Your phone keeps buzzing with notifications, but somehow, you still fee stressed about not completing enough tasks. Does this sound familiar? In the bustling world of student life, it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed; you have an endless list of tasks to complete, or ‘stuff’ to get done. But what if the answer to your ‘freer-and-happier self’ lies in doing less?
‘Less is more’ is not just a catchy slogan; it is a phrase that has been touted by ancient thinkers and modern-day minimalists. This philosophy is focused on cutting through the clutter, whether it is physical, mental, and/or emotional, to allow space for more challenging or important tasks. In this article, we discuss how simplifying your life can lead to a transformation that allows you to focus, infuse true joy into your life, and help you find balance as a student. Now, do you want to attempt to uncover more joy by doing less? If yes, let’s dive in.
Savoring Simple Pleasures
Have you ever given thought to how simple and effortless moments like laughing with friends over a slice of pizza or celebrating after acing a quiz following a dedicated study session, are some of the best experiences? Epicurus, an ancient philosopher liked to reflect on life all the time. He availed happiness to a loaf of bread, a sip of water, and a good conversation. As a student, you can begin appreciating quiet sunny mornings in the company of your favorite playlist, a stroll to class under the colorful autumn foliage, or a pleasant chat with a course mate. The best part is that every single one of these moments comes at no cost at all. Give this a try: whenever you feel stressed, take a break and appreciate something simple like the warmth of a coffee mug and the comfort it provides. What small thing can you appreciate today?
Mastering Your Desires
The wise ancient Greeks had something special: having the ability to look within yourself is one of the most powerful characteristics. The Stoics believed in this philosophy and also claimed that happiness lied within us. Stoics further believed that wanting less sameness a lotting avoiding unnecessary disappointments in life, due to the not too high expectations. When it comes to student life, this translates to not having the mentality to keep comparing your laptop, grades, or social media likes to others. Avoid demanding the trendiest device or the most jam-packed calendar brimming with social activities. Instead, distract yourself with the simple yet underrated things around you: a comfy study nook, a strong friend circle, or even a subject that has caught your interest.
Do this exercise: list three things you are grateful for every single day. It is a form of mental decluttering, liberating you from the “I need more” perspective.
Finding your middle path
Buddha’s middle path appears to be the Goldilocks principle of life: not too much and not too little. It embraces moderation. He forsook a royal palace and extreme deprivation to find balance. In student life, this entails avoiding burnout from overcommitment and slacking off entirely. For example, let’s say you have classes, a part time job, and a social life to manage. Instead of saying yes to every event or every study session, focus on what aligns with your goals. Perhaps you study hard for three hours followed by a break where you unwind with a movie, not scrolling on X mindlessly. Consider: rest and work balance.
Clearing mental clutter
Spirituality would often have simplicity as a core tenet, and Buddhism and Zen are no exception. Mindfulness for instance, is all about focusing on the present. As a student, have you ever felt as if your mind is a browser with 50 open tabs? There are assignments to complete, worries plaguing you, and random thoughts trying to vie for attention. Mental simplicity can be achieved with a more organized structure through focus time blocks, with intervals in between for stretching or taking deep breaths. Each of those activities are akin to pressing “refresh” on your brain. How about this: commit to 10 minutes of a single task daily without a phone.
Creating Room for What Matters
Jumping straight into Joshua Becker’s concept of modern minimalism shows that relieving one of the many activities does wonders when it comes to creating space. As said, it isn’t just about throwing old clothes out, it’s creating space for what embodies you. Your dorm room or small personal space doesn’t need every gadget or decoration—these spaces just need to have the essentials that make it yours. This goes for your schedule as well, let go of draining you from trying out that club that you joined just because you felt like doing so. Letting go of the cramping things means saying yes to what lights you up such as studying for a passion project or just being free while having casual interactions with friends. What is one thing you can let go of to make space for yourself?
Embracing the joy of missing out
While we remain obsessed with capturing every moment of what stands for FOMO, enabling you to skip gatherings to get work done comes in the form of JOMO – joy of missing out. It’s all about focusing on matters that truly require attention unlike current trends. Next time you feel forced to attend every campus event or group chat being created, stop. Ask yourself, will this bring something positive to my day? Saying “no I guess I’ll pass” can strike you as new empowering phase. Try this: skip one essential plan this month and focus your energy on the things that truly inspire you.
A Student’s Journey to Simplicity
Meet Sam, a sophomore who was stretched thin. Between classes, a barista job, and keeping up with friends’ social plans, Sam’s days felt like a blur. Their desk was a chaos of sticky notes and snack wrappers, and their mind wasn’t much clearer. Inspired by a podcast on minimalism, Sam decided to experiment. They decluttered their study space, keeping only essentials: laptop, notebook, and a favorite lamp. They cut back on social events, prioritizing one meaningful hangout a week. Sam also started a five-minute morning routine of jotting down three priorities for the day. Within a month, Sam felt focused and energized, with time to enjoy hobbies like sketching. By embracing less, Sam found more—clarity, calm, and confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Savor the small stuff: Find joy in simple moments, like a quiet study session or a quick laugh with friends.
- Want less, stress less: Focus on what you have instead of chasing what you don’t to avoid disappointment.
- Balance is key: Follow the middle path by prioritizing what matters without overdoing it.
- Clear your mind: Use mindfulness to declutter mental chaos and boost focus.
- Make room for you: Let go of excess stuff and commitments to create space for what sparks joy.
- Choose JOMO: Embrace the joy of missing out by saying no to what doesn’t serve you.
Your Path to a Simpler, Happier Student Life
Simplicity isn’t one-size-fits-all. Maybe you’ll start by tidying your desk, saying no to an extra club, or just taking a moment to breathe between classes. The beauty of “less is more” is that it’s flexible—you get to decide what “less” looks like for you. By cutting out the clutter, you’re not losing out; you’re gaining freedom, focus, and joy. So, why not give it a try? Pick one idea from this article and test it out this week. Your happier, lighter student life is waiting—go find it.