Admittedly, I spend a not-insignificant amount of time thinking about downsizing and simplifying my own life [I’m mindful that is a very privileged position to be in].

I’ve also talked about decluttering and changes to consumption behaviour as part of talks I give on mental health.

So, when I came across a recent systematic review titled “Minimalism, voluntary simplicity, and well-being” I knew it needed to be on my reading list. 

In short, the authors of the study reviewed 23 separate empirical studies, covering over 10,800 people, and found a consistent positive relationship between voluntary simplicity and well-being. Voluntary simplicity (also sometimes called minimalism) is a lifestyle focused on reducing consumption and the excess in one’s life so that individuals can prioritise their values. Well-being refers to life satisfaction and happiness. So, a positive relationship between the two means more simplicity = more wellbeing (I realise ‘more simplicity’ is a contradiction, but you get what I mean). 

Does that mean we all retire to cabins in the woods with a few good books?

Maybe, but studies like this typically need some translation. Most of us aren’t in a position to become minimalists. But there are practical, actionable applications of these findings.

Before I dig into those, I should note, there is a huge body of literature pointing to where we can find gains in our health and well-being. Some are things we know well (sleep, nutrition, physical activity). Some are more specific to mental health (like therapy). And some reflect actions in parts of our lives that might not immediately scream “mental health.”

Seeking simplicity could be one of those.

First things first: Are your basics covered?

Before we dive in, it’s crucial to clarify something. Most conversations about choosing a simpler life for well-being, assume that your basic costs of living are taken care of. If you are struggling to cover rent, bills, or food, purposefully pursuing a life of ‘minimalism’ is unlikely to be a priority. If you’re in that situation, please connect with the Financial Counsellor here at Flinders who can provide free, practical advice and advocacy: https://fusa.edu.au/financial-advocacy/

If the basics are covered, what could simplicity look like?

For those who do have their basic needs met, the research suggests there are potential well-being gains to be found in simplifying.

Why is that? The paper proposes a few reasons why this might be the case. A simpler life can lead to higher well-being through:

• Restraining consumption desires. We want lots of stuff. Then when we discover we can’t have that stuff we get frustrated. Therefore, if we can discipline ourselves to want less stuff, we find more peace. I suspect this aligns well with Buddhist philosophy. 
• Replacing materialistic values. Given the choice between a new phone and a new friend, I might just choose the phone. But what we value (and where we place our attention) has a big impact on our wellbeing. Research consistently shows that prioritising money and possessions tends to be linked with lower life satisfaction, especially when compared to investing in relationships or personal growth. The takeaway? It’s not necessarily about rejecting material things altogether but finding a better balance. Embracing simplicity can help redirect our focus toward what truly supports wellbeing — connection, growth, and the things that last.
• Psychological need satisfaction. Our core needs — to feel connected, capable, and in control of our lives — are often better met through relationships, personal growth, and autonomy, rather than through accumulating more stuff. When our attention and efforts are consumed by material goals, we may neglect these deeper psychological needs. Simpler living can help us rebalance.

So, how might you explore this in your own life? This will depend a bit on your stage of life. If you are old like me and have accumulated too much ‘stuff’ over the years, it might be a declutter (throw-out, donate, sell, repurpose). If you are fresh out of school with barely anything to your name, it might be more focused on prioritising social experiences over accumulation of stuff. Ideas taken from the study include:

Decluttering your space to create mental space

This is more than just tidying up. It is a wholesale rethink of how you use your living spaces. In the studies, participants described simplicity as bringing “less stress and anxiety” and a greater sense of “freedom” or “liberation.” When you consciously reduce physical and digital clutter, you often reduce mental noise too — making space for what researchers called “internal reflecting.” I did a major declutter about 10 years ago, and it genuinely helped. I felt less hemmed in by my surroundings, and more mentally spacious (although I am confident that the term ‘mentally spacious’ could also be used as an insult)

Selling or giving away what you no longer use

This is a practical step toward shifting your focus. It’s an act of reclaiming personal control over your environment — something participants in the research named as a major benefit. Personally, I always feel good knowing something I wasn’t using has gone to someone who will. I once gave away some old computer parts to a young guy just getting into building PCs. That stuff had been gathering dust in a cupboard, but to him it was valuable. That felt great.

Practicing mindful spending

This speaks directly to one of the key mechanisms identified in the research: the restraint of consumption desires. Unfulfilled desires can lead to discomfort, frustration, and stress. Pausing before you buy helps you move from impulse to intention. I’ve found that if I feel the urge to buy something expensive, I commit to waiting a few weeks. I research it, reflect on it, and more often than not, the urge fades. With time, I realise I didn’t need it after all. And if weeks/months down the track I am still interested, it is often a sign that I will get actual value from the purchase.

Choosing experiences over objects

This is about consciously deciding where to invest your time and money. The research suggests that shifting away from materialistic values toward those like relationships and personal growth is a key contributor to wellbeing. And for university students, experiences are everywhere!! There are constant opportunities to meet new people, learn new things, join clubs or online communities. If you’re on top of your studies, I’d really encourage you to explore what’s happening at Flinders. Start with FUSA or Oasis — both offer great opportunities to expand your experience.

A potential side-effect: Financial breathing room

If simplifying your life does free up some finances, it might also be a good time to increase your financial literacy. I personally started this journey in my 30s, once I began to feel a little more secure money-wise, and it’s been a great addition to my life. For me, it was about learning more about superannuation and investing [note: these topics are not popular at dinner parties, unless you are investing in scams]. For you, it might be something different.

If you’re interested, the Australian government’s Moneysmart.gov.au website is a fantastic resource, and authors like the Barefoot Investor have helped many people get started.

This isn’t about becoming an expert overnight. It’s about taking small, voluntary steps to build a life that feels more intentional and aligned with what truly matters to you. As the research points out, the “voluntary” aspect is key; for simplicity to have a positive effect, it needs to be a conscious choice that reflects your own intrinsic motivation.