People with ADHD Should Consider Minimalism

by Cynthia Hammer, MSW

I completed an 18-day trip down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon many years ago. We were away from “civilization” for the whole time. Our only possessions were our clothing, sleeping bag, tent, and personal care items. We survived and came home, realizing we could improve our lives by having less “stuff.”

I gave away whatever I hadn’t used in the past two years and what I couldn’t imagine using in the upcoming years. I had hung onto it because “it was too good to give away.”  But, trip through the Grand Canyon made me realize that a less encumbered life is less burdensome and is more satisfying. 

Creating a life with fewer possessions was freeing. I had less to manage and think about. My home, with more open space, was more inviting, and it became easier to find the possessions I had. Now I purge regularly and I carefully consider whatever I purchase.  

When I read about minimalism, I realized I was an adherent. Minimalism is about only having what you need or what makes you happy in your life. It’s about living a life unencumbered by belongings but instead, living a life aided by whatever possessions you have. 

It’s about intentional selection-- creating a world in your home that reflects you and your values, not values imposed by others or the commercial world.

Know that clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions which are dragging down your life. You think your clutter is innocuous, but it is draining away your energy.

If you look around your house and think, “I don’t know why I hang onto……” and can’t come up with a good reason, consider purging as a way to create a more meaningful and purpose-driven life.