Meet Sarah and Jason—two individuals living in the same city but leading very different lives. Sarah has embraced minimalism, finding peace in simplicity, while Jason is caught up in a whirlwind of consumerism and over-commitment. Their stories reveal the profound impact that lifestyle choices have on mental health, and how simplifying can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Jason: The Pursuit of More
Jason’s mornings begin in chaos. His alarm jolts him awake, and before he’s even out of bed, he’s scrolling through his phone. Social media posts of new cars, exotic vacations, and luxury goods fill his feed, stoking his desire for more. His closet is packed, his calendar overloaded, and his mind is perpetually racing toward the next thing to acquire or achieve.
At work, Jason is overwhelmed. His desk is cluttered with paperwork, and his email inbox is an endless stream of unread messages. He never says no, always taking on extra projects, hoping they’ll lead to promotions or recognition. Despite being busy, he often feels like he’s getting nowhere. His stress manifests in sleepless nights, constant worry, and a sense that something is missing.
In an attempt to feel better, Jason often shops online, buying the latest tech gadgets or clothes, hoping these purchases will bring a sense of fulfillment. But they don’t. Instead, the more he accumulates, the more his stress and anxiety seem to grow. It’s a never-ending cycle of wanting, buying, and feeling empty.
Sarah: The Joy of Less
Sarah, on the other hand, lives differently. Her mornings are calm and intentional. She wakes up to a soft alarm, takes a few moments to stretch, and begins her day with mindfulness. Her phone sits quietly on her nightstand, its notifications turned off, as she enjoys the quiet of the morning.
Her home is simple, but not bare. Every item she owns has purpose or brings her joy. She doesn’t feel the need to fill her space with the latest trends or gadgets. Instead, she values the calm and clarity that come with owning fewer things.
At work, Sarah is focused and productive. Her desk is clean, her tasks prioritized. She knows how to say no to projects that don’t align with her goals, giving her the mental space to excel in the areas that truly matter to her. Unlike Jason, she’s not chasing after every opportunity. Instead, she’s carefully chosen the ones that align with her values and long-term vision.
After work, Sarah doesn’t feel the need to shop or scroll through social media. She enjoys reading, spending time in nature, and savoring the simple pleasures in life. She’s found that by letting go of the unnecessary, she’s made room for what truly matters—peace of mind, meaningful relationships, and personal growth.
The Mental Toll of Excess
Jason’s lifestyle of wanting more has come with a high cost to his mental health. His home, filled with things, is a reflection of his mind—cluttered and chaotic. The constant pressure to keep up with others, to have the latest and the best, has left him feeling anxious, restless, and unfulfilled.
The more Jason tries to fill the void with possessions, the more distant he becomes from what he truly needs: a sense of purpose and peace.
The Calm of Minimalism
For Sarah, minimalism isn’t just about decluttering her physical space; it’s about simplifying every aspect of her life. By intentionally choosing less, she’s created space for mental clarity and emotional well-being. She’s free from the constant comparison, the endless pursuit of more, and the stress that comes with overcommitting.
Her simplified lifestyle has improved her mental health in ways she never expected. She sleeps better, feels more in control, and is able to focus on the things that bring her lasting joy. The fewer distractions she has, the more present she can be in the moment.
The Mental Health Benefits of Minimalism
Minimalism goes beyond just having a clean home. It’s a mindset that prioritizes what truly matters and lets go of the rest. Studies have shown that cluttered environments can lead to higher stress levels, while organized, simplified spaces promote relaxation and focus.
By choosing to live minimally, like Sarah, you can reduce decision fatigue, anxiety, and the pressure to constantly acquire more. Minimalism allows you to be more mindful of your choices, whether they’re about what you own, how you spend your time, or the commitments you take on.
A Life of Intentionality
Jason’s story is a cautionary tale of what happens when we get caught up in the pursuit of more. It’s easy to believe that having more possessions, a busier schedule, or a higher social status will lead to happiness. But, as Jason’s mental health shows, the opposite is often true.
Sarah’s journey, on the other hand, illustrates the freedom that comes with living intentionally. By simplifying her life, she’s reduced her stress, improved her focus, and created space for what truly matters.
In the end, minimalism isn’t about deprivation. It’s about making deliberate choices that enhance your quality of life. As Sarah demonstrates, less really can be more when it comes to living with peace, clarity, and purpose.
Through the stories of Jason and Sarah, we see two common paths people take in today’s world—one of excess and stress, and one of intentionality and peace. By embracing minimalism, we can simplify our lives, reduce stress, and focus on what truly brings us happiness.
Sebastian Strobl 