Declutter Your Heart, Declutter Your Life — Julia Ubbenga on Minimalism, Stress, and Living Rich in What Matters

This is StRest! In this episode, Kerstin Lindquist welcomes speaker, author, and minimalist lifestyle expert Julia Ubbenga to explore how the external clutter in our homes mirrors the internal clutter in our souls—and how intentional living can transform both. With deep insight and personal transparency, Julia shares how she moved from a life of overwhelm, debt, and depression to one of clarity, peace, and purpose by embracing minimalism. Together, she and Kerstin unpack how decluttering is not just about cleaning physical spaces but about creating space to hear from God, live with joy, and align your life with what truly matters. They discuss the powerful connection between clutter and cortisol levels, how to break free from consumerism, and why a minimalist lifestyle can restore not only your home but also your mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Julia offers practical steps to start decluttering without overwhelm and strategies to involve the whole family in building a life rich in meaning rather than possessions. Whether you're buried under physical clutter, emotional baggage, or a packed schedule, this episode will give you the tools and encouragement to begin the journey toward a lighter, freer, and more purposeful life. Major Themes & Concepts ✅ How clutter elevates cortisol and contributes to chronic stress ✅ Minimalism as intentional living, not deprivation ✅ The direct link between physical clutter, anxiety, poor sleep, and unhealthy habits ✅ How external simplicity fosters internal spiritual clarity ✅ Managing sentimental attachments and the "just in case" mindset ✅ Minimalism's impact on financial health and breaking consumer debt cycles ✅ Why you must declutter your outer environment and your inner environment ✅ Involving kids and family in the decluttering process with joy, not force ✅ How minimalist living can open up space to hear the Holy Spirit more clearly ✅ The myth of hustle culture—and why stillness brings true abundance Chapter Breakdown 00:00 – Why Clutter Raises Stress: The Science Behind It 02:02 – Julia’s Story: $40,000 in Debt and Overwhelmed by Possessions 04:00 – The Physical and Mental Toll of Clutter 07:32 – Living Simply: Lessons from Missionary Life and Minimalism 11:18 – How to Start Decluttering When You Feel Overwhelmed 16:34 – Minimalism Without Rules: Why There’s No "Right" Number 19:32 – Decluttering as Spiritual Practice: Making Room for God 24:37 – Building Systems and Maintaining a Decluttered Life 30:33 – Financial Freedom Through Minimalism 32:00 – Intentional Living: Protecting Your Schedule, Sabbath, and Soul Work with Kerstin 📅 Workshops & Events – Join upcoming events & retreats. 💡 Health Coaching with Kerstin – 1:1 coaching for stress reduction & wellness. Resources & Recommendations Declutter Your Heart and Your Home by Julia Ubbenga Blog: richinwhatmatters.com Instagram: @richinwhatmatters Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer Study on cortisol and clutter: UCLA Center on Everyday Lives of Families Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services: Study on minimalism and financial savings Connect with Julia Ubbenga Blog: Rich In What Matters Instagram: @richinwhatmatters Buy the Book: Declutter Your Heart and Your Home More about Kerstin Website: kerstin-lindquist.com Instagram: @kerstin.lindquist Facebook: Kerstin Lindquist YouTube: @Kerstin.lindquist TikTok: @kerstin.lindquist Production, Distribution, and Marketing By Massif Studio & Production & The Tallawah Group Website: www.massifsp.com LinkedIn: Massif Studio & Production Website: www.TallawahWorldwide.com LinkedIn: The Tallawah Group For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices