In certain parts of Ghana and the Ivory Coast, it is common to find women on their periods gathered in a party like atmosphere while relaxing under beautiful umbrellas, receiving gifts and praises.
When you zoom in on America, however, women on their periods are going hysterical, driving to the pharmacy to stock up on tampons, Tylenol, and ice cream as preparation for the menstrual hurricane ahead.

Thankfully I’m here to give you great news!

It’s time to drop the box of tissues because you are officially about to learn how to end your menstrual torment and make your period an enjoyable experience.

What are Cramps?

Cramps are strong contractions of the uterus as they are triggered by a chemical called prostaglandin, commonly associated with inflammation and pain. Cramps usually start when a woman begins to ovulate regularly. It comes a day or two before the menstrual flow, though it can continue through the first 2 days of the period. The good news is that, generally, this pain gets better as a woman gets older, or after she has her first child.

Related: Natural Remedies for PMS, Mood Swings, Bloating, Cramps, Etc.

Menstrual pain in some women, however, can be associated with other conditions such as:

• Inflammation of the uterine lining (endometriosis)
• Passage of tissue and blood through a narrow cervix
• Uterine fibroid
• Ovarian cysts
• Uterine infections
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Use of intrauterine devices

But here you will find out how you can naturally treat the pain without having to take harmful medications and sacrifice your overall health in the long run.

Related: Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones

Natural Pain Relief for Cramps

Applying Heat

Looks like this method will never get old. Since the heat has the ability to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow, pain dissipation comes as a consequence. A 2012 scientific study found the application of a heat patch at 104°F (40 C°) to be as effective as ibuprofen. If you don’t have a heat patch you can simply take a warm bath, or use a hot towel.

Essential Oil Massage

A study shows that 20 minutes of applying pressure on the right spots on your abdomen is enough to relieve menstrual pain in women with endometriosis (instantly as well as afterward). Here is a helpful how-to video below.

Related: Are You Suffering From Histamine Intolerance?

Whoopi & Maya Medicinal Cannabis Products

So Whoopi Goldberg got together with cannabis industry leader Maya and created a line of products (balm, bath soaks, chocolate and tinctures) that targets menstrual pain relief in women. The reviews are nothing less than incredible. Not only are these products relieving menstrual pain, mood swings, and PCOS, but they are also relieving other types of pain such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, back pain, insomnia and other chronic conditions. The downside here is that you can only purchase these products with a medical card or in states where recreational marijuana is legal.

Acupuncture

This is a practice that is recommended by the National Institute of Health. An acupuncturist assesses the deficiencies or excessive energies in the patient’s meridians (the path through which life-energy “qi” travels throughout the body), then starts the needling in the respective spots. A study done on 43 women with dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) showed that the acupuncture treatment was effective at reducing the pain as well as the need for pain medications.

Chiropractic Adjustment

Some women find relief by attending chiropractor sessions. In a pilot study, it was found that pain perception and menstrual distress was reduced by two-fold.

Related: An Interview With a Chiropractor

Herbs for Menstrual Pain

Here are some effective herbs that you can try for your period cramps and see which best works for your body. They are usually available as pills, capsules, tablets, teas, tinctures, or liquid extracts (Mix the liquid extracts with your favorite drink).

• Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)

Take in form of tea. If you take diuretics or lithium consult with your doctor first.

• Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis)

Found to relieve PMS (Premenstrual syndrome) according to studies. Contraindicated for people who have a history of seizures.

• Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

Can relieve menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms.

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Can be used for inflammation. People with gallstones or gallbladder problems should ask their doctor before using it.

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Can be used for nausea and weakness. Studies suggest that fennel can reduce the severity of symptoms.

Side note: If you have a history of hormone-related cancer or are taking hormone replacement therapy, have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medication, you should consult with your doctor before taking these.

Related Product: Shillington’s Female Balance Formula

Homeopathic Treatments

Homeopaths like to prescribe these herbs and natural substances according to the patient’s constitutional type, emotional, physical makeup as well as other criteria:

• Belladonna/Deadly nightshade

Used in cases of sharp pain and throbbing pressure in the pelvic region along with heavy bleeding, as well as pain that extends towards lower back.

• Chamomilla/Chamomile

For menstrual pain with mood swings and irritability.

• Citrullus Colocynthis / Bitter apple

Used for sharp pains with anger outbursts and irritability.

• Magnesia Phosphorica

Used for cramps and sharp shooting pains that are relieved by bending forward or by warmth.

• Nux Vomica /Poison Nut

Can be used for cramping pains that extend to the lower back along with chills, irritability, nausea, sensitivity to light, noise, and odors.

• Pulsatilla /Pasqueflower

For menstrual pain with irritability, moodiness, dizziness, nausea, headache, back pain, fainting. Pain may be more intense without a menstrual flow.

Treating PMS and Mood Swings

PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome and for some women, it comes with a giant ball of symptoms such as:

• Mood swings
• Cramps
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Bloating
• Weight gain
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Vomiting

No wonder some girls want to do at this time is crawl up into bed and ride out this storm in their own cozy space. But fear not, below you will find a quick period go-to guide. It will let you know what to do, as well as what not to do during this time. Keep in mind that if you are very health conscious, which I hope you are, you should follow the “Not To Do/Have List” always, and not solely on your period to achieve a high level of health/well-being.

What Not To Do/Have During Your Period

Vegetable Oils

These contain fats that are capable of causing acute inflammation and mutations in your body – it’s moderate or high consumption can cause problems in the reproductive system such as endometriosis, PCOS, and cancer. That’s a no-no for sure.

Dairy

Dairy has been found to congest the body and some doctors believe women who quit ingesting it completely can reduce their menstrual pain. I know you probably love ice cream, but there’s no need to worry. If you must have some, pick a vegan/dairy free ice cream instead and your body will thank you.

Red Meat or Egg Yolk

These both contain arachidonic acid which in many people can cause an increase in cellular inflammation, and let’s face it…you don’t need any more inflammation.

Dangerous Everyday Household Toxins

• Teflon (non-stick pans)
• Birth-control
• Plastics
• Bug sprays/pesticides
• Conventional cleaning products

These substances are a lot more a lot more harmful than you think, as they disrupt your entire hormonal system. Try to at least stay away from them during your period so that you give your body a chance to heal and reorganize itself.

Side note: We must understand that if these foods and substances are harmful during your period, to the point where they are contributing to your physical pain every month, they aren’t good for any point and time.

What to Do During Your Period

Get Enough Sleep/Rest

When you don´t get enough sleep on a normal day, how do you feel?

Fatigued, moody, easily irritated and simply off, right?

Can you now begin to imagine the importance of sleep time during our periods? A deficiency in proper rest can contribute to the pain and discomfort during this time. Help your body help you by allowing it to have some much-needed rest and rejuvenation.

Move Your Body

Who here has heard of endorphins? Endorphins are neurotransmitters responsible for pleasure and well-being. Doing light aerobic exercise can release endorphins into your nervous system, which will help relieve pain.

Some great low-intensity exercises that you can do while you are on your period are:

• Yoga
• Walking
• Having good sex (The orgasm leads to increased blood flow and contraction of the uterine muscles, giving you a double dose of endorphins.)

Eat the Fats Your Body Actually Likes

• Coconut Oil
• Olive Oil
• Butter (unless you’re vegan)

These should be your new best friends. Coconut oil actually helps your body by boosting the production of healthy hormones, reducing inflammation, aiding in weight loss and it even fights fungi and harmful bacteria! This BFF won’t let you down as long as you remember to not overconsume it.

Eat More Brassica Veggies

• Broccoli
• Kale
• Cabbage
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cauliflower

These contain carbon-3-inositol, helping to regulate estrogen activity as well as it eases bloating and discomfort during your menstruation.

Eat Fresh Fruits and Veggies

Fruits – sweet and exactly the kind of carbs you need to thrive. While processed sweets destroy your health, fruits and veggies are responsible for regaining it. Stick to having fruits (and no processed sugar) for dessert while you are on your period and see how you feel.

Take the Right Supplements

• Healthy Fats

These can help to decrease inflammation. A couple of studies have found that women who took fish oil had less menstrual pain than those who took a placebo.

• Calcium citrate

This is the easiest form of calcium for the body to absorb. It is essential for healthy bones and can reduce menstrual pain as it helps to maintain proper muscle function and prevent cramps.

Related: Homemade Calcium and Magnesium

• Vitamin D

Important to help your body utilize calcium properly and may also reduce inflammation.

