Free yourself from over-consumption: Embrace simplicity

An emerging trend

If you’ve recently been on TikTok, you would’ve discovered a new “core” – underconsumption. This falls into the complete opposite of the spectrum of influencers on TikTok. But obviously not only TikTok. Influencers on pretty much every other platform also stand for overconsumption.

Let’s Talk About Underconsumption Core

Shopping hauls, trending products and much more: as quickly as a micro-trend appears, it disappears just as quickly. Make-up in every shade, skincare, clothing, Stanley cups in 15 different colours – you name it and people will buy it. 

Now with this emerging trend of “underconsumption core”, people start to realise that they’ve gotten too far down the rabbit hole of overconsumption. Many want to change things. They realise that they don’t need 15 reusable mugs, 20 lip glosses or 25 different pairs of jeans. And they realise how much money they literally poured down the drain.

But what exactly is ‘underconsumption core’?

It’s a mindset that encourages people to think critically about what they purchase, to appreciate what they already have, and to understand the deeper implications of their buying habits. It’s about making a conscious choice to buy less and live more. This trend is more than just a passing phase; it’s a movement towards a more sustainable and alltogether more intentional lifestyle.

Dealing with Overconsumption: When Reality Hits Hard

With the amount of items people accumulate, they are using up more and more space in their homes. Before they realise it, they have no more space for the items they actually need and love. I don’t know about you, but I personally feel like I can’t breathe when my place is becoming too full and messy. Items don’t have dedicated spaces anymore and as soon as that happens, things tend to become messy.

It is affecting my mood and it just makes me spiral into moments of frustration and anxiety. Frustration because it is my own fault and I am very well aware of it, and anxiety, because it seems like a huge mountain that I don’t know how to tackle or where even to start.

Whether you are someone who loves shopping and follows the latest trend, or you just own too many things and want to downsize – I’m happy you’re here and joining me for the ride. 

How to Switch Things Up

You and I have made the first step into the right direction because we’ve noticed a pattern and want to break it. Maybe we also want to free ourselves from this physical burden in our lives.

When we actually think about it, how many of these items do we really miss when we are away from home? How many items do we miss while we are on holiday, creating memories with friends or family? Materialistic items won’t make us happy in the long run. We chase the high of a novelty with every purchase or you hope the product will change your life. 

Do I have the answer to all our problems? Unfortunately, I don’t. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t try to find a solution to my problem or just figure out how to make everyday life a little bit less overwhelming. Here are some practical tips to help you embrace underconsumption and simplify your life:

1. Evaluate Your Belongings: The Power of Minimalism

Begin by evaluating your belongings. Consider adopting a minimalist approach, focusing on keeping only items that serve a purpose or bring joy. Make intentional decisions about what stays and what goes.

You could do this for ex. by channeling your inner Marie Kondo. Grab an item and try to figure it out if it (still) sparks joy for you or not. Or maybe you prefer the “one-in, one-out” method, which basically means that for whatever item you just bought, there is one item that you own, which you are ready to let go. This helps maintain balance and prevents clutter from creeping back in.

2. Shift your mindset: Intentional living

Underconsumption is not just about buying less; it’s about changing your mindset to intentional living. Before making a purchase, pause and consider if it aligns with your values and long-term goals. Being mindful of your consumption habits allows for more intentional choices that prioritise quality over quantity. Personally, it helps me to make a shopping list before I go to the store and stick to it. This will help avoid impulse buying and focus on what you really need.

3. Prioritise Experiences Over Possessions

Research shows that experiences bring more long-term happiness than material possessions. Consider investing in lasting memories through travel, courses or quality time with loved ones instead of buying the latest gadgets or fashion trends. Sit down and make a bucket list of experiences you want to have, and start planning how to make them happen. Focus on creating memories that will enrich your life.

Final thoughts: A Journey to Simplicity

The path to simplicity and underconsumption is personal and continuous. It’s not about getting rid of everything you own and living out of a suitcase, but about making small changes that lead to a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re just starting out or have been on the journey for a while, remember that it’s not about perfection, but progress. Every step you take to simplify your life is a step towards greater freedom, happiness, and peace.