Embracing Minimalism: A 2025 Wish List for Well-Being

Flashback

The year 2024 has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride. From the struggles and challenges of stepping into parenthood for the first time to striving to protect our physical and mental well-being, from staying committed to professional responsibilities despite the challenges at home to trying to find moments for ourselves, nothing about this year has been easy. Yet, as each situation unfolded, we grew and adapted. On top of it all, managing family members’ emotions and constant medical needs brought its own set of demands. It’s now clearer than ever why many people, willingly or not, choose to prioritize family above all else, sometimes letting their careers or passions take a back seat. The key to happiness here is embracing what the ‘present’ has to offer and relish the moments which will never come back again!

The Wish List

As another year dawns, I feel tempted to come up with a wish list, not brimming with material desires and ambitious goals, but simple underrated pleasures of life, that can only be earned with the currency of time. That is why, for 2025, I’ve chosen to embrace minimalism and focus on simple yet profound elements of life: ample sleep, family time, alone time, travel, and mental peace. Here’s why these priorities hold such significance for me and why they should find a place in your list too.

1. Ample Sleep

to recharge the mind and body

Sleep is a universal necessity, not a luxury. It improves memory, sharpens focus, and boosts immunity. Prioritizing sleep isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a smart investment in your overall well-being.

As Parents: As parents of twin toddlers, one of our most cherished desires is a good night’s sleep—uninterrupted and preferably on a clean, tidy bed. It’s remarkable how such a simple wish has felt so elusive for more than a year now. Things are improving, though; compared to a year ago when we were waking up multiple times in the night. Yet, it’s still not quite like the old days of undisturbed, guilt-free sleep.

As an Individual: In a world that glorifies hustle, sleep often takes a backseat. Yet, it’s the cornerstone of good health, creativity, and productivity. Among the three strong pillars of great physical and mental well being —sleep, diet, and exercise—sleep is undoubtedly the most fundamental. Reading the book, ‘Why We Sleep’ by Matthew Walker last year, made me realize its impact on health more than ever before. For someone who juggles lawyering, photography, blogging, and travel, I’ve realized that skimping on sleep affects not just my energy but also my ability to capture and appreciate the beauty around me. In 2025, I’m committed to honoring this essential need, ensuring I wake up refreshed and ready to seize the day.

Sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body health each day – Mother Nature’s best effort yet at contra-death.

― Matthew Walker, Why We Sleep

2. Family Time

to strengthening our bonds

Family, in whatever form it takes for you, provides a sense of belonging and unconditional support. Regularly connecting with loved ones fosters emotional health and strengthens relationships that often outlast other aspects of life.

As a Father: It’s so easy to get caught up in the daily grind and slip into the habit of cribbing about life’s challenges, particularly when you have to juggle constantly with responsibilities at home, professional commitments and taking good care of the babies. But the year 2024 brought a profound realization (thanks to my wife) that these magical moments with our twin toddlers are fleeting and will soon be gone forever. Time is transient, and before we know it, they’ll grow up and no longer need our love, care, and attention in the same way. Whether it’s watching toddlers grow, sharing meals, or simply being present, family time creates memories that are priceless. With that in mind, I want to prioritize spending as much of my time off-work with them. Everything else can wait.

As a Spouse: At the same time, I’ve also come to appreciate how crucial it is to nurture our relationship as a couple. It’s easy to get so immersed in the joy and responsibilities of parenting that we lose sight of who we were before becoming parents and how much we loved each other. In 2025, I aim to carve out more opportunities to nurture our connections and love for each other.

“Family time is not a matter of convenience; it is a matter of priority. Spend time with those you love because one of these days you will say one of the following two statements: “I wish I had” or “I’m glad I did”.”

― Itayi Garande, Broken Families

3. Alone Time

to finding clarity and creativity

Alone time is essential for self-discovery and personal growth. It helps you understand your emotions, make thoughtful decisions, and reignite your creativity. Even a few minutes of solitude daily can be transformative.

I know I’m being greedy by seeking even more time as a gift—this time for myself—but it’s essential for my sanity. In the chaos of daily life, solitude is a luxury. As a photographer and blogger, alone time is where I find inspiration and clarity. Whether it’s a quiet walk with my camera, journaling at the end of the day, or diving into insightful books, these moments of introspection recharge my mind and fuel my creativity. Educating myself with the inspiring works of other great photographers often helps me see the world differently, sparking fresh ideas for my own art and storytelling.

Such moments of solitude often become acts of self-love allowing you to pursue what truly makes you happy and gives you a sense of achievements – those small wins, invisible to the rest of the world, but holding immense value to you, because they define your personal universe—a space where you truly belong and wish to reside forever.

“Looking back you realize that a very special person passed briefly through your life and that person was you. It is not too late to become that person again.”

― Robert Brault

4. Travel

Travel has always been our secret sauce to break the monotony of life and forget the real-world challenges of everyday at home. While we could travel much in the year 2024 due to obvious constraints, we wish the year 2025 to be full of journeys to incredible places, immersing in ethereal beauty of the nature and possibly capture a few stunning images that I can proudly call my own. The focus will be more on impromptu road trips and relaxing stays than hopping from one touristy location to other.

5. Mental Peace

Amid the noise of modern living and having to manage expectations of not only your manager but also your parents and spouse, mental peace is perhaps the most elusive yet essential goal. A calm mind leads to better decision-making, improved relationships, and a healthier outlook on life. For 2025, I’m focusing on mindfulness practices, limiting unnecessary distractions, communicating assertively and finding joy in simplicity.

As I step into 2025 with this minimalistic wish list, my aim is not just to fulfill these desires but to live with greater intention and presence. These priorities reflect a commitment to nurturing what truly matters—health, relationships, experiences, and inner peace.

I take this moment to invite you to consider creating your own minimalistic wish list. Reflect on what brings you joy and fulfillment, and let go of the clutter that doesn’t serve you. After all, it’s the simple, meaningful things that make life extraordinary.