• Vitamin E

One study suggests that vitamin E is effective against period pain. In the study, 100 women were given a Vitamin E supplement or a placebo for 5 days. Those who took vitamin E reported less pain than those who took the placebo.

• Magnesium

Preliminary studies show that magnesium may help reduce menstrual pain. It is important to note, however, that an excessive amount of magnesium can cause diarrhea as well as lower blood pressure. If you take prescribed or OTC medications (especially blood-thinners) or suffer from any disease, it’s important to check with a physician before supplementation.

Related: The Rocky Road to Menopause and How Essential Oils Can Help

The Importance of a Positive Outlook Towards your Period

In contrast to Native Americans, we tend to associate our periods with an illness or inconvenience. This is a side effect of the push for equality in our society, and especially in the workplace. We promised we are just as good as any man, and in return, they demanded our utmost and unfailing efficiency. So in other words, ” If you’re in pain or feeling moody, we don’t want any of it, you’re meant to be as efficient as a machine, stuff it down.” But there is a problem with that. By not listening to our bodies needs, it responds with pain, in hope that you will finally “listen”.

The truth is we are not men, and we are not simply women. We are bearers of life, and we must be recognized as such in any place we find ourselves in, first and foremost by ourselves. So as crazy as this sounds, if we need more sleep, we should have it. If we don’t feel up to going to work, the best thing would be not to go. This will decrease much of the stress and agitation common to us women during our periods. Owning up to it will lead us to another outstanding victory.

A victory of self-love, power and of a painless period.

From now on, I hope you choose to fully accept the gift of life and renewal that your period brings every month to see your period transition from a burden to an enriching experience.

Much love!

Sources

• Here Are 4 Cultures That Actually Respect Menstrual Cycles – Attn
• 10 Ways to Relieve Period Cramps – everyday HEALTH
• Home Remedies to Relieve Menstrual Pain – health line
• 9 Natural Menstrual Cramp Remedies That Will Totally Change Your Life…Period! – Organic Authority
• Natural Remedies for Painful Menstruation – NATURAL FERTILITY INFO
• Menstrual pain – UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND MEDICAL CENTER
• A narrative review of medical, chiropractic, and alternative health practices in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea – PubMed.gov

Matthieu Ricard is a former French genetic scientist, Tibetan monk, and author of Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life’s Most Important Skill. His designation as the world’s happiest man is the result of a scientific research done on him and other advanced meditation practitioners in 2012, where during a meditation on compassion, 256 sensors on his skull measured levels of gamma rays in his brain never before reported in the history of neuroscience. Even though Matthieu is widely known and respected, the wise monk shows no sign of ego, as he kindly shares with the world the secret to finding true happiness.

Why We Cannot be Happy Eating Animals

On a video Matthieu participated in for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), he demonstrates how the act of buying and eating animals creates a domino effect of negativity in all aspects of our life.

First of all, the animals, with 60 billion land animals and a trillion sea animals killed each year. Next, the environment, since the whole chain of factory farming involved in meat production today is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases nowadays, after homes and before transportation. Poverty in the world: 800 million tons of grains that could feed 1 billion people are sent from developing countries towards rich countries for meat production.

“So the first victims are, of course, animals, but everyone else loses too! Even human health! The WHO (World Health Organization) published a report showing that the regular consumption of meat was bad for health.”

Recommended: Start Eating Like That and Start Eating Like This – Your Guide to Homeostasis Through Diet

So let’s be logical. If we ask the people of every nation whether they would like to live in a world filled with beauty, safety, prosperity, joy, kindness, love, peace, laughter, justice… most are likely to say yes. But to truly create such reality we must produce more of these acts (beauty, peace, love, justice and etc.) individually, so that this may turn into a ripple effect, creating this new collective reality. But how will we achieve such life when we are taking away innocent beings from their families and societies, forgetting that they are capable of feeling the same emotions we do, such as trust, love, joy, and fear and then serving them on our plates?

According to Matthieu,

…When you see the intensive conditions in which dairy cows are raised, for instance, it’s absolutely unimaginable. They are confined to stalls during their short lives, unable to see the sky, and when they become less productive, they are eliminated. When you know that 10 to 15 percent of them, sometimes more, are cut up into pieces while they were still conscious because they were improperly stunned, they die little by little, it’s unimaginable. But this is the reality of their lives, every day, all year long.”

So we must urgently ask ourselves, can any kind of death bring true happiness? Is it ethical and just? Will this act bring more fulfillment into our individual lives or consequently to our collective experience?

