Minimalism with Dr. Swathi Veranasi
I always enjoy the times I get to spend talking and learning from my friend, Dr. Swathi Varanasi. She is an award-winning bilingual pharmacist specializing in integrative health and botanical medicine. She is a plant-based wellness expert; a medical consultant for CBD, adaptogen, and health food brands; a published clinical researcher; an advocacy non-profit board of director; a multimedia content contributor; and a matcha enthusiast. Dr. Swathi is passionate about educating practitioners, students, and patients on natural medicines, and empowering everyone to be the best, most authentic version of themselves. She recently shared with us some of her best tips for living a minimalistic lifestyle!
What is the point of minimalism and why should we consider it?
The concept of minimalism is asking yourself “What do you actually really need?” versus what do you think society is telling you that you need. Are you just trying to keep up with the Joneses or do you really need these things in your life? It is a great opportunity for an exploratory process that can act like a reset in your life.
That sounds scary. Where do we begin with the process of a minimalistic life?
The first thing we do is sit down and think about what that means for you and what it means for your life. We are all different! Next, think about how you can take those first steps to implement decluttering. And no, this process does not mean that you have to get rid of everything tomorrow. It's start with one thing the first day, start with two things the next day and so on and so forth.
At the end of the day, it's not the things that make us happy. It's the people and it's the experiences, that is the real reason that we get out of bed in the morning. The experiences that we're going to have, the impact that we want to have on the world, the people that we want to spend our time with, those are the important things. It generally isn’t jumping out of bed to buy something. And if it is, that feeling generally does not last.
Pro tip: If you forget you own it, chances are you're not that excited or passionate about it. And maybe you don't need it! How are you going to declutter your physical and mental space today?
Contact Dr. Swathi: www.doctorswathi.com
