength. Thank you for sharing.
I'm so sorry you're going through this. I hope it's temporary. 💔
Hi Sarah; we have moved: I feel so good in our new house. I’m so thoughtful about what I bring into the home. I actually love my indoor plants... I’m nowhere as attached to ornaments like I used to be. Life is so much more simplified now. My young children have adapted well too. I feel with less physical possessions in my presence I feel more peace and clarity and although I can’t undo all the years I lost cleaning and sorting clutter and work I now direct my energy where it’s most important on my family and mental health. Absolutely love your videos as you already know! 🙂
YES YES YES! I'm so happy to hear that, Kas! Congratulations!
Abundantly Minimal thank you Sarah! 😊
I love how u take the time to explain step by step or with examples. U are awesome keep up the great work :). Thank u for keeping it real and not fake like an actor
Thank you so much!
I see I can take more time for myself. Also, getting an alarm clock instead of using my phone as one., building time to do the things I love. Aligning my life with my values and saying no when needed are the handful I will start with. Adding one every week and keeping them going.
I love that approach!
New subscriber here! I started my journey 3 years ago and now that I'm an adult, I have the authority and resources to take minimalism to a new level. It made me really happy to realize that I already do most of your tips! They are great tips and thank you for your amazing channel!
Welcome to the channel, Lili! It is always so exciting to me to hear about young people who are able to start out on a more minimalist path...that will likely be so helpful as you go through life! :)
Awesome! I really enjoyed the inserted clips. I’m sure it takes more time than we realize to set those up and I’m sure editing is more difficult...but I really enjoyed your effort. Great job!
Thank you! It does take some extra time, but I'm very happy you enjoyed it! :)
hey i also have a channel with goodd content think maybe you can check it out in sub
I went through this “trying to be more feminine” stage. And trying to reflect my “bold” style. Set it all up in my bedroom like pink, white, black all over the place. Then I was like umm. I think this is just too juvenile for me. Plus the bedroom needs to be more “relaxing.” 😅😅Turns out that I like warm blue/teal/cream and sage green and peach/coral tones and “county French” is much more relaxing and cozy feeling to me. ESP for a bedroom. I’m saving the red and white (with some light blue lol) for the living room and the black and white (with some red) for the kitchen. 😅😅 I like having some more “energized” rooms in the house, but def not for the bedroom. Lol. It really was affecting my ability to calm down and relax tho...The overstimulation of bright and high contrast colors in my bedroom. I love that for most things...just not for resting. Lol. The bedroom for me now is more like the one soft and inviting space I can just go chill in like it’s my “she cave.” Lol. A sanctuary of sorts. Sort of physically designating a rest space as distinguished from the more “productive” or active spaces. I need both types of spaces. I’m seeing that now. Lol. Bcuz when I’m on, I’m very on. Like let’s go get ‘er done. Lol. But when I want to shut it all off...I want it ALL off lol.
I signed up on your channel - you have a nice Smooth speaking voice that makes is pleasant to listen to. You have good advise. I enjoyed this
Thank you, Kalla! I'm so happy to hear that!
Love the plant and great info, too. Thanks.
You're welcome!
I need to work on the 1st and 3rd tip so much. My work-life balance is totally out of whack and I need to get better at balancing the two.
Work-life balance is so hard, but I am sure it will come with time. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Thank you so much for this video. So good to hear actually good tips about this lifestyle, I really like your ideas and all the thoughts behind them
You are very welcome, Ninna! I'm glad to hear it was helpful!
I’ve eliminated the minimalist short cut of calling/addressing EVERYONE as “guys” in order to realign with my value of being present and actually seeing the people who I’m greeting.
👏👏👏
That’s a really good idea. I need to try this
This never came to my mind. Thank you for making me aware.
Cyndee, do you mean as when you tell a few kids, "You guys, listen up."
Like that? English is not my first language, and I can't think of an example.
