Listening Practice Lesson 3 – Live with Less and Be Happier

Are you looking for a simple English text for your listening practice? Today, let’s talk about an interesting lifestyle — minimalism. Minimalism means living with less, buying less, and focusing on the things that truly matter. Many people discover that when they stop buying unnecessary things, they feel happier, more peaceful, and less stressed.

This article will help you practice English while learning about how living with less can change your life.

What Is Minimalism?

Minimalism is a lifestyle where people choose to have only the things they really need. It is not about having an empty home, but about removing the clutter — things that do not add value to your life.

For example:

• You don’t need 20 shirts; maybe 5 good ones are enough.

• You don’t need 10 pairs of shoes; 2 or 3 are fine.

• You don’t need to buy things to feel happy.

Minimalism helps people focus on experiences, relationships, and health — not on objects.

Why Do People Choose Minimalism?

Many people feel tired of modern life:

• Too much work.

• Too many things at home.

• Too much stress.

Minimalism offers a solution. When you have less, you have:

• Less cleaning.

• Less organizing.

• Less spending.

• Less stress.

And in return, you get:

• More free time.

• More money for important things.

• More peace and happiness.

How to Start Living with Less?

Here are easy steps to begin:

1. Declutter Your Home

Start by removing things you don’t use: clothes, gadgets, old items, decorations. Keep only what you love and use often.

2. Buy Less

Before buying anything, ask yourself:
“Do I really need this?”
If the answer is no, don’t buy it.

3. Focus on Experiences

Spend money on activities like traveling, learning, meeting friends, or hobbies instead of buying more objects.

4. Simplify Your Digital Life

Clean your phone and computer. Delete apps, files, and emails you don’t use. Too much digital clutter also causes stress.

5. Be Grateful

Look at what you already have. Being thankful makes you feel happy with less.

Benefits of Minimalism

When you live with less, you enjoy many benefits:

• Less stress: A clean, simple home makes you feel calm.

• Save money: You buy fewer things.

• More freedom: You are not controlled by things.

• Better focus: You concentrate on important things — health, family, hobbies.

• Better mental health: A simple life helps reduce anxiety and pressure.

Minimalism Around the World

Minimalism is popular in many countries.

• Japan: The culture often values simplicity. Many Japanese homes are small and clean.

• Sweden: People practice “Lagom,” meaning “just the right amount.”

• United States: Many people are leaving big houses and choosing tiny homes to live simply.

• Brazil: More people are starting to declutter and focus on experiences instead of material things.

Technology and Minimalism

Technology can help you live simply if you use it the right way.

• Use apps to organize your schedule.

• Listen to podcasts or audiobooks instead of buying physical books.

• Use one device for multiple tasks instead of having many gadgets.

But be careful — too much screen time or social media can create stress. Minimalism also means using technology with balance.

Why Living with Less Makes You Happier?

When you are not focused on buying, organizing, or cleaning too many things, your life feels lighter. You spend more time on what really matters — like your health, your family, your friends, and your dreams.

Living with less means living more — more joy, more time, and more peace.

Practice Time!

Start the quiz and answer these simple questions to practice your listening skills.

Practice your English skills a little bit more by watching this video. Aim to understand everything that is said: Less is More: The Magic of a Simple Life

Vocabulary