Note: This is a guest post from Erica Layne of The Life On Purpose Movement.
I discovered minimalism when my kids were young and my house was full of hand-me-downs I didn’t like and baby gear we didn’t need.
In just a few years, I had gone from the wide open blocks of time and space so common in your early twenties to an apartment that felt like it was exploding with toys, strollers, furniture, clothes, and most notably, three tiny humans who operated on one speed—loud and crazy.
Overstimulated was the name of the game. And as an introvert and a highly sensitive person, I was feeling it.
The only place in our home that felt restful to me—the only spot where I could pull myself back together—was the window view from our master bed.
I’d lie on my side, watching tree branches sway in the wind on the other side of the window, and I’d gradually feel whole again. Like my nerves had been pulled back together.
Then I learned about minimalism and realized that I could bring more of that peace, that beautiful sense of stillness I got while looking out the window, into my home.
All I had to do was get rid of a lot of stuff. (Not the tiny humans, though. I kept them.)
Are YOU an Introvert?
Introversion is the tendency to be predominantly interested in your inner life, whereas extroverts are mainly interested in what’s outside the self.
But the most recognizable difference is where we draw our energy from. Introverts feel depleted after time spent with others and need time alone—solitude—in order to recharge. Extroverts get energy from being with others.
Highly Sensitive People, a term popularized by Elaine Aron in her book The Highly Sensitive Person, are easily overwhelmed by noise, texture, smells, busyness, and even their own thoughts. They’re often sensitive to physical discomfort, violence in media, and the emotions of others.
Not all introverts are highly sensitive people, and not all HSPs are introverts, but they do often correlate.
Do you see yourself in this description?
Why Minimalism Is Especially Good for Introverts
1. An introvert’s brain chemistry is uniquely suited for minimalism.
In her book The Introvert Advantage, psychologist Marti Olsen Laney wrote that extroverts are not as sensitive to the feel-good hormone of dopamine as introverts are, which means that extroverts typically need more stimulation to register the dopamine in their brain. This contrasts with introverts, who are more sensitive to dopamine and don’t need as much of it to get a sense of pleasure.
In that case, could anyone be more suited to a minimalist lifestyle than an introvert?
Those of us who land more on the introverted side of the spectrum don’t need another concert, another sports event, another shopping trip, another girls’ night out, or another weekend away to get pleasure in our lives.
We can feel happy in a life with loads of white space on the calendar and white space on our walls.
2. Introverts are especially susceptible to overwhelm, which minimalism reduces.
Though anyone can get overwhelmed, introverts are constantly juggling both the vitality of their inner world and the busyness of the outer world. This combination—layered with how difficult it can be to get recharge time—often pushes introverts to overwhelm and burnout.
A minimalist lifestyle, where everything from a person’s schedule to the number of belongings they own has been reduced, is a perfect solution. Less clutter on the inside and the outside means less overwhelm in your daily life.
3. Introverts need a restful environment in order to recharge.
I had to get my blood drawn recently, and as I sat in the waiting room, I noticed how calm I felt despite the fact that I was about to get a needle pushed into my vein.
The waiting room was sparsely decorated, with just a couple of forest prints hanging on the walls and a single window bathing the room in natural light.
While I definitely wouldn’t choose the style of a medical office for my own home, I could see how it worked. My mind felt still, without a lot of stimulation to keep it bouncing from one thing to another.
Now that I’m more than ten years into a minimalist lifestyle, I immediately recognize and deeply appreciate any environment that allows my mind to slow down, and it’s been an unexpected joy to create that stillness in my own home by paring back our belongings and being intentional about the things that surround my family day to day.
Introverts (or extroverts who love an introvert!): What have YOU noticed about the connection between minimalism and your introversion? Has moving toward minimalism helped you feel more comfortable in your (introverted) skin?
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Erica Layne is a podcast host, mom of three, bestselling author of The Minimalist Way, and founder of The Life On Purpose Movement. She helps women build their lives on what they value most, so they can let the rest slip away—guilt-free. Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.
Erica, I am a fan of the books, and I’ve got to admit things have paced down in some respects. I’ve also let go of a lot of things over some time.
This year I’ve relocated books from my rooms, took framed art off of walls and boxed up the total amount of things of little use in 8 medium boxes. Stuff I don’t want to lose also got put away due to the storms. Milk crates work well as transport. At the start, it seemed important to limit the weight on the floors. Things finally got easier and calmer.
These books on minimalism, organization and decluttering really speak our language because for a while it was all I read. I don’t think I’m alone in that.
In response to the article, and according to a personality test, I’m an INTP. I derive energy from someone who is a fire sign but cannot live with them. Then again my moon is in Leo, so there is maybe a hint of extrovert that wants to come out from hiding. Otherwise, I’m a Libra with Scorpio rising.
