{"id":6561,"date":"2025-07-22T09:51:20","date_gmt":"2025-07-22T00:21:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/student-health-and-well-being\/?p=6561"},"modified":"2025-07-22T09:51:20","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T00:21:20","slug":"is-a-simpler-life-a-wellbeing-hack","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/student-health-and-well-being\/2025\/07\/22\/is-a-simpler-life-a-wellbeing-hack\/","title":{"rendered":"Is a simpler life a wellbeing hack?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Choosing a simpler life through decluttering, mindful spending, and valuing experiences over things could quietly unlock more freedom, happiness, and mental space.<\/p>\n

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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].<\/p>\n

I’ve also talked about decluttering and changes to consumption behaviour as part of talks I give on mental health.<\/p>\n

So, when I came across a recent systematic review titled “Minimalism, voluntary simplicity, and well-being<\/a>” I knew it needed to be on my reading list.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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. <\/span>Voluntary simplicity<\/span><\/b> (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<\/span>. W<\/strong>ell-being<\/span><\/b> 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).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Does that mean we all retire to cabins in the woods with a few good books?<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.”<\/p>\n

Seeking simplicity could be one of those.<\/p>\n

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First things first: Are your basics covered?<\/b><\/h4>\n

Before we dive in, it\u2019s 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\/<\/a><\/p>\n

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If the basics are covered, what could simplicity look like?<\/b><\/h4>\n

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

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:<\/p>\n