How Minimalism Can Be Unhealthy...

Minimalism is a beautiful lifestyle centered on intentionality and mindfulness, yet how and why we practice it can sometimes be driven by unconscious inner wounding. Warning, this video was a bit heavier to digest than I expected when planning it! What are your thoughts after watching the video? Let’s have a friendly conversation in the comments below ↓
To my longtime OG subscribers, I’ve missed you all! I still have people reaching out to me once a month or so to check in, and knowing that my videos resonated with so many of you is a big part of why I’m exploring what it feels like to step out of the privacy I’ve been cocooning in for the past few years. Your kindness and heartfelt messages have meant more to me than you could ever know.
I’ll have a proper update video soon, so much has changed! Stay tuned. ♥
A B O U T M E :
I am a Qigong Teacher and Somatic Coach specializing in body-based trauma healing. Over five years ago, I used to post on KZbin about minimalism, spirituality, travel, mental health, and my experiences working as a travel emergency nurse.
Now, I’m exploring what it feels like to return to social media to share the practices that have truly saved my life-practices I’ve been deeply committed to studying over the past few years.
♥
G E A R :
Canon M50: amzn.to/4hKoqZD
WebCam: amzn.to/40J1DXo
Wireless Microphone:: amzn.to/3CDLZEA
USB Microphone:: amzn.to/40JJ31d
Cold shoe mount light: amzn.to/4grNVOu
Diffuse Lamp (similar, mine is from Target Room Essentials):
amzn.to/3CLli0E
Light Bulbs: amzn.to/4hl4i0z
Ergo Mouse:
These are affiliate links * please consider shopping local first, if you decide to go through Amazon I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely enjoy and use.
E D I T I N G :
DaVinci Resolve Software (free version) + Canva

[@ShoshanahDeborah]

I was literally just thinking about you like a week ago; I was cleaning out my subscriptions, but kept yours! Yay🥰

[@ca8a]

I have been in that situation cleaning up but Janell is a keeper haha

[@JanellKristina]

Aww this is so so sweet! 💛

[@Surfnyolly]

Same! I def did not want to unsubscribe!

[@savannahrobbins8934]

Totally stayed! ❤

[@orooora]

omg me too!

[@BrowncoatBlue]

Welcome back. 🎉

[@JanellKristina]

Thank you!

[@kc9364]

I can't believe my eyes!! I think about you from time to time wondering how you're doing. Personally, I don't mind if your content switches to other topics. I just really like your realness! I would love to see a new apartment/house tour. It still seems to be on the minimal side but more balanced. Welcome back!

[@ih458]

Yes, definitely need s psrt 2. Being a Minimalist has helped me destress and process information better. Less maintenance, decisions, visual/mental clutter.... etc. For me its akin to walking into a fresh hotel room.

[@JanellKristina]

100%

[@kayebohemier]

Welcome back!!!!!! I am also a former minimalist. I had a neurological diagnosis recently that explained why I have such trouble with clutter (especially loud, bright patterns with extreme color contrasts) and why I get visually overwhelmed so easily. The minimalism, in retrospect, was partly ... simply me trying to cope with the overwhelm that comes along with the condition I have. The consumerism issues that I had and which I struggled with during a big period of my life were also side effects of not being diagnosed - I had a lot of anxiety over knowing something was wrong and feeling that I needed to hide it and being awkward in social settings and not knowing why, so I'd buy stuff to try to costume myself into fitting in, and then I'd feel guilty and try to edge back into minimalism even more, ad infinitum, binge-purge. That all stopped during the diagnosis journey, and I'm now in the process of figuring out what routines, practices, and self-care tools actually help.

[@JanellKristina]

Awww man, that sounds like it brought so much clarity! I'm glad you are finding your way

[@420Shortay]

Wow!! Some real deep reflections! Thank you for sharing something personal! I'm soo excited to meet this version of you!! (We all move through many versions of ourselves)

[@JanellKristina]

💛 thank you! I curious how everyone who has followed for so long has changed too. The internet is a very different place than it was 6-9 years ago

[@savannahrobbins8934]

❤ Amen to this! Loved the line “THIS version of you.” So many great people learn and grow. I’ve seen so many of my favorite people/youtubers grow and change to. I love it ❤

[@ca8a]

Great to see you again!!! Looking forward to seeing the update video. You have been missed

[@placageee]

Agree 100 % ❤ lovely surprise on my feed

[@engineerSammy_]

cant believe you came back just to throw this bomb at me hahah i feel like you described a lot of my feelings, all the shame-projecting, the stress about gifts, about other people's clutteriness....omg... i need a moment

[@JanellKristina]

Aww, my bad I'm sorry! I totally relate

[@glambitious91]

Omggggg I’m so glad to see you !!!!! I remember watching your channel and following you on Instagram ! I often wondered about you , I’m so glad to see you’re okay !