Great point about the cell phone. I have to have mine completely off and plugged in charging. I can't sleep hearing all of those little notification sounds. I also suggest having healthy snacks and drinking plenty of water (and maybe a cup of te or coffee)during those self care times. I ALWAYS have my water with me, I have to, I live in the desert :)
I can relate to having the water ready at all times! :)
@@AbundantlyMinimal I live in Arizona and have to have my water with me at all times :)
I’m starting my minimalist lifestyle and I find this video helpful thanks
Yay! Congratulations on starting your minimalist journey! :)
Thanks for another inspiring video about how we can seek to live a minimalist lifestyle 😊. I really agree with the value of self-care. I also, loved your suggestion of setting a timer to read. I love reading actual books 📖, but have barely made time for this so I think this suggestion of yours will help me a lot, along with a note 📝 that I leave out for myself saying ‘Read’ to remind me 😀
I'm so happy to hear this! Thank you!
Excellent list as a reminder for the seasoned minimalist or a newbie.
Thank you, Jo!
Love the plants. As always, this video was inspiring and uplifting. As a new retiree, I want to start doing more useful things with my days. It's not easy, having no structure in my week. It's not good for me and I find myself just wasting day after day instead of living to the full.
Congratulations on your retirement! I'm glad to hear that you also enjoyed the video!
I am one of the lucky people with a professional non-exempt position in a company that does not encourage overtime. At the end of eight hours, I have to clock out for the day and go home.
You have a wonderfully calming voice.
Thank you so much! It sounds like your job really helps with work-life balance!
I love the space and I love the ideas! I’m having to learn an important word when it comes to relationships at work and with people I associate with at my Church. That word is boundaries. I’ve never been good at setting boundaries and have gotten both burned and burned out by it, so that has been part of my doctor prescribed self care.
I'm glad to hear that you love the space and ideas! Setting boundaries is such an important thing to do. I hope it goes well for you!
I need to get back on track drinking water! I was doing great, but haven't the past couple weeks and I'm tired. Duh! :-)
I just got some plants too, fingers crossed I can keep them alive Lol. I’ve been making an effort recently to align things to my values and I’ve been struggling with the cost factor. Trying to keep my spending low and yet trying to buy from companies that promote sustainability and more natural products. It can be such an internal debate.
The cost factor is so tricky. I felt that the other day when I had to order some boots for the winter. I'm happy with what I purchased, but it was much more expensive than an less-ethical pair I could have bought from a big box store. There are sometimes times though where I don't always go with the most ethical option due to the cost. I agree with you that it is an internal debate!
I've heard the items on this list before, but it's nice to hear it again. The only thing I do that could be differently, is that I use my phone as an alarm. I feel that I can control the scrolls on my phone, though. Sometimes I end up scrolling longer than I plan, but I notice some people around me do it more. 🤔
It is great that you feel like you have good self-control with the scrolling! I'm glad the video was a good reminder!
#1 is needed now more than every in todays world. Its just crazy how addicted to stimulation we have become as a result of the "always on" culture people are literally afraid to sit in solitude or give their mind attention or space to breath, its just go go go all the time. I myself have started looking for opportunities to sit in silence and just let my mind wonder and think and do what its meant to do instead of feeding on junkfood interactions 24/7.
That is so true, Joshua! Thanks for sharing!
I'm your new subscriber. I have come from the frugal minimalist channel. I follow minimalism too. It's great you are impacting people in such an amazing way.
Welcome to the channel, Veronica! It is great to have you here!
Hi Sarah great advice as always. I definitely want to start reading more, so will try to make time for that. Also i find it hard to say no to certain people as don't want to upset anyone but realise that sometimes we have to put ourselves first xx 💕
It can be really tough, but I find it can get easier with practice!
As a young attorney I'm still struggling with the work/life balance to try to detach from my job once I'm home especially since I'm a HSP as well so I definitely can relate
I can imagine that as an attorney it is really difficult to separate from work as well! Thank you for your comment, Tia!
