jinky gutang

Minimalism is a lifestyle template that looks different from person to person. Our priorities and what we consider essential to our circumstances directly affect how we define minimalism. Yet minimalism at its core, means keeping what adds value and removing what does not. Here, I will share areas where I practice my version of minimalism. I am single without kids and live in a flat with non-minimalists.

SKINCARE ROUTINE

Less is better. My skin was whacked and textured with big pores. I stopped buying and using unnecessary products and went for deep-cleaning facials. Then, maintain it with effective cleaning, moisturizer and sunscreen. That is it. It is quick, less and simple. I spent more time brushing my teeth and flossing than doing my skincare routine. Your skin will thank you for putting less chemicals on it.

WARDROBE

I work 5 days a week with no uniform. I made a way to formulate a system around it to simplify. Sticking with it makes a whole lot of ease and difference. I wear scrub suits on Mondays to Wednesdays and go casual on Thursdays and Fridays. That is a 3-day outfit out to think or decide about. I always go with monochromatic, plain colors without prints or patterns that are cool to mix-match and make laundry easier.

MEALS

I meal prep on weekends which covers the first 3 days of the week. Then I buy my lunch on the remaining days. My current situation does not support cooking freestyle on weekdays, so does my job. While I could cook my own food that is relatively edible, I never try to learn or want a complicated dish.

BILLS

Bill payments are scheduled with alarms on my phone, repeated monthly or annually. Rent, insurance, credit card payment and any paid membership to cancel. I cannot trust my brain to remember everything and afford to run the risk of forgetting past due date.

HOUSEHOLD CHORES

This one is scheduled on weekends. I maintain cleanliness throughout the week by practicing a clean-as-you-go habit. This habit spared me time to unwind after work and has given me peace and mental quiet after an overly stimulating day.

MORNING AND EVENING ROUTINE

Every morning, my alarm goes off at 0630H. I start slow by reading my The Daily Stoic Meditation Book. Sometimes I journal but usually at night when I need to brain-dump everything I have absorbed from that day. Then I get ready for work. At night, I read my way to sleep, too. I am currently reading Rich Dad Poor Dad. Sometimes I watch YouTube videos about minimalism, sustainable and simple living, and very seldom about current affairs.

These are the areas of my lifestyle that I am mercilessly cutting back my time for because all of these are within my control. If you know me personally, you know that I go with systems. Sometimes, the habit could bail on you, but the system will not. Every day brings stress on its own, so find a way to simplify tasks by doing it better with less time or effort. Spend your energy focusing on what matters most and what truly adds value.

Ciao!