[@beck-e9h]

I never comment on videos but this resonated with me so much! Everything that you said, please make a part 2 :)

[@elenamikhaylova5086]

I used to watch your videos when I was living with my parents in a hoarding household, and they brought me so much peace and inspiration! When I moved out I was also extremely minimal and was even sleeping on the floor! Now I do feel I have more balance, but when it starts to feel like I have accumulated too many things again, it does give me some anxiety and I always feel relief after I clear some things away. I appreciate you pointing out this perspective that it could be a coping response, it gives me something to think about :) and welcome back!!

[@JanellKristina]

Thank you! I still declutter if I notice too much stuff is stressing me out too, and even if it's an external motivator. Just being aware of what's going on and also seeing if I need something else is helpful.

[@BoxOfFoxSocks]

Wow Janell.....I used to watch you when I was beginning my minimalism journey, and I have often checked your channel ever since hoping that you are okay and that you might come back. But during that time, I've also come to realise that I originally sought minimalism in many ways as a trauma response, just as you've described. I felt unsafe, out of control, and unable to take up any space, so I tried to make my presence as small and insignificant as possible and be extremely self-sufficient. Just as you've said, I found many genuine, wonderful benefits of minimalism and I don't regret living this way, but it's important to recognise the hidden feelings beneath my decisions. Welcome back! I've really missed you!

[@JanellKristina]

It feels good to know I was not alone on that journey 💛

[@mairialexopoulou5367]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos. So thoughtful and kind. And, yes, I do understand what you mean about minimalism, or any *ism for that matter. As soon as it becomes part of your identity and not simply a tool, it starts becoming an issue, because you lose strength/mind/heart to it. And when you "dare" to move away from it (or others do) you need to quickly revert back to it or else you lose control (i.e. life). Anyway, I love that you are back and I hope you continue to be back. As the world is becoming more and more heavy, voices like your are more and more needed.

[@JanellKristina]

100% this applied to many things in my life honestly. The world feels very heavy to me too at times

[@MilleniumSasquatch]

You seem so much lighter and happier then way back when. I hope you’re well 🧡🙏🏻

[@JanellKristina]

Thank you, I feel that too looking back at old videos

[@CS-po8ui]

OMG!!!! So happy to see you here on YT!!!

[@CaptainAiryca]

KZbin suggested this video to me, and I watched it earlier but I'm back because I wanted to say thank you for this. I am so struck by what you said about minimizing your needs and trying to take up as little space as possible, I really needed to hear that. Thank you.

[@seltzermint5]

not trying to be nosy but would love to hear more about the new and improved lifestyle you're living! Great to see you back on KZbin!

[@LittleRedTeaCake]

I one hundred percent agree with this. I remember that before the birth of my first child, I got deep into minimalism, because I was struggling with, well everything; we moved while I was 5 months pregnant, we didn't know anyone, the weather was terrible, all of the things were just piling on and I didn't have a support system, so I turned to minimalism to try to make sense of things, to gain some control over my environment. I do not look back at those times fondly and deeply regret the things I did and get rid of.

[@bookishbianca]

I related to this so so much. I remember seeing your older videos years ago and I also grew up with a hoarder and have swung to the other extreme of minimalism to protect myself. but its become a very obsessive, compulsive section of my life. when I feel stressed or overwhelmed I have an intense urge to catalog all my belongings and get rid of things. it feels like the only way to get control back. I really appreciate you sharing this! it makes me feel super seen

[@kathleencarr2622]

Yay! Looking forward to future videos! 😊

[@nefariousyawn]

I don't know why KZbin put this video in my feed, but you have given me a lot to think about. "Is Minimalism a trauma response" is a very striking title.

