Why Less Really Can Be More

Embracing Simplicity in a Busy World

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff in your life? In Nigeria, where the hustle never seems to stop—from dodging Lagos traffic to juggling multiple side gigs—it's easy to accumulate more than we can handle. But what if I told you that stripping things back could actually make life richer? The idea that less can be more isn't just a catchy phrase; it's a mindset shift that's gaining traction worldwide, and it's especially relevant here at home. Think about it: in a culture where 'chopping life' often means chasing the next big thing, choosing less might just lead to more fulfillment, freedom, and even financial breathing room.

I remember a time when my wardrobe was bursting at the seams. As a young professional in Abuja, I thought having clothes for every occasion—from aso-ebi for owambe parties to corporate suits for meetings—made me successful. But every morning, the decision fatigue was real. I'd spend precious time rifling through hangers, only to feel stressed. One day, inspired by a friend's minimalist challenge, I pared it down to 30 pieces that mixed and matched. Suddenly, getting dressed became effortless, and I had more headspace for what mattered, like planning family time or advancing at work. This is the essence of less being more: intentional choices that amplify joy and efficiency.

The Clutter Trap and How to Escape It

Clutter isn't just physical; it seeps into our schedules, relationships, and even our minds. In Nigerian markets like Balogun or Ariaria, the abundance of goods tempts us to buy more—fabrics, spices, gadgets—often leading to impulse purchases we regret. But research from psychologists like Marie Kondo shows that surrounding ourselves with excess creates stress hormones, reducing our ability to focus and enjoy life.

Physical Possessions: Quality Over Quantity

Start with your home. In many Nigerian households, especially in urban apartments where space is premium, every corner fills up quickly with hand-me-downs or market finds. Imagine converting that storage room crammed with old furniture into a cozy reading nook. Here's a practical tip: Adopt the 'one in, one out' rule. Before buying that new pot or wrapper, ask if it truly adds value. A friend in Port Harcourt did this and discovered she could donate items to local charities, freeing up space and feeling good about giving back to her community.

The benefits? Less cleaning time means more moments for jollof rice gatherings or evening walks in the neighborhood. Financially, it curbs unnecessary spending—vital in an economy where naira fluctuations hit hard. Aim to declutter one area per week: kitchen this Monday, closet next. You'll notice a calmer environment that invites relaxation.

Digital Overload in Our Always-On Lives

We're glued to our phones, scrolling through WhatsApp groups, Instagram feeds, and Nollywood trailers. For Nigerians, social media is a lifeline for staying connected across states or with diaspora family, but it can overwhelm. Notifications ping constantly, pulling us from real-life interactions.

Try this: Curate your digital space. Unfollow accounts that spark envy—maybe those flashy Lagos influencer lifestyles—and follow ones that inspire, like local sustainability pages or recipes using Nigerian staples. Set app limits; I use 30 minutes daily for non-essential scrolling, reclaiming hours for hobbies like sketching or calling my mum in the village. The result? Less distraction, more presence. In a country where data bundles eat into budgets, this saves money too.

Streamlining Commitments for Deeper Connections

Life in Nigeria often means wearing multiple hats: worker, parent, church member, community volunteer. The 'yes' culture is strong—we don't want to miss out on weddings, funerals, or asuu strikes' networking opportunities. But saying yes to everything dilutes our energy.

Prioritizing What Lights You Up

Less commitments mean more depth in the ones you keep. Picture this: Instead of attending every event in your estate, choose two meaningful ones monthly. Use the freed time for one-on-one meetups, like tea with a sibling or mentoring a young relative. In Enugu, a colleague scaled back her PTA involvement to focus on her child's after-school reading club, strengthening their bond and her own peace of mind.

Actionable advice: Audit your calendar quarterly. List commitments and rate them 1-10 on joy and impact. Drop or delegate the low-scorers. This isn't selfish; it's sustainable living. For those in the informal sector, like okada riders or market traders, it could mean fewer extra shifts, allowing rest to prevent burnout.

The Joy of Minimalist Eating and Wellness

Food is central to Nigerian life—think suya spots, akara vendors, or family feasts. But excess can lead to health woes amid rising diabetes rates in urban areas. Less here means mindful eating: fewer processed imports, more local, seasonal produce.

Crafting Simple, Nourishing Meals

Embrace 'less is more' in the kitchen by focusing on fresh ingredients. A basic yam and eggs dish, spiced with local peppers, beats a laden buffet. During Ramadan or Lent, many naturally simplify, finding spiritual and physical renewal. Extend that: Meal prep weekly with staples like plantain, beans, and greens. This cuts grocery costs—crucial with food inflation—and reduces waste.

For wellness, less screen time before bed leads to better sleep, combating the fatigue from gen-set noise or power outages. Incorporate short walks in places like Lekki Conservation Centre or your local park. One actionable step: Track one habit for a month, like drinking more water from your sachet, and build from there. Small changes yield big health gains.

Financial Freedom Through Frugal Choices

In a nation grappling with economic pressures—from fuel subsidy removals to import duties—less spending opens doors to more savings. Minimalism isn't about deprivation; it's strategic.

Building Wealth with Intentional Spending

Consider the average Nigerian salary earner in cities like Kano or Ibadan. Instead of splurging on imported gadgets, invest in durable local alternatives or save for emergencies. A scenario: A teacher in Owerri swapped frequent outings for home-cooked dates, socking away enough for a plot of land after a year.

Practical tip: Use the 50/30/20 rule adapted locally—50% needs (rent, food), 30% wants (data, transport), 20% savings/investments like thrift contributions or microloans. Track expenses via a simple notebook or app. Less impulse buys mean more for goals, like funding education or starting a small business.

Rediscovering Nature and Slow Living

Nigeria's beauty—from Yankari Games Reserve to Obudu Cattle Ranch—invites us to slow down. Less urban rush means more nature time, reducing stress.

Weekend Escapes and Mindful Moments

Swap mall hopping for a day at a nearby river or farm. In the Southwest, many enjoy picnics with garri and groundnuts. This reconnects us to our roots, fostering gratitude. Try it: Plan one low-key outing monthly, leaving phones behind. The clarity gained can spark creativity, like new business ideas or family traditions.

Wrapping It Up: Your Path to More

Less really can be more when it aligns with what truly matters. In our vibrant Nigerian context, where community and resilience define us, simplifying amplifies the good stuff—stronger ties, better health, financial security. Start small: Pick one area today, like decluttering your bag or saying no to an extra errand. Over time, these shifts create a life of abundance, not excess.

Takeaways to get you started:

• Declutter weekly: Choose one space and donate what you don't love.

• Curate digitally: Limit social media to 30 minutes daily.

• Audit commitments: Keep only what energizes you.

• Simplify meals: Focus on three local ingredients per dish.

• Track finances: Adopt a budgeting rule and review monthly.

• Embrace nature: Schedule a simple outdoor activity.

You'll find that in letting go, you gain space to thrive. What's one 'less' you'll try first?