Awesome! Your words,your smile...........Thank you !
Thank you for your kind words!
I love your videos Sarah! Always valuable tips!
Aww, thank you!!
Hi Sarah,
My husband and I are going to stay on an Airbnb today finally, we were looking toward to it since you suggest it on a video, but I have a question. Are we supposed to give a tip for the owner once we leave or is it supposed to be included on the total charges of the stay?
Thanks,
Linda from 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico (by the way, we are doing Turismo Interno) 30 minutes from home 😊😂
Sorry to use this forum the email returned with error.
Sent from my iPhone
Hi Linda! I am excited to hear you are trying Airbnb for the first time! You do not have to leave any tips!
Very helpful tips, thank you! I knew most of these, but this is a very useful summary :)
I'm glad to hear that, Paul! Thanks!
Loved your video! Just became a new subscriber! I am already pretty minimalistic, but there is definitely room for improvement and your tips are helping! My biggest issue is work/life balance and working into my schedule more things that I enjoy, like yoga and exercise, and seeing friends more often. Saying 'no' is also an issue for me but I'm getting better at it. I can't do much about keeping the phone away before bed, as I need to listen to ASMR in order to go to sleep, but I've found that keeping the phone nearby hasn't been a problem. It would be a bigger problem for my sleep if I didn't have my ASMR because I have one of those minds that doesn't shut up for hours unless I'm listening to someone else's voice. With the ASMR, I'm asleep in less than 10 minutes. I do keep the phone on Do Not Disturb though so I don't hear any notifications during the night. My alarm is another phone (doesn't have service) that I use just for an alarm across the room.
Thank you so much, Areya! Welcome to the channel! Work/life balance can definitely be such a challenge!
Noticed and enjoyed seeing the new plant. Just recently I've increased my reading time and am really enjoying it.( I needed to use number of pages as a guide because I rebel if I have a time constraint. Lol)
The number of pages is a great metric too! :)
I find that breaking up my reading into chapters is easiest for me, since I usually read novels :)
highly recommend Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport half way through it currently.
What I need to practice more is me saying no !
That is definitely a skill that takes lots of practice!
I think the thing I want most in todays world is inner peace and outer freedom
YES! That is lovely!
The note about devices at bedtime is critical for me. As a lifelong, hardcore insomniac, I can't afford to look at bluelight devices (even with my bluelight reducing glasses) for at *least* two hours before bedtime. It really does make a difference, and I was seriously skeptical (and churlish) when my sleep physician demanded I do this. :p
Also, as a college professor, I hear you on the reading thing. Especially during the time when we need to grade papers, it can feel like we're drowning in words. But it's critical, especially for an English professor, to keep that love of reading (to infect our students), so it's not merely punitive for either of us.
I am so glad it has made such a difference for you! Thank you so much for your comments!
Organic, unsweetened tart cherry juice at bedtime
Earplugs
Eye mask
Weighted blanket
Delta Sleep Music played on youtube on your TV.
Reading a physical book makes you sleepy.
Gamw-changer!!!
Hey Sarah great video! I know you got comments about the plant, but I am more interested in the tea set you have! Can you share where got it?😊
Thanks Daniel! I actually received the tea set as a gift and there is not a brand listed anywhere on it. I think the person who gave it to me got it from a local shop that sold loose leaf tea. Sorry I don't have more details!
I really enjoyed this video and found it very helpful! My only question is how do I know what my values are? As a 20 year old it can be hard to navigate such deep questions. Is there any activities you would suggest to help me figure out what my values are? Thanks!
This is a great question, Leora! It definitely requires time and reflection, and reevaluation as we get older. I would recommend to think about what you care the most about, and maybe sketch those out on a sheet of paper. Then, think about the activities that you do in your life that connect to what you care about most. In an idea world, the things we actually do on a regular basis are also the things that we care about. For example, I value and care a lot about my marriage to Jake, so I make sure we spend time together every single day. Was this helpful? There may be other better resources online.
congratulations on 10K !!