[@JanellKristina]

I hope the thinking is going well 💛

[@dreamer921]

So great to see you back! Looking forward to seeing part 2 and your update video :)

[@neopets4ever]

Thank you for coming back! I have that anxious/ashamed feeling when I have too many browser tabs open or too many items in my Amazon cart as opposed to in a list or too many unread/undeleted emails or mailed letters….irl I would say I’m neither a hoarder nor minimalist but I do struggle to meet my standard of clean and organized and if I don’t then I tell myself I’m in filth…..it’s hard not to put the black or white, all or nothing pressure on yourself

[@JanellKristina]

The amount of browsers and tabs I had open when reading this haha 😅. & Yes, so relatable. You got this.

[@Kewpiiie]

:0 I think about you from time to time wondering how you’re doing! Nice to see you again 🩷

[@zeinabel-chebli5909]

I am so happy you doing well! I’ve always watched all your videos and over the years I would come back to binge them and check to see if you were okay or if you posted any updates. Minimalist content got me to your page but your energy and genuine emotions are what kept me coming back. 🥰💕 Can’t wait to hear about the new chapter in your life

[@mglouise97]

Woah! A blast from the past

[@BlueBeardTheBlasphemous]

Hey welcome back! We missed you!

[@valeriegray3559]

Wow, it's good to see you back! I missed you! Your comment about minimalism as a desire for control and safety is so true. As someone who also grew up in a chaotic home and constantly struggles with alternately collecting and purging things, I really relate. Take care of yourself--I have always really loved your videos.

[@JanellKristina]

Thank you! Yes, so many people seem to relate to this!

[@h4d3n27]

Welcome back! Such a pleasant surprise to see you back here and glad you’re doing well. Huge waves of positive energy to you and to all!

[@JanellKristina]

Thank you!

[@nora-.-g]

Wow, excited to see this! I have ADHD and minimalism for me was very much to do with the minor trauma of not being diagnosed and not being able to deal with the condition and manage my life, and the anxiety and depression that came along with it. The height of it also coincided with the height of the pandemic. Welcome back

[@JanellKristina]

Ohh man. The pandemic was rough, I actually became a sort of 'minimalist' emergency prepper and my own mental health stuff peaked around then in some ways too. I could probably made a video about that lol.

[@nora-.-g]

@ yeah that was quite a time! 😵‍💫

[@Trailmixxed]

Its so great to see you again! You were one of my favorite minimalism youtubers. I can relate to my minimalism being a trauma response, wanting control, trying to make myself small, etc. Then I met my husband who really likes his stuff and we are having a baby, and I'm so much more "settled" in spaces that would've given me anxiety a few years ago. I'm really looking forward to more videos from you, its very inspiring watching your journey!

[@JanellKristina]

Ooo I'm so glad to hear about feeling settled 💛

[@abloomingtulip]

Thank you for sharing, and welcome back. Really glad you’re sharing your experiences.

[@nicolewhitman4444]

Welcome back! 🤍please keep your old videos up too ☺️

[@dawnalawrence6584]

I'm old enough to be your grandmother but what you just said applies 100% to ME- the urgent need to get of things to give me a sense of "control" because my life was always so out of control. It's an obsessive thing-in its own way, it's the other side of the "hoarding coin." I've often gotten rid of things that I needed to replace, but when I have "too many things" I feel all unorganized and in an emotional turmoil. This caused problems in my marriage and with my grandmother when I lived with her, because I often compulsively got rid of some of my ex-husband's and my grandmother's belongings. I'm personally relating to everything you're saying. You are a MUCH younger version of ME- but I am learning from you!

[@JanellKristina]

Aww wow thank you! And I totally get it. It can be a challenge for sure 💛

[@mountainpaintbrush]

So good to see you again! I missed you! I hope you keep making content! I connect with your journey so much

[@azraayyash2764]

this is so weird but just today I was thinking about how I loved watching your content and here you are! welcome back!

[@Reiko29DBS]

1. Missed you 2. Holy shit this hits so true

[@savannahrobbins8934]

I saw that you posted, and I was Sooo psyched!!! I was like OMGOODNESS my favorite KZbinr is back online, and told my roommate how ecstatic I was. 😅🎉 😂❤❤❤ When I first started following you. I was a 22 year old newly wed with wedding clutter. And now I’m a divorced single mom due to DV. Minimalism was both healing for me, but also shockingly prepared me for when my divorce/situation hit, and I had to leave everything in a day with a suitcase and a baby. That was a year ago. And I’m a lot further along in my healing journey. And rediscovered myself all over again. Minimalism still has quite the impact. Extreme and non-extreme. I don’t blame you for quitting. I’m proud of all you have done. Thank you for introducing me to minimalism and changing my life. I just hit my 6 year, minimalist anniversary this year. I’ve learned a lot. But especially not to compare. Everyone’s lives are so different. Whether you are back to stay or just checking in. I support you! ❤ Btw, love your hair, I remember when you shaved it.

