A few years back, I, too, had this question when I chanced upon minimalism, but when I asked around what is minimalism and explored what minimalism actually is, it changed me.

There was a time when my phone used to ping non-stop, the closet looked like it would explode, and my to-do list somehow kept growing every night, no matter how many things I ticked off. I used to think this was life… normal… but deep down, it felt like I was drowning. I had become so deeply trapped in the loop that I didn't even realise how empty it was making me feel from within.

There was too much stuff, too many plans, too many tabs open, literally and mentally.

But then, the minimalism concept helped me understand the real meaning of space. It made me realise that I needed to have a direction, and for that, it was necessary that I let go of every distraction to create space for what mattered - what really mattered to me.

At its heart, minimalism is about living with less so you can live more.

Many people believe that minimalism is about aesthetics, with white walls, folded linen, and a plant in the corner. And you can mistakenly feel that a minimalist lifestyle is cold and empty, judging by the Pinterest feed. But the truth is, the more you interact with minimalism, the more you realise that it isn't about aesthetics,  it's about intention.

More clarity. More peace. More time. More you.

It's about taking a moment to look around your life-your home, your digital space, and your thoughts-and gently asking yourself, "Do I really need this?" Not just the physical stuff but obligations, opinions, old stories, and even that OTT subscription you think you desperately need for survival.

So, what is minimalism? Why is it necessary to create this space for yourself?

Well, to put it in the simplest manner,  minimalism is a journey that needs to be adopted to experience the deeper realities of life. It isn't a destination that you need to rush to or even win. It's a lifestyle that you need to integrate with your thoughts, habits, behaviour, and actions.

Minimalism isn't a trend. It's a lifestyle choice that brings focus and freedom.

Once I started understanding minimalism and focused on  how to be a minimalist, I realised that it was all about simplicity. And a simple lifestyle isn't about giving up everything or depriving yourself of the luxuries or that extra piece of cake. It is, in fact, learning to reclaim your space and every bit of yourself that had been trapped under the obligations of society.

When I started letting go-one drawer, one app, and even certain toxic so-called friendships, one at a time-I noticed how much lighter I felt. Donating clothes I never wore, deleting apps I never opened, and saying no to things that no longer excited me felt liberating. The change wasn't overnight, but slowly, I was unlearning a noisy habit.

A simple lifestyle means choosing to live with intention, clarity, and less clutter-both physically and mentally. It helps us live with a purpose and in a manner that's more about letting go of excess, slowing down, and making mindful choices about how you spend your time, money, and energy.

We often chase more, thinking it will make us feel better, but it's actually less that can give us more joy.

And in a world that screams "more," minimalism whispers "enough."

So, why does it matter so much? Why has it become even more necessary in today's times?

Because life is short and your energy is precious, and where you invest yourself matters. Often, we feel so overwhelmed that we start to lose ourselves, but even amidst that chaos, we remain unsure and ask why. Isn't it baseless then to keep chasing for more?

It is essential that you continue to ask yourself the difficult questions. What you think and do matters, and spending your energy on things that don't help you grow or don't align with your values and beliefs is a waste of your precious time. Because peace isn't found in the next purchase or notification but in learning to breathe again in the space we create.

So, did you understand what is minimalism? Minimalism matters because you matter. And you deserve a life that feels full, not cluttered, but rich in purpose, presence, and ease.

Click here to learn more about how minimalism can change your life.

This blog is written by Ayesha Mollah, a professional blogger who has embraced minimalism since 2023. Being on the minimalist journey is helping her find her "focus" amidst the chaos.