That’s right, the answer is no.

The Key to Happiness

Matthieu reveals the key to happiness and it´s simpler than we thought.

He says: “True happiness can be attained when we avoid causing pain to others…”

Matthieu’s wise words become even more interesting when we take a look at the results from the 2010 happiness survey done on Harvard´s class of 1980. It turns out that the number one item listed as one of utmost importance to achieve happiness is doing good for others.

This strongly correlates to what Matthieu has shared with us. Happiness is to think of others (people and animals) and keep from bringing them suffering, it is to think of the world and the future generations, the environment and ourselves (our health) doing what is morally correct.

Related: How to Be Happy

How Meat Consumption is Hurting our Health and Planet

“The human appetite for animal flesh is a driving force behind virtually every major category of environmental damage now threatening the human future—deforestation, erosion, fresh water scarcity, air and water pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, social injustice, the destabilization of communities, and the spread of disease.” Says the World Watch Institute.

But how much in numbers are we truly talking?

The millennium ecosystem assessment shows that meat and dairy products are responsible for:

• 70% of global freshwater consumption

It takes around 147 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of corn. A single beef steer or a heifer can eat 1,000 or more pounds of feed over a few months (since they are often fed corn and soy feed to achieve a speedier growth), consuming large amounts of water that could be preserved instead.

• 38% of total land use

In various nations of the world, you see lands being taken over, Amazonian forests cut down for soy production for cattle, banks of wild streams muddied and trampled by grazers in New Zealand, countries like Greece that were rich in woodlands are now dry and taken over by goats.

• 19% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions

Because cows chew on grass, and their digestive system works differently than ours, they end up releasing a lot of methane into the air and atmosphere. So, the more meat-eating humans, the more cows, the more methane, the more greenhouse gasses, and the worse it will be for the planet.

A scientific study that was done also indicates that the long-term consumption of red meat, and specially processed meat, is associated with an increased risk of mortality, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer in both women and men.

But this isn’t the only source to share such information.

Dr. Marco Springmann from the Oxford Martin School, says: “Imbalanced diets, such as diets low in fruits and vegetables, and high in red and processed meat, are responsible for the greatest health burden globally…”

All of the above data show us that this lifestyle is extremely harmful to our health and for the planet, as it’s not sustainable. As the world population increases, the tendency is for the demand of meat production to increase, which could mean that we are looking at an unavoidable worldwide point of no return.

Watch this video for a quick 3-minute summary.

How a Vegan Lifestyle can Change the World

According to the recent 2016 Oxford study, a vegan diet could bring various benefits, such as:

• Save 8 million lives by 2050 – The study concludes that almost half of the avoided deaths would be due to the reduction of the consumption of red meat as the other half would be a result of an increased fruit and vegetable intake as well as calorie reduction causing fewer people to be obese or overweight.
• Save money on healthcare – About 700 to 1.000 billion US dollars.
• Avoid climate-related damages – Which would have otherwise cost 1.5 trillion dollars.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2/3 – By adopting vegan dietary guidelines we could cut out 70% of these emissions which would bring an economic benefit of as much as 570 billion US dollars.

To summarize on the greenhouse gases matter, Nick Hewitt, Professor of Atmospheric Chemistry in the Department of Environmental Science at Lancaster University says “The biggest lifestyle choice you could make to reduce greenhouse gasses is to stop eating meat. It’s hard to think of another single lifestyle change we could make that would have the same effect.”

Bringing Happiness to the World

We have enough scientific evidence supporting the numerous problems within the animal-based product industries, as well as we are aware of how it negatively affects our health, our environment and the animals themselves. For those of you who comprehend this and are asking yourselves what you can do now, the answer is simple — Take action! Be the example, and exclude meat products from your plates, choose vegetarian and vegan options, bring awareness to your friends, family, and colleagues. Your actions will bring about a ripple effect, that will turn our collective reality into one free of suffering, full of environmental restoration, better human and animal health, which inevitably brings about greater feelings of joy, purpose, and love. Happiness takes courage and effort, so the Tibetan monk and former scientist, a true master of happiness and compassion, humbly makes a plea— he asks that we become vegan like him.

Blessings to all.

