Scrolling social media has a dopamine effect on my body sometimes — when needed. Yep, surfing social media such as Instagram Reels lets me know about ‘hot news’ in our society. One of the content that interested me is the trend of underconsumption. Most content creators upload videos to share awareness about underconsumption and reveal their “normal life” and habit to maintain using their old products at home while still having good function and avoiding buying new products just because the product is trendy, big sale, or just for temporary needs.
So, what is the meaning of underconsumption? In short, underconsumption is a lifestyle that adapts sustainability when using a product (in general), such as clothes, home products, or shoes, etc so that the consumer is fully aware of its use or function in long-term effects.
As we know, nowadays we are exposed to social media all day. Indirectly, when we see someone's videos about their life in a clip.. we say: “Wow…..…. They lived in perfect life”. Then, we compare our life with theirs.. such a toxic thing, I guess. However… perhaps, it is just in a clip, right? we do not know about their sacrifices to get their best life right now. — But the point here is about how to live our life without comparing it with someone else’s life…
One of the solution is to try an underconsumption lifestyle. But should I?
what is the benefit for us to try it?
— Hmm well.. let’s reflect together. Trying this lifestyle it doesn’t mean making you 100% grateful for your life right now. It needs a process (again). *)be realistic, okay? :D
Think about your current stuff right now. Your outdated laptop, handphone, and headset from your handphone-buying gift, or else … It helps you to do your work easily. Or your old running shoes from 5 years ago, old sweater, an old bag that is not trendy anymore... But remember, the all stuff you have still has a good function and you can use it well until now.
Normal life is perfect as long as we can accept and enjoy it.
Gentle reminder. As a Muslim, I try to be careful and mindful when deciding to buy new stuff. It’s not a stingy one. Big no. It’s all about mindful life. The meaning is that I still using my old stuff that has a good function. Why doing that? Because... what are we buying and consume, there are the حساب, “the account” in front of Mercy God, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala. That’s why.. As Muslims, we need to be mindful when buying something. Think twice and recognize whether is it truly my necessity or just a temporary need???
Honestly. Writing this script it’s not easy for me because I faced struggle too when trying an underconsumption lifestyle in my real life. May Allah help us to more careful and mindful when using something that Rizq (sustenance) from Allah. Aameen ❤.
