College Life - Minimalism & Essentialism

"The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things." ~ Elise M. Boulding

"When I admire a writer, it's for the recognizable palette - Hemingway's minimalism, the dialogue, those isolated bar scenes. But with each story or novel, he shows me something different within the framework he's built - like noticing that there's a chair in the corner I didn't see in another story." ~ Jill Talbot

"Essentialism is not about how to get more things done, it's about how to the get the right things done. It doesn't mean just doing less for the sake of less either. It is about making the wisest possible investment of your time and energy in order to operate at our highest point of contribution by doing only what is essential." ~ Greg McKeown

"Essentialism: only once you give yourself permission to stop trying to do it all, to stop saying yes to everyone, can you make your highest contribution towards the things that really matter." ~ Greg McKeown

College life can get busy with classes, social events, work, and personal time.

If it all feels like too much, you might find it helpful to look into minimalism and essentialism as strategies for simplifying and managing your schedule.

Embracing minimalism means taking control of your physical and digital spaces.

In my university days, I realized the power of decluttering my tiny 400-square-foot studio apartment to create a neat study area. This not only helped me stay focused on my studies but also gave me a sense of empowerment, especially when I had to write up to 12 essays in a single four-month semester. Regarding digital organization, I'd recommend new students stick with essential tools and keep their inboxes and files organized by following the PARA method: Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archives.

Essentialism is about focusing on what truly matters.

It involves prioritizing necessary courses and significant assignments and developing effective study habits. Managing your time well is crucial, and declining non-essential activities is alright. When it comes to college sports, finding the right balance is essential. Also, remember to take care of yourself by maintaining a healthy routine and engaging in activities that support your mental well-being, such as using the Calm app for audio mindfulness.

To keep yourself balanced and focused, try setting short-term and long-term goals and checking in on them regularly. Organize your time using time-blocking and task-management techniques. Then, take a moment to practice mindfulness through meditation or reflection. This will help you stay grounded and adjust to your academic, work, or extracurricular commitments.

To reduce stress and to get into a flow state, new college students can make their academic and personal lives more focused and efficient by embracing minimalism and essentialism.