More from Aska Barros:

• Tiny Homes — The Biggest Life Hack
• Minimalism – How to Change Your Life When Everything is a Mess

Sources:

• 6 Animal Species With Strong Family Bonds – One Green Planet
• The secret ingredient to a happy life? Going VEGAN: Tibetan Monk dubbed ‘world´s happiest man’ says eating meat is the reason we feel unfulfilled – Mail Online
• Key to lasting happiness is a vegan diet, says ‘happiest man in the world’ – The Telegraph
• The Secret Of Happiness Revealed By Harvard Study – Forbes
• Veggie-based diets could save 8 million lives by 2050 and cut global warming – University of Oxford
• Health Risks Associated with Meat Consumption: A Review of Epidemiological Studies – Hogrefe
• What Would Happen If an Entire Nation Stopped Eating Meat? – Vice
• The Water Footprint of Food – Grace Communications Foundation

Sometimes it feels like our world is falling completely apart. We just don’t feel like we were born to succeed. We look around and wonder if anyone else feels like this big of a mess. Our money is scarce, our house unkempt, our health not looking too good and our relationships going down the drain. So we can’t help but think:

“What the hell is wrong with me!?”

But you mustn’t feel so bad; It’s not all your fault!

It’s the Consumerism Sabotage

Since a young age, you had your googly eyes wide open as you were out and about processing as much information as possible and figuring out how life worked. Everything you experienced in your home, at school, or anywhere you were until this day has served as the main guidance for you to arrive where you are now.

So where did it all go wrong?

Think of yourself as a computer system. It started with our system (us) suffering a series of virus attacks (brainwashing).

Related: How to Be Happy

For example, TV commercials told us that if we want to look beautiful, we must have their brand of clothing, that the most attractive folks would buy this line of fragrance, or even that their magic pills can make you thin in very little time.

Imagine our system didn’t have an anti-virus (awareness). As a result, the virus would seep in and reprogram your system to add new files (new watches, clothing, jewelry, etc.) at random times on its own (impulse purchases).

Now imagine what happens when you keep ignoring the signs that you need an antivirus (debt, having too much stuff, etc.). You keep making impulse buys until your life collapses under the chaos.

It’s time to install the antivirus before that happens. What’s the best antivirus? Minimalism.

The What, Why and How of Minimalism

What is minimalism?

As I interviewed my friend Matthew Romanchick about minimalism, he gave me what I found to be the best definition yet: “Removing the stuff that sucks you dry in favor of the things that bring you life.”
So that includes removing material things, people, and old thought patterns from your life that suck you dry instead of making you a better person (This doesn’t include friends that give you constructive criticism you may not want to hear every once in a while).

Why should we become minimalists?

Consumerism is reaching new heights, and it’s a serious thing. It has become normal to spend money you don´t have, on things you don´t need. According to nerdwallet.com’s 2016 statistics report, the average household owed $137,063 in debts including credit cards, mortgage, auto loans, etc. and the worst news is that after you are in debt, it continues to cost you money to stay in debt. $1,292 per year to be exact – that is the cost of yearly interest for credit card debt alone. As a result of this, more and more people are becoming homeless and depressed in the US. In a single night in 2016 there were 549,928 people experiencing homelessness. Minimalism is the perfect way to combat this craze and help bring peace and fulfillment to people´s lives.

How can minimalism help bring peace and fulfillment?

By reducing your consumption to what is essential, your life is filled with peace. Minimalism will give you the money, time, and freedom to breathe and enjoy a low maintenance, stress-free and abundant life, instead of falling into the false illusion that one day you will have all the material things you need to finally be happy.

Here is how it works

Minimalizing equals having less — Fewer responsibilities, less debt, less guilt, less stress and less wish to buy.
Minimalizing, however, also equals having more — More savings, a more clear conscience, a more pleasant night’s sleep, and a more joyful and intentional life which in turn equals to a happier life.

Recommended: Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included

Does this mean a minimalist’s life is easy? Well, I can guarantee you that it´s simpler and more efficient than most!
I take pride in getting ready in 15 minutes and looking great for the day ahead of me. But imagine that all of the sudden you could have more time for reading books or being with friends, more mental clarity to accomplish your daily goals, having renewed confidence to give dating another shot, or for some, rekindling that romance with your loved one. Imagine looking at your bank account and realizing you have the money saved up for going on trips or investing on something just for you. Minimalizing makes all of this and so much more possible!

Now if you are wondering when is the best time to start this process, I have a straightforward technique to determine that. But first, we must figure out what we need to minimalize most.

