When You Feel Like Shopping: Ways to Resist
We’ve all been there– when time, boredom, stress, or just the need for a rush of endorphins takes over and you’re already scrolling through the latest online shopping sales. Before you can blink, you’ve already got endless items in your cart. Did you really need any of them? Most likely not.
Shopping can be a great way to treat yourself or to hold yourself accountable, but too much spending can leave you wanting more but with an empty wallet. In this article, we will discuss some ways to resist the urge when you are feeling like going shopping.
Understanding Compulsive Shopping
Before we jump into the different ways to resist the urge to shop, let’s first discuss compulsive shopping and the thought process that comes along with it.
Compulsive shoppers can often take some effortful thinking and self-determination to get out of the “I want it now!” mindset. While for some it can be a calming way to relax, for others it can be more serious and become a real issue when it’s caused by underlying depression or anxiety. It’s essential to recognize when your shopping can evolve into an unhealthy habit and to be aware of this when it comes to making decisions regarding your spending.
Save it For Later
A classic tip that is often used when it comes to shopping is to use the old “Save it For Later” technique. With this tactic, you’re allowing yourself time to consider the item or items that you’re wanting to buy and think over what the consequences of your purchase (or lack thereof) will be.
This time should add up to at least 24 hours, though some suggest waiting days or even weeks. This will give you a realistic point of view of the item, other alternatives, and whether you still even want it.
By placing the item in a shopping cart and simply not checking out, you’re allowing yourself the opportunity to come back to it and assess the benefit of the purchase in comparison to having the money available to put elsewhere.
Make a List
Another helpful way to remind yourself that material items are not the only things that bring us joy is by making a list of all the logical items you need for that particular moment, such as groceries for the week, errands to run, and so on. This can reduce the amount of energy you spend on the urge to shop and will shift your focus to completing those items on the list right away.
Research
Research is a great way to create a careful and thoughtful shopping experience. It doesn’t mean you’re committed to the item or even having to buy it at all, but it allows you to go ahead with looking into the features, preferences and price of the item you’re interested in.
This information should then help you decide if the item is a one-time use type of purchase, or if it’s something that you would use for an extended period of time and make it a worthy purchase for your wallet.
You can also look for more affordable alternatives to the item you’re looking into, so that you don’t need to commit to one item at its full price.
Make It Rewarding
When you find yourself in the same cycle of wanting to buy something and then pulling back, you can try rewarding yourself for resisting the urge to shop. Money is not the only way to reward yourself, as you can use activities or experiences that won’t cost you a penny.
One idea could be investing in some free activities or hobbies like yoga or meditation. Joining an online book club or podcast could also be enjoyable ways to pass the time and give you an energy boost by talking with like-minded people.
Put the Spotlight on Saving
Instead of focusing on shopping, put the emphasis on saving. When your energy is shifted to where you could invest your hard-earned money, such as investing and saving, you can relieve the stress of having to spend money. This can help grow your savings and put an end to accumulating more unnecessary items.
By creating a brainstorm list of your goals and desires, you can determine what you really want from life and how much savings you need to get there. When done, you can print out the list and post it in your work area or somewhere you can see it often.
Create Boundaries
The key to success in any habit is to set boundaries and goals for yourself. This can be applied when it comes to spending and eating habits, and everything in between.
By creating a budget, you can have a visual and concise plan that outlines exactly how much you’d like to spend and save each month. This allows you to still shop, but to do it in moderation.
Creating boundaries also allows you to set limits and deadlines for yourself when it’s time to review your purchases and determine if you really need them.
Stop and Reflect
When it comes to deciding whether or not to purchase an item, it’s important to take a step back and reflect on the items you already own and how much more you need. It’s like a reality check that can ground you back to reality and remind you to think twice before clicking “proceed to checkout”.
Consider that, in most cases, items that are bought impulsively are just things to fill temporary urges and often end up forgotten or neglected after purchase. This can, in turn, leave you feeling guilty and empty.
Recognize Your Triggers
A lot of times, if you know where your triggers come from, you can limit or avoid them in the future. Keep yourself aware of situations that may put you in the mood to shop, such as seeing an advertisement or looking at Instagram photos.
Try not to put yourself in these positions so that you’re less likely to spend impulsively.
Unsubscribe
In conjunction with recognizing your triggers, one way to be mindful of your habits is to unsubscribe from promotional emails or promotional websites that can leave you feeling like you must shop.
This can be something like removing yourself from the occasional clothing newsletter, or even muting certain Instagram influencers that promote items that you may not need.
Shopping can certainly be a great way to treat yourself, but it’s important to be aware when it’s becoming an unhealthy habit. By understanding compulsive shopping and creating practical ways to resist it, you can ensure that you’ll be in control when it comes to shopping. These ways to resist include: saving it for later, making a list, researching, making it rewarding, putting the spotlight on saving, creating boundaries, stop and reflect, recognizing your triggers, and unsubscribing.
By doing this, you can not only start to enjoy the act of shopping more, but also your overall financial stability with managing your money properly.
