In today’s world of endless consumption and instant gratification, we’re often told that more is better. However, the ancient wisdom of “everything in moderation” holds more truth than we might realise. Let’s explore why excess—having more than we truly need—can be detrimental to our wellbeing and lifestyle.

The Psychology of Excess

When we accumulate more than we need, whether it’s material possessions, food, or even information, we create a burden that weighs heavily on both our mental and physical health. Research suggests that excess often leads to decision fatigue, increased anxiety, and decreased life satisfaction.

Consider your wardrobe, for instance. While having choices is wonderful, an overcrowded closet often leads to the paradox of choice—where too many options actually make it harder to decide what to wear, causing stress rather than satisfaction.

Material Excess: The Clutter Conundrum

Our homes have become warehouses of excess. The average British household contains approximately 300,000 items, yet we regularly use only a fraction of these possessions. This physical clutter doesn’t just occupy space; it demands our time, energy, and resources:

• Maintenance and cleaning become more time-consuming
• Storage costs increase
• Mental clarity diminishes in cluttered spaces
• Environmental impact grows with each unnecessary purchase

Digital Overload: The Invisible Excess

In our digital age, excess isn’t limited to physical items. We’re drowning in information, notifications, and digital commitments. The constant stream of emails, social media updates, and news alerts creates mental clutter that can be just as overwhelming as physical mess.

Financial Implications of Excess

Overconsumption directly impacts our financial health. The cost isn’t just in the initial purchase—it’s in the storage, maintenance, and eventual disposal of items we never truly needed. Moreover, the pursuit of excess often leads to debt, creating a cycle of financial stress and emotional burden.

Health Consequences

Excess manifests perhaps most dramatically in our relationship with food and drink. Overconsumption leads to various health issues:

• Obesity and related health conditions
• Poor sleep quality
• Reduced physical activity
• Increased stress levels
• Compromised immune system

Finding the Balance: The Path to ‘Enough’

The solution isn’t extreme minimalism, but rather finding our personal “enough point”—the balance where we have what we need to thrive without the burden of excess. Here’s how to start:

1. Practice mindful consumption by questioning purchases
2. Regular decluttering of physical and digital spaces
3. Focus on experiences rather than possessions
4. Develop gratitude for what you already have

The Environmental Perspective

Our planet bears the brunt of our excessive consumption. Every unnecessary item produced contributes to:

• Resource depletion
• Carbon emissions
• Waste in landfills
• Water pollution
• Habitat destruction

At the end

Living with excess is like trying to swim whilst carrying weights—it’s possible, but it makes life unnecessarily difficult. By understanding and accepting that more isn’t always better, we can work towards a more balanced, sustainable, and fulfilling lifestyle.

The key lies not in deprivation, but in finding contentment with enough. When we free ourselves from the burden of excess, we create space for what truly matters: experiences, relationships, and personal growth.

Remember, the goal isn’t to live with less, but to live with just the right amount—whatever that means for you.