What you can minimalize

This list is to give you a better idea of where you can start.
Make sure you prepare your own personal list of what you want to get rid of or adapt to serve you better.

• Your home – Check out my article on these revolutionizing traveling tiny homes. Are they amazing or what? TINY HOMES — THE BIGGEST LIFE HACK
• Spending – Here are some awesome saving challenges for you to fill up that bank account. 5 Money Saving Challenges to Try
• Relationships/People – ” Show me your friends and I will show you your future.” That about sums it up.
• Harmful thought patterns – When did feeling guilty for something you did 12 years ago solve anything? Think instead how you can make things better today. Other examples of harmful thought patterns that limit your success are fear, anxiety, feelings of unworthiness, etc.
• Wardrobe – Create your own unique capsule wardrobe and improve your life by 1000%. It’s a minimalist trend you´ll love!  How to Build A Capsule Wardrobe [Gold Zipper]
• Shoes – Do you really need 20 pairs of shoes for one pair of feet?
• Memory box – Take pictures of the things and store on a hard drive instead. They will last you forever and save space.
• Make-up – Did you know the average woman spends $200k on make-up in the span of a lifetime? You could buy five amazing tiny homes with that money. How crazy is that?
• Cars – Imagine how much more gas, money, and health you would save by bike riding or walking down to the market to get those two things you need?

8 Reasons You’ll Never Want to Live in a Standard House Again

If you had the freedom to do anything you wanted with your life, what would you do?

Would you quit your job? Maybe buy your first home? Take up a sport? Spend more time with loved ones? Volunteer? Open up a business? Travel the world? Make babies? Go back to school? Become a Buddhist monk?

Mentalize your answer. Okay, next question. What is holding you back?

The three most common factors that keep the majority of us from living the life we desire are money, time, and our own self-imposed limitations. Fortunately, there is one thing that can help free you from these limiting factors — a tiny house.

What Exactly is a Tiny House?

As far as size, there is no official document stating how big or small a tiny house must be, however, it is on average 186 square feet while a standard house in America is around 2,687 square feet. In other words, you can fit 11 tiny houses in one standard American house. To be legally considered a mobile home, it must have wheels.

At this point, you may be thinking how you could possibly live in a human-sized chicken coop! But when you experience what a tiny home is really like you will realize that it provides you with the space that you need without any excess. The reason why having a tiny home seems like a crazy idea at first is because we have forgotten the true purpose of a home. The home should be a place of safety, comfort, joy, and love. Instead, we become prisoners to our own houses — overcome with debt, stress, and chaos.

The Prison That We Built for Ourselves

We have been working 5 out of 7 days, full-time, just so we can pay our bills, instead of investing in a better life. We pay for rent, mortgage, electricity, water, health insurance, car bills, schooling, food and water, taxes, then we (try to) save some money. At the end of all that, we take the small amount of money we have left and (try to) enjoy our one or two days of rest. But the whole time we feel like we are walking a tightrope, ready to plummet into foreclosure with any misstep.

What happens when you don’t have enough money to pay off all your bills? And what about time? Working full-time how can you find a way to go on a nice, relaxing trip, indulge in activities you’re passionate about, or do those things you wrote down on your bucket list? Shouldn’t life be more simple, relaxing, and enjoyable?

It’s Time to Break Out of Prison

In this article, you will discover how you can live a big life in a tiny home, that will allow you to have a dream life that most only achieve, after long years of hard, consistent work and self-sacrifice.
Yes, you can have financial and emotional freedom once and for all. No more worrying about bills, money, time or even your health. So without further ado, here are 8 ways a tiny home is the answer to your prayers.

1. Say “Goodbye” to Your Mortgage and “Hello” to Your Dream Home.

Sometimes our budget won’t buy us the home of our dreams or rent us the apartment we wanted, forcing us to turn to banks for a “solution”, while many times, being left in huge debt and distress. Financing your tiny home, however, is much easier.

Statistics show that 68% of tiny house owners have no mortgage compared to 29.3% of all U.S. homeowners. But why is that?

Well, the cost of a tiny home ranges between $30,000-$40,000 when you hire a contractor to build it or if you choose to buy it ready. The cost lowers to $23.000 if you were to buy the materials and build it yourself.