Thank you so much! :)
Watching 28.04.2024 😊
Great video 👍🏻 love plants 🌱 I think they bring joy.
Thank you!
Hi Sarah, loving your videos, so professional, what does your hair look like when you bring it both sides of your face, wish my hair was that long.what are you doing for your masters. ? 🌷💐🌺🌸
Aww, thank you so much, Cath! I got my masters in Global Studies in Education! It looks okay with the hair on both sides, but with the microphone I have been using, sometimes having the hair on both sides leads to some random microphone noises haha
Well done, that’s brilliant, xx
And yes I can imagine with microphone, I didn’t think of that xx💖💝🌸🌺
Hi Sarah ! Love your channel and all the topics you talked about. Thanks for the effort. All the best from Spain. By the way, I' d like to know more about your teaching channel. Coul you give the link ? Bye.
I'm so happy to hear that you love the channel! Our teaching channel is available at this link: ruclips.net/channel/UCn5d_M6i5HvrHPQcTsj4Flg Thanks!
Thank you Sarah! I've just suscribed to your teaching channel. I' m a Primary teacher . All the best from Spain.
Another great video Sarah thank u
Thank you, Badrool!
Checking out your channel for more ideas your channel was recommended from The Frugal Minimalist
Welcome to the channel, Laura!
Thanks
Hi Sarah really enjoyed your video love your plant I have one plant it's called a snake plant I'm looking to buy more plants.
One of mine is a snake plant too!
All excellent tips and you framed them all very well. I'm tyring to practice most (all?) of them myself, especially the ones that contribute most to good health and a positive mindset. I'm trying to let some things go that are not giving my life value, joy or purpose and spend more time and energy on the ones that do - less stuff, more me-time, saying no to things I really don't want to do etc. On a side note, I've noticed that a lot of the minimalists I follow have Snake Plants! It's just something I've picked up on and I'm keeping my eye open for one myself, even though I'm a long way of being a minimalist lol. Your plants look nice and healthy.
That is wonderful, Lisa! Keep up the good work on these habits! Thank you for your comment!
Interesting, what you call snake plant, we call mother-in-law’s tongue here in Australia.
Thank you, from Spain.
You are welcome! What part of Spain are you from? :)
great video! this was so informative and incredibly helpful (:
Thank you! I'm so glad to hear that!
Nice plant
Thanks, Jennifer!
I don’t keep my phone in the bedroom but it has caused one major problem. When my dad had to take mom to the emergency room at 1:00 am, he called but I didn’t hear my phone because it was in the kitchen rather than next to my bed. Even though the volume was turned up, I was too deeply asleep to hear it.
That is one problem with the phone policy. I hope everything was fine with your mom.
Thanks. She’s better now.
What I do, is place my phone in Do Not Disturb Mode to mute/stop all notifications, yet I do custom exceptions with certain Contacts are still able to contact me despite it. And then I place my phone as far away from my bed, yet still in the bedroom so I don't miss those potential emergency calls.
Good stuff!
Thanks, Lisa!
I love reading, I want to read more, BUT, every time I read, no matter what time of day, I start to fall asleep after about ten minutes. What's the solution? Takes me forever to read one book because after about 3 pages I'm falling asleep x
Have you tried listening to audio books? Perhaps you could go for a walk while you were listening?
hey great video you really have good editing skills keep it up u defly got my support keep going
Hydration is still my habit that I have not mastered
It will come with time. You've got this!
Lately I have been putting the phone in "airplane mode" during bedtime because I use it as an alarm clock and as a flashlight.
That is a great strategy, Dominic!
#5: give yourself permission to say 'yes' to your child's request.
I love that! Thanks!
Everything but water our stomach counts as food
Even water with lemon is food
Say NO!
You got it!
🖐🙃
J