Living a minimalist lifestyle is far more than living in a tiny house, throwing out belongings, or painting everything white. Minimalism is more about the person than the things. Although there are benefits associated with a minimalist lifestyle, some challenges can make it difficult to live a peaceful life, especially while transitioning. Minimalists are not boring environmentalists who command attention by daring to be different. In reality, their lives are not much different from everyone else.
If you’re living a minimalist lifestyle, you know how important it is to keep things in perspective. You focus on things that add value to your life. Eliminating physical clutter and living in a clean, organized space are things that help you cope. Of course, you’re still able to live an exciting life while embracing minimalism.
You can have all the things that others have without being wasteful, including a pet. You can get a lot of value from owning a puppy as a minimalist. Here are five useful ways these furry friends can help you live a simple and peaceful life.
Keep You Active
As a minimalist, you pay attention to the little things in life and find ways to get the most out of what you have. You love finding ways to serve multiple purposes with one purchase. Having a puppy in your life can do that. Most people know they need to increase their physical activity but have a hard time getting started or sticking with a regimen.
Eighty percent of Americans have at least one fitness product in their home. But a puppy can help you live an active life without all the bulky exercise equipment cramping your style. Dog owners get more exercise than people who do not own dogs. Puppies are generally energetic and playful, allowing you to have fun while getting in some cardio.
Judgment-Free Companionship
Living a minimalist lifestyle can be lonely at times. Some people do not understand the concept of not being attached to things, and it may make them uncomfortable. It’s easy to isolate yourself from others when they don’t understand or agree with how you live your life. If you’re transitioning into a minimalist lifestyle, you’re bound to face some opposition from friends and family.
Some people will have lots of questions and they may be sincere, while others may judge you for being different. But standing alone in the things you value does not mean you have to be lonely. Aside from socializing with other minimalists, you can find some puppies for sale and have constant judgment-free companionship at home. Puppies are the ideal pet for a minimalist because, although they need a lot of love, they don’t need a lot of stuff.
Promote Relaxation
It’s easy to get caught up in analyzing every purchase, scrutinizing every gift, managing finances, and maintaining relationships while living a minimalist life. The stress of it all can be detrimental to your health, especially if you don’t have support. Some people believe minimalists live a “perfect” life with no issues or problems. While minimalism does promote a certain level of freedom and peace, the constant purging and stewarding can cause some anxiety.
But a puppy can help you live that peaceful lifestyle you set out to have. Overall, they can help decrease stress, improve your mood, and give you a lot of joy. It’s not easy to transition to living as a minimalist. While minimalism has been trending among Americans, less than twenty percent profess the lifestyle. It can be hard to detach from material things after accumulating so much. Taking care of a puppy can help keep things in perspective as you purge and start your new life.
Dissolve Awkwardness
Once you start the minimalist lifestyle, people will start to notice the changes you’re making in how you live. Sometimes people who like to have a lot of stuff and collect different items may feel uncomfortable around minimalists. They might ask questions and then feel awkward after hearing your reason for wanting to live as a minimalist.
Again, it seems trendy and cool to some, but other people might think it’s weird. Talking about it can lead to a dead conversation. But you can dissolve these awkward moments by changing the subject to something most people would enjoy talking about.
In your case, that could be your new puppy. You can show pictures and share funny stories of your sweet little pet to keep the topic light. Having your puppy with you can also make you more approachable to people who might be squeamish about your lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
There are many misconceptions about minimalists and how they live. Although it’s been trending as a “perfect” fix to an overwhelming life, it does come with some challenges. Some people think minimalists are boring or self-deprecating, but they can enjoy fine things in life like everyone else. They have meaningful relationships, valuable household items, and they can own pets.
Puppies are great pets for minimalists because they provide a simple way to live an active lifestyle, but also stay relaxed. They also provide judgment-free companionship and can serve as an ice-breaker for those awkward moments. If you’ve been considering a pet, a puppy will fit nicely in your minimalist lifestyle.