The Standard American home, on the other hand, costs on average $272.000. But that price is only for those who have that full amount in their bank account. If you are like most of us who don’t have all that money saved up, you add $209.704 of interest on a 4.25% 30-year loan and there you have it! $481.704 is the accurate pricing for your average standard home.

So what that means is that by choosing a tiny home you would be saving around $441,704 just on the house itself. That’s without counting the health you will gain along with extra life years if you subtract about 3 decades of mortgage, stress and sleepless nights from that equation.

2. Take Your Tiny House with You While Traveling.

 

Imagine you get offered an incredible job opportunity a few states over, and you need to sell your home fast. How long do you think it would take until you had everything settled for a move with a standard house? Definitely not the next day right?

Let’s face it, with a standard home you’re stuck (literally).

This is why a tiny house is the most practical way of living. You can travel with it at any time. Just hook it up to the back of a truck and drive to your newest adventure.

You mean I won’t have to pay for hotel rooms anymore!?

That’s right. With a tiny home, there is no need to worry about shelter when you are on the road.

If the move is permanent, you would need to rent or buy a piece of land to park it on and that’s it. Could a standard American home provide you with this much freedom?

3.  You Can Have an Organized and Clutter-Free Life.

By ridding your house of all the things that you don’t need, you will have a neat and organized home that you will take pleasure in coming back to. In the tiny house, it’s a lot easier to make this happen since you won’t have that full sized closet space for storage anymore.

So when you hop over to a store like Target to grab that toilet paper, and you start automatically reaching for a pair of Cheetah print shoes, you will think twice about it. (which in this case i really hope you do.) If you live in a standard home, you will probably buy those Cheetah print shoes because it’s easier to justify. I mean, you already have the space and you are already in debt, so why not?
A tiny home really allows you to keep in check with reality. You will have the opportunity to finally donate and sell those extra items, helping more people and getting extra money to spend.

As Elise Boulding, the sociologist and credited author once wisely said:

The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things.”

Here is a great “how to” video on de-cluttering to help you:

 

4. Save More and Live Better.

It is by no coincidence that 55% of tiny house people have more savings than the average american, with a median of 10,972 in the bank.Think about it, when you cut down the size of your home, it’s only natural that you cut down the size of your costs. With a tiny house your utility bill, as well as rental of property are symbolic in value compared to bills of a standard house.

If you do take out loans to build it, you will have paid it off in few years max, where with standard homes you spend decades or pretty much your entire life paying mortgage while running the risk of losing everything you’ve invested. With these smaller costs of living, you can use that extra money with things and experiences that will bring you happiness and satisfaction.

I talked with Jon Dandridge, a financial analyst, medical student as well as tiny house owner who says:

It’s really nice to know that our house is paid for you know? We didn’t need to take out any loans for it. This is just unheard of nowadays with traditional houses.”

The savings continue to add up, even after the tiny home is built. For example, Jon recently had a problem with the plumbing in his tiny home and had to redo all of it. In a standard, 2-bathroom home this would cost between $4,000 and $10,000.  But how much did it cost Jon?

It cost us only about a hundred bucks. It’s incredible how we save tons of money just by living simpler.”

While many of us are itching our heads, constantly worried about where we’ll come up with the money to pay for that unexpected bill, tiny house owners are continuously filling up their savings account, going on adventures, and living out their dreams.

5. You can Make it the Most Eco-Friendly Home.

We are facing a serious global crisis in terms of pollution levels, global warming, climate change as well as extinction of wild species, and these little houses are making a huge positive impact.

While each standard home produces on average an absurd amount of 28,000 pounds of CO2 per year for electricity, heating and cooling, uses up 7 full logging trucks of lumber and has 45 light bulbs consuming 639 kWh of electricity per year, a tiny home only produces 2,000 pounds of CO2, uses ½ of a logging truck of lumber and has 6 light bulbs consuming a measly 85.2 kWh of electricity per year.

Pretty incredible, huh?

For those who are passionate about saving the planet (as well as money), there are numerous other ways to do it in a tiny house. Some examples are: utilizing composting toilets, solar panels, rainwater harvesting tool, insulated windows, water-saving shower-heads, eco-kettles, starting your own organic garden and etc. There is a world of opportunities for you beautiful souls.