[@JanellKristina]

Awww that is so so sweet, thanks for hanging around all this time! And wow, that is a powerful story! I hope you and your little one are doing well 💛

[@Marejohn1]

Oh my goodness! Welcome back! I was scrolling through my subscription feed a week or so ago and had double checked to see if you had posted anything that I happened to have missed! I would absolutely love to see a part two and also if you want to share what you have been up to, that would be wonderful!

[@Ryan-gv7qv]

I’ve missed you! I’ve been on my own journey and there has to be a balance with minimalism. I’ve notice it can quickly become an obsession. It makes no longer as an addictive to your life, but instead, consumes you. I’ve gone too much in the opposite direction and now I need to cull through my things after 3 moves in the past 4 years.

[@JanellKristina]

I was definitely obsessed with it for a long time, and now I could use a declutter myself too lol

[@paskulls]

welcome back!!! so so glad to see you :)

[@piratxero]

I'm so glad I subscribed back in the day and saw this. I thought of you a year or 2 ago, but forgot your name and couldn't find your channel. Thank you for uploading again.

[@avidviewer1023]

So glad to see you again. Thank you for the video.

[@JanellKristina]

Thanks for watching!

[@Libra8410]

Friend!! I never forgot you. Glad to see you again 😊

[@JanellKristina]

💛

[@ulala9898]

Welcome baaaaack!!! Your hair looks so nice!!!!

[@JanellKristina]

Thank you! I cut off my locs a year ago now.

[@ireriramirez9330]

I started my minimalist journey when my son was diagnosed with a brain tumor and with that came a lot of health complexities. Taking care of him and focusing only on my kids took all my energy. So I got rid of a lot of toys, clothes, furniture and all of the home decorations. I only kept the necessitys and toys that the kids actually played with. It made my life easier when it seemed like everything around ne was falling apart.

[@jadekoay124]

So awesome to see you back Janell 👾👾👾

[@xanna99]

This is the first video of yours that I've seen. Thank you, I needed a good cry.

[@JanellKristina]

Aww, I hope it was an okay introduction, and I also love a good cry 💛

[@melissa1543]

Thanks for coming by back to share this and also I think ur super gorgeous ❤ thanks for ur insights

[@tajames16]

Was thinking about you recently and hoping you were well. So good to see you!! I found you through your videos sharing about your experience living with hoarders - at the time, I had to move back into the hoard when I lost my job, then the pandemic hit and I was stuck. I went on a similar minimalist journey to you, and have also found a more balanced place with some space both from the hoard and from a small, minimal space. Would love to see more if you want to share! All best, Janell 💛

[@JanellKristina]

That sounds hard, I', glad you are finding the balance now 💛

[@oktobersodyssey]

So great to see you again!!!! You look so happy & healthy

[@aheroinheroin]

Welcome back! You're glowing!

[@sabbiesan]

It's refreshing to see your face again! I loved watching your videos back in the day. I hope all is well with you. 🌷

[@sally123244]

This is very thought provoking! Loved it!

[@WednesdayPegler]

You're back!!! So nice to see you again ☺ looking forward to more videos! 💖

[@JanellKristina]

Plans for future videos are brewing 💛

[@TheThriftingTherapist]

I'm definitely soothed by organizing and cleaning, but also by shoppingthat's my growing edge.

[@leeannpelletier4117]

So happy to see you again on here!!

[@KW-up2ox]

lol the amount of times I’ve checked your channel over the years 😂 Welcome back!

[@mr.spablo]

Oh hey! Welcome back :)

[@tracimero1926]

So good to see you again ❤

[@rootedreinvention]

So nice to see you again. Some good thoughts too - I have some Big T traumas and definitely have wondered about my draw to minimalism as a response.

[@andrear6381]

Yay!!! You’re back!!! 🎉

[@torijonez444]

you look so well my love, happy to see you back

[@JanellKristina]

💛

[@sunseedsthoughts592]

Omg you're back! ❤

[@Seoulsearch616]

Great to see you!! 🥰

[@wang_xian]

omg i did not forget your channel, it s so good seeing you again. I havent watched the video yet but i just wanted to express how happy i am that you made a new video

[@JanellKristina]

Aww thank you!!