Life has its challenges, needless to say, but minimalism really does help. I study flying star feng shui as well, so things have really improved. I hardly want to leave the house anymore, though. I think a car accident in 97 and being victimized a lot is to blame for that.
I am an introvert and love a more minimalist lifestyle. But I never made the connection. My mother is an extrovert and a total maximalist in her lifestyle. I have had a hard time explaining the benefits of minimalism to her or to get her to declutter just something. This totally makes sense and helps understand other people better. Thanks!
same here, when i am overwhelmed i get this sense of urgency to throw stuff out. When i am done i feel so happy and relaxed.
I love your article. It helps me understand my brother and others around me.
I am the epitome of an extrovert! I get my energy from others.
I am a teacher, and love the hustle and bustle of many students running in and out, telling me about their activities and home life.
I feel almost drained, lethargic, when left alone too long.
I grew up in a family of 6 kids. We always had friends and family over.
I actually struggle with living alone, being single, and not having someone to engage in conversation over dinner, coffee and breakfast in the mornings.
My son is in college, separated by 100’s of miles.
We travel together when our schedules afford the time.
I took a seasonal job in Alaska this summer. It changed my view on life, and has recharged me.
I am now relocating to Steamboat to teach.
I am realizing, I must surround myself with energetic people at work and play, and immerse myself in new, exciting environments, in order to thrive and grow.
Happy trails, and many blessings to all of us finding our most suitable path in life.
I too, am becoming a minimalist, so I can go live life, and not be confined to keeping house.
There is a season for everything. Let’s find our season to flourish.
I am so much a minamalist that just reading your message wore me out. I love time alone, quiet time; hate noices, crowds, going out to events. Just leave me home with my books
The differences in human beings is fascinating, makes life interesting.
Thoroughly enjoyed the article, very enlightening.
I’ve never heard of the connection between introverts and minimalism either. It definitely makes sense. I’m an introvert and I prefer little clutter in my environment. I’m consistently cleaning, clearing out and staying organized – neat but not obsessive, especially with kids and dogs. I certainly feel content and a sense of accomplishment when I’m on top of things.
I totally relate to this article as I am an introvert. I have been going through things and getting rid of some things but I am not where I want to be yet.
I slowed down a lot during the heat of the COVID pandemic and sold all of my toys (overpriced gas guzzling truck and SUV, motorcycle, dirt bike, RV, side-by-side, utility trailer, etc…) and made a decent profit. I also downsized my activities, work schedule and my diet. I now have extra spare time with minimal output since I no longer have to manage and feel a sense of obligation to use all these material things. More space in my budget and simplified travel plans are also benefits.
That sounds amazing, William! What a great thing to take away from the pandemic.
William, like you, my husband and I downsized things during the pandemic. We wanted our time to be used wisely and not just wait it out. We tore down a storage building and burned it. We had for it years and it was empty. We replaced the decking on our front porch; stained & sealed it. Refinished the porch rockers and the front door. We cleaned all along our woods, trimmed limbs from trees in the yard. We worked in our flower gardens; simplified by taking most gardens out. We got large limestone pieces and made a walking path through the big garden. We cleaned out our house and had a big yard sale. We sold our like new tent, a nice hammock, some furniture, extra TV. Donated clothes. So thankful to be able to do those things. We were tempted to buy an RV. Decided against it. Thought about getting a pool. Decided against it. We used to have a motorcycle and ride but no interest in that anymore. Less to take care of. More time to for things we enjoy.
I’m a visual artist, garment sewist, bookworm, thrift store shopper, etc.
I’m also an extreme introvert. Being around people drains my energy like a pin to a balloon.
Regardless, there’s no way I could be comfortable in a minimal environment. However, I do feel stressed when my environment is disheveled. Very much a “place for everything,” and closed storage type.
Anyone else have this combination of traits?
Yes, I am similar. I’m an introvert, not really an HSP though. I need a lot of alone time, however I’m also a maximalist. My home is filled with color, texture, pattern and items from all over the world. I do like to declutter and rearrange, but find white walls and empty spaces to be somewhat unnerving.
There’s definitely more at play here (no concrete lines), but it’s fascinating to think about! Loved hearing a bit of each of your stories, Lisa and Theresa!
This really hits the nail on the head for me. While I have a lot of “stuff” that I would not choose again given the opportunity I am happy to disperse with some of it as donations to animal fundraising charities. It is not easy parting with it but I feel better once I do.
I have never felt more connected to an article and to the comments with it. Time to get back to decluttering. I’m a huge fan of Clutterbug (decluttering and organizing for your specific personality). It seems there is probably a connection as to why certain styles fit individuals so perfectly. Thanks for the inspiration to get back to decluttering.
As a widow an introvert fairs well. Without many demands or expectations, essentially not belonging anywhere there is endless time to explore my own world and pursue my own interests. Alone time is a gift of sorts and brings opportunities to reflect and renew and repurpose things in my life that do not belong.