6. It can be Adapted to Fit Any Lifestyle.

 

A common worry people have is that a tiny house is only meant for one person to live in, which is a false statement. There are many families living comfortably in tiny homes all over the world, in fact, some even prefer it. Let’s take Kim Kasl for example, a tiny housewife and mother of two kids who says that “parenting (in the tiny) is much easier. We’re more connected, cozy, and engaged.”

This means that with a tiny house you are free to raise a family, as you get to design your home as perfectly as you need it as far as size, decoration, the exterior environment and more. Every detail can be well thought out so that it fits your specific needs at a small cost. For example, if you are handicapped, have a special disease, live in severe cold weather or in very hot environment, you will be able to find a creative solution to meet your needs.

Check out this awesome tiny house that is wheelchair friendly:

7. Living In a Tiny Home Promotes Stronger and Healthier Relationships.

Just as having a baby can create a beautiful bond between a man and a woman who love each other, so can a tiny house. You go from planning it out and discussing all the details, to seeing it come true before your own two eyes.

Jon says building a tiny house with his wife Adelle “enhanced his relationship”. They not only designed it together, but built most of it.

I also asked Adelle about how building the tiny house together affected their relationship:

building the tiny house with Jon helped balance out the dynamics of the relationship. It made our respect for each other grow as we learned to give in to each others wishes instead of wanting to control.”

Thank you for the feedback Jon and Adelle, we genuinely wish you both a blessed journey together in your enchanting tiny home.

8. What is Better than Having More Money? Having More Time.

Most of us live a high-maintenance reality where we are forced to run, sweat and work our butts off on a regular basis, otherwise we get run over by “life”. But is life truly forcing us to live a hectic experience, or is it just us being slaves to our illusions? Selling our souls for a job that we hate because it pays well? What is the point in being able to afford all superfluous things in the world if you have to be in a stressful work environment everyday? If you don’t have freedom? If you don’t have time?

Must Read: How To Be Happy

A tiny house cuts down your costs of living, so that you may work way less, if you wish, and have more time to experience life to the fullest, while also increasing your health as a consequence of being more stress-free and purposeful.

Here is a quick, fun little video about time that will change your perception of life.

The Takeaway

Regardless whether you are retired with a fixed income wanting a simpler life, a single college graduate looking to buy your first home, someone who is tired of sharing a house, or a parent with kids to raise, a tiny home is exactly what you are looking for.

You can be one of the 65% of tiny house people with zero credit card debt, you can save and go after that job you know will make you happy, maybe give up that routine and live with audacity, get out there and start dating again, try something new, live an adventure, travel, write a book, start a family etc. The options are endless!

A tiny house gives you the opportunity to start living. This is why they are such a mind blowing life hack. Who thought that you could have the home of your dreams, while saving tons of money, benefiting the environment, growing your relationship, getting rid of debt, and improving your health and life quality with the freedom to go anywhere, at any time? Yes, tiny homes are here to revolutionize.

They are here to ask you one simple question:

Why just get through life, when you can start living?

Recommended Reading:

• Three Quick, Easy, and Green Household Tricks
• Five Easy Home Improvements To Make Your Home Green And Healthy
• 5 Environmentally Friendly Ways To Increase Your Home’s Value
• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included

Sources:

• Couple and Their Dog Hit the Road with their DIY Tiny House — Tiny House Talk (Image Credit)
• The Talbot House Series — Microbuilt Homes (Image Credit)
• How One Couple Quit Their Jobs, Built A Tiny House On Wheels And Hit The Road — Earth Porm (Image Credit)
• Casuta de gradina, loc de joaca pentru copii sau chiar casa de oaspeti — Case Si Gradini (Image Credit)
• The Wheel Pad: Tiny Home on Wheels that’s Wheelchair-Friendly!— Tiny House Talk (Image Credit)
• Gorgeous Tiny House Is Inspired by Scandinavian Design — Curbed (Image Credit)
• 60+ Incredible Tiny Houses You’ll Hardly Believe are Real — House Beautiful (Image Credit)
• The Blog – Updated Walkthrough Version 2.0 — Tiny House Basics (Image Credit)
• Kasl Family Tiny House — Tumbleweed Houses (Image Credit)
• Kasl Family Tiny House — Tumbleweed Houses
• Tiny Houses Infographic — The Tiny Life
• Tiny House Living: How Much Money Can You Really Save? — CheatSheet
• Why Tiny Houses Can Save the Earth — Tiny House Build
• Do You Need to Replace Your Plumbing — House Logic