Before we dive into the whirlwind of holiday shopping, gift-giving, and seasonal excess, I urge you to take a moment and read this. Just pause, breathe, and reflect.
Every single day, we’re bombarded with messages telling us we need more: more gadgets, more clothes, more “life-enhancing” products. The underlying message is clear—what we already have simply isn’t enough. But what if it is? What if less truly is more?
Here’s a dose of "underconsumption core" to gently "de-influence" you during this busy season:
I don’t own an Oura Ring, a Whoop band, or any of the latest high-tech wearables. My trusty 4-year-old Apple Watch still serves me well. But even without it, I’d know if I had a good night’s sleep. Listening to your body doesn’t require a gadget.
I don’t have a Stanley Cup or whatever trendy water bottle is making waves on Instagram this week. I use a simple stainless steel bottle that’s been with me for years. It keeps my water cold, and that’s all I need.
I don’t own an ultra-modern ice-tube setup costing £5,000. I have a plain old bathtub. When I want a cold plunge, it does the job perfectly. Sometimes the simplest tools can bring the greatest benefits.
I’ve never splurged on an advanced temperature-regulating sleep-tech mattress with a price tag that could fund a holiday. My modestly priced memory foam mattress keeps me comfortable, and I wake up refreshed after 7-8 hours of sleep. Luxury doesn’t always mean better.
I don’t own the latest AloYoga collection or TikTok’s trendiest leggings. But guess what? My workouts are just as effective in my no-frills activewear. The quality of movement matters more than the brand name.
The Wisdom of Contentment
There’s a timeless beauty in appreciating what you already have. As Lao Tzu said:
1. Simplicity in Tracking Your Life
I don’t own an Oura Ring, a Whoop band, or any of the latest high-tech wearables. My trusty 4-year-old Apple Watch still serves me well. But even without it, I’d know if I had a good night’s sleep. Listening to your body doesn’t require a gadget.
2. The Humble Water Bottle
I don’t have a Stanley Cup or whatever trendy water bottle is making waves on Instagram this week. I use a simple stainless steel bottle that’s been with me for years. It keeps my water cold, and that’s all I need.
3. Cold Plunge on a Budget
I don’t own an ultra-modern ice-tube setup costing £5,000. I have a plain old bathtub. When I want a cold plunge, it does the job perfectly. Sometimes the simplest tools can bring the greatest benefits.
4. A Practical Night’s Sleep
I’ve never splurged on an advanced temperature-regulating sleep-tech mattress with a price tag that could fund a holiday. My modestly priced memory foam mattress keeps me comfortable, and I wake up refreshed after 7-8 hours of sleep. Luxury doesn’t always mean better.
5. Workout Gear That Works
I don’t own the latest AloYoga collection or TikTok’s trendiest leggings. But guess what? My workouts are just as effective in my no-frills activewear. The quality of movement matters more than the brand name.
The Wisdom of Contentment
There’s a timeless beauty in appreciating what you already have. As Lao Tzu said:
Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.We’ve all fallen into the trap of buying things we don’t need, with money we don’t have, to impress people we don’t even like. The antidote to this cycle isn’t another purchase—it’s self-awareness and gratitude.