How to Be Minimal in 6 Simple Steps

With spring in full force, who isn't looking for a fresh outlook on life? We asked Hayley Reynolds of fashion posse Maven46 for her tips on paring back in the wardrobe department AND everywhere else as well... "Like most of us, I am always looking for new ways to improve and better myself but can never seem to figure out what exactly what I want to change and how. And, this is where minimalism became the answer, and I don’t mean of the clothing kind. Minimalism is now not only referred to as a way of dressing but a new way of living, re-evaluating and stripping things back by having a more carefree but organised outlook. Now, we’re not saying to give up everything you own and paint your whole house white with no furniture, but simply reminding yourself that sometimes less is more. All you have to remember is: to have less, to spend less, to do less is to need less. Keep scrolling for six ways to simplify your life and make yourself a mega minimalist! Walk Walking has been proven to keep your mind happier and healthier. If your destination isn’t over 20 minutes away, why not walk? Pop some headphones on or even just listen to what nature has to offer, either way it can only benefit you. But make sure to bring an umbrella, just in case!   De-clutter Organise your wardrobe and drawers by only keeping what you love and getting rid of unnecessary junk. We love the backwards hanger trick, where you reverse the hangers in your wardrobe so that the hooks are facing you. When you wear something, put it back on the hanger but in the opposite direction with the hook pointing away from you. That way, you can see what you have and haven’t worn. If you haven’t worn something in more than six months then it’s time to get rid and donate! This one can seem time consuming but you’ll thank yourself later and this will also make finding an outfit easier. Win/Win!   Spend less time online This may be the hardest one, I think most of us would rather the paint our whole house white option than part with our precious phones but spending the majority of your time with a screen to your face isn’t exactly healthy. Try to stay offline and away from the internet for at least three or four hours a day and you will start to see things a little clearer.   Take a day off Set aside a day for yourself and just yourself. Meditate, paint your nails, do anything that makes you feel less stressed and carefree for one day. Don’t associate anything with work or problems and keep your day as simple as possible.   Stop the moaning Go 24 hours without complaining and see if the grass is any greener. When we complain or listen to someone complaining our brain’s neurons get weaker and we lose our ability to problem solve. We’ve all been there when someone complains and we just started agreeing with them, but remember, two negative heads are no better than one.   Change your bedsheets While this may be my favourite one, changing your duvet has been scientifically proven (by all mothers everywhere) to make you happier. There is nothing better than coming home to a nice freshly made bed; we suggest changing the sheets twice a week even if it takes you up to an hour swap them- it’s worth it! For more on what to wear now, check out Maven46.com. Main image: Modelfashionnew.com.