How minimalist principles can improve your sleep and your life
Did you know that July 12 of every year is celebrated as Simplicity Day? This is in honor of the American philosopher, activist, and writer Henry David Thoreau on his birthday. Thoreau was the author of the famously influential memoir Walden that detailed his experiment to live simply in the woods of Walden Pond near Concord, Massachusetts during the mid-19th Century.
One of Thoreau’s most famous quotes from Walden goes:
Our life is frittered away by detail…Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand; instead of a million count half a dozen, and keep your accounts on your thumb-nail . . . Simplify, simplify.
When it comes to our bedrooms, we couldn’t agree more. Studies have shown that the bedroom environment can play a huge role in how well you sleep (or not…). Everything we own and take care of charges a mental and emotional tax of sorts, which we hardly notice until we feel overwhelmed or clear a space out and feel the stark difference. Proponents of minimalism give several reasons why it’s helpful as a lifestyle tool, including more time and freedom, saving money, and—we love this one!—it’s more environmentally friendly.
So let’s explore how a minimalistic approach can improve your sleep and your life.
Why Go Minimal?
It is well to find your employment and amusement in simple and homely things. These wear best and yield most. —Thoreau
The minimalism we’re talking about here is a way of living—not the specific interior design genre. While certainly Japanese and Scandinavian minimal design aesthetics can be lovely, you can decorate your bedroom however you like. This is more about focusing on what matters to you and creating awareness on how to maintain connection with the people, places, and things we love. We begin to value our time, money, and energy differently.
So what can we expect by going minimal in the bedroom?
Better Sleep. A clutter-free and organized bedroom creates a calming environment, which is conducive to better sleep. Minimalism reduces visual distractions and promotes relaxation, helping you unwind more effectively.
Less Stress. Clutter can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. By keeping your bedroom simple, you create a serene space that helps you feel more at ease and less overwhelmed by your surroundings.
Improved Focus and Mental Clarity. A minimalist bedroom can enhance your focus and mental clarity. Without unnecessary items competing for your attention, you can think more clearly and feel more mentally organized.
Less Cleaning and Maintenance. With fewer items in the bedroom, cleaning becomes quicker and easier. This can also lead to a cleaner and healthier living environment, reducing allergens and dust accumulation.
Increased Mindfulness and Intentionality. Minimalism encourages you to be more intentional about the items you keep. This mindfulness can extend beyond the bedroom, helping you make more thoughtful decisions in other areas of your life.
Who doesn’t need more of the above?
How to Go Minimal in the Bedroom
My greatest skill has been to want but little. —Thoreau
So how do we go about this? Some people love decluttering and organizing, and others…don’t. It can be helpful to find some guidelines and then see how you feel in the space.
One good place to start is with Marie Kondo’s guiding principle in her KonMari Method: “Keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy.”
Here are some other ways to incorporate minimalism in the bedroom:
- Tidy and Declutter Regularly. Start by getting rid of items you no longer need or use, keep only the essentials to maintain a clean, uncluttered space. Watch that nightstand!
- Eliminate Bedroom Multitasking. Bedrooms are for sleeping and sexytime—that’s it. No TVs, no desks, no exercise equipment. Don’t invite activities that disturb the peaceful, restful energy.
- Simplify Your Decor. Less is more. Select a few meaningful pieces of art or decor rather than cluttering the room with many items. Displaying well-loved items prevents the need to replace them repeatedly.
- Optimize Storage Solutions. Use built-in storage solutions, under-bed storage, and shelving to keep items organized and out of sight.
- Prioritize Quality Over Quantity. Invest in high-quality furniture and decor that will last longer.
- Keep the Bed Simple. Use simple, high-quality foundational bedding (comforters, pillows, mattress, etc.) and furniture that will stand the test of time and trends. Hey—we know where to find that!
- Light and Airy Feel. Maximize natural light with translucent curtains or blinds for an open feel.
- Incorporate Natural Elements. Bring the outdoors in for an extra nervous system balm. Plants and natural materials like wood, wool, linen, and cotton help us relax and feel comfortable.
- Devote Time for Daily Maintenance. It only takes a few minutes of daily habit to make the bed and keep surfaces clear. For extra bonus points, make this part of a daily ritual that includes journaling, meditation, or gentle movement.
Bringing It All Home
I do believe in simplicity. It is astonishing as well as sad, how many trivial affairs even the wisest thinks he must attend to in a day; how singular an affair he thinks he must omit…So simplify the problem of life, distinguish the necessary and the real. Probe the earth to see where your main roots run. —Thoreau
Happy birthday, Thoreau! It’s hard to imagine what he would think about modern life now, over 160 years after his passing. Many of us live quite complex lives, but there isn’t anyone who couldn’t benefit from his observations and giving some minimalist strategies a try. And, given how important sleep is, we think the bedroom is a wonderful place to start.
Thanks for tuning in! We’ve touched on some topics near to minimalism, so if you haven’t gotten enough yet, check these out:
- The Ultimate Guide to a Spring Bedroom Refresh
- Curating the Conscious Bedroom
- Creating the Ultimate Sleep Routine
- Celebrate Better Sleep Month
See you next time! Until then, we wish you sweet dreams.