[@AanandaaJyoti]

Omg heyy!! So glad to see you! Always loved your channel🕺🏽☺️⭐️

[@MrAlligator3]

Glad to see you're back, and doing well!

[@carolinanoriega3813]

I was wondering how you were doing thanks for the update! I have been watching lots of videos on minimalism and that similar thought came to me that it seemed like a trauma response.

[@dopex89]

Heyy welcome back! Minimalism didn't stick for me, but your videos definitely helped me enjoy having less more, if that makes sense :D Also you introduced me to Ekhart Tolle and that kind of changed my life (although I have my disagreements with him). I'd love to hear you talk about anything to be honest, you have such a calming energy to me.

[@JanellKristina]

His books were very influential to me for a long time! I also have some different view points now, but still grateful for what his work made me consider.

[@stephanielow2537]

Omg I missed you so much!!! You were such an inspiration for me!!!

[@ih458]

Omg 😲 I thought about you yesterday!!!!! IG suggested something that you liked.... I hope you're good! Missed you!

[@martinng370]

YAAAAY SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU WELL!

[@tangopies]

Hi, great to see you again! 😊

[@Surfnyolly]

So good to see you! I hope you are doing well. Looking forward to watching your update. Sending you hugs.

[@lauryn.666]

i missed your energy and thought of you some times! happy to hear from you

[@brooke9204]

Omgggg you’re back 🤩

[@josephinelandback2532]

I can so relate! Thank you so much for sharing, the connections were so helpful for me.

[@katieklamer6200]

I so glad you are doing good! You were one the first videos I added to my watch later list you were always at the top I never removed it. I would always wonder how you were doing. Thank you for your reflections.

[@dotgenie]

I love your earrings ♡

[@JanellKristina]

Thank you for noticing them 💛

[@car0libus_623]

Glad to hear from you again ! ❤

[@moanna8224]

so happy to see you!!!!

[@jfpdc888]

WOW!!!!! So dang god to seeyou on here again! You vids were my first intro into minimal lifestyle and always enjoyed watching them. Thank you for this realistic and personal viewpoint. So looking forward to future posts! Hope all is well and Thank You for returning for whatever length of time works for YOU! All The Best!

[@abbydt88]

Janell!!!!! OMG ❤

[@Guguchina]

OMG hi! I remember watching one of your videos years ago, hello ❤. I was never a strict minimalist, but I am still careful on the whole about what I buy: in fact I'm still slowly decluttering.

[@savannahrobbins8934]

Just finished watching. ❤ Thank you for sharing. This was exactly what I needed today.

[@JanellKristina]

💛💛💛

[@brett.anthony]

Great to see you back. So many interesting perspectives in this video, definitely here for a part 2.

[@JanellKristina]

Finishing up my idea list for part 2 now!

[@Raetheforce]

Omg I was just thinking about you!!!

[@ameliainthedark]

Welcome back 😊 It is so weird I just though about your channel earlier today and your video popped on my screen. I used to watch all your minimalism videos.

[@JanellKristina]

Aww! Thank you!

[@emzylaslo4848]

The queen is back

[@JanellKristina]

Aww 💛

[@chiloveisintheair]

I’m so happy to see you! Welcome back beautiful!

[@JanellKristina]

💛💛💛

[@kbm9676]

OMG, Janell!!!! Hi! Welcome back!

[@emm7528]

I remember that video! And I'm so happy you are not dead! Welcome back

[@JanellKristina]

Same my friend. 💛

[@Melanie-kw5hx]

Nice to see you again 🥰

[@funnlecake221]

welcome back!!!

[@yamimana9918]

Welcome back! I have been thinking about you recently and hoping you were doing well. You certainly seem to be and I'm glad. Your old videos helped me a lot and it's somewhat sad to hear you weren't in a good place making them. I look forward to those videos you mentioned. Any thoughts you wish to share on how you achieved more balance and what you've learned about healing from trauma I am definitely interested to hear!

[@JanellKristina]

Aww so I'm so glad to hear it, I've got lots I want to share!

[@ceecollette6708]

Welcome back! 🎉 I loved your minimalism content but I'd love to hear more about your trauma healing journey, as one who needs to start my own. 🙂 Either way, glad you're posting again!

[@JanellKristina]

Sounds good! I am hoping to share more about that and tips for it as I come back

[@pamelawilson2553]

I remember you! ❤welcome back!

[@joshicortez1537]

Wow ! Long time no see