7 Things I Don't Regret Spending Money on as a Minimalist

Recently, I read about an extreme minimalist who lives with just 44 items. The article disclosed everything he owned.

Scrolling through his punctuated possession list was inspiring—a stark reminder that we need much less than we think to be happy.

It was also intriguing.

At first, I couldn't believe he managed to live with just two pairs of underwear. But my curiosity grew as I read some of the 44 the items he considered essential:

Tea strainer and refillable bag of loose leaf tea.

Notebook and pen.

Lavender essential oil for relaxation.

His possessions depicted who he was. By looking at his list, I instantly knew a bit about his personality and what he deemed important.

Not all minimalists own the same number of things (with four kids, a life of 44 items isn't what I'm called to—I could well surpass that number with a pack of diapers), but all minimalists are intentional about what they own and purchase.

The deeper I've journeyed into minimalism, the more purposeful my purchasing behavior has become. What I spend money on now communicates what I value and supports my life.

Here are 7 things I don't regret spending money on as a minimalist:

1. Travel

Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” Not only does travel open our eyes to different ways of life, but it is rich for learning opportunities. After a recent trip to Florida, our eight-year-old daughter asked for books about hurricanes (after the tragedy of Ian) and clouds (after flying through them).

Travel also gives you a new perspective on life at home. Stepping away from our daily routines in a new place allows for an “outside-looking-in” viewpoint. On the Florida trip, I realized our lives back home were too scheduled, and I needed to drop two commitments to allow for more margin in our lives.

2. Stress reduction

While I do own lavender oil, like the extreme minimalist from the article, magnesium supplements are my go-to for stress relief and better sleep.

Truth is 80% of the population has low energy, anxiety, depression, or problems sleeping due to magnesium deficiency (it's almost impossible to get enough magnesium from food these days).

Supplementing with magnesium makes me feel noticeably more grounded, present and calm during the day, and I've seen marked improvements in my sleep.

The supplement I use for sleep is BiOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough. (Enter the code “Minimalist” at check out for a discount). It's the only thing I've found to stop postpartum insomnia, and it helps me fall right back to sleep after nightly baby feeds.

Our bodies need seven forms of magnesium and this one had all seven. I happily buy this supplement monthly because I've found that an investment in my health (especially my sleep) is an investment in everyone around me.

Read the full article here!

Julia Ubbenga is a freelance journalist whose teachings on minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living have reached thousands of people worldwide through her blog. Julia practices what she preaches in her Kansas City home with her husband, two extremely lively young daughters, one-year-old son, and newborn baby girl. You can also find her on Instagram.