Shopaholic syndrome: How to stop spending money and making impulsive purchases
Illustrative photo (Photo: Freepik)
Some people suffer from the so-called shopaholic syndrome. Impulsive purchases bring only short-term joy, but after that comes the realization that all the money has been spent on frivolities. How to stop spending all your savings, explains RBC-Ukraine with reference, bades on Your Tango material.
Recently, a study was conducted in which scientists found that self-compassion—positive self-attitude amidst failures—and a more balanced outlook on events can save from compulsive shopping and impulsive purchases. It turns out that if a person takes care of their self-esteem, they can gradually give up impulsive purchases.
How to combat the desire to make purchases (Photo: freepik.com)
How to stop spending money on frivolities - 5 tips
Recognize and pay attention to impulsive desires. Learn to track your emotions. If you understand that you urgently want to buy something, try to find the reason. Develop awareness and control your desires. Simple meditation can help: breathe deeply for 30 seconds, rub your hands, and overcome your impulses.
Develop compassion for yourself. Be kinder to yourself, don't blame yourself for mistakes or misses. Feelings of guilt and shame only undermine your self-esteem and lead to impulsive purchases. When you feel the desire to buy something, think about what specific problem you are trying to overshadow with a new thing.
Learn how you feel about your belongings. Analyze whether the things you impulsively bought please you, a day or a week after a trip to the store. You will understand that spontaneous purchases bring only short-term satisfaction. Challenge yourself and realize that a large number of unnecessary things don't make you happier.
How to combat the desire to make purchases (Photo: freepik.com)
Set clear financial rules. Plan your budget and don't let yourself spend more than the amount you are willing to lose through impulsive purchases. Set a goal, show self-discipline, and you will notice progress.
Practice delayed purchases. When you suddenly want to buy something, abandon this idea and take a break. Then you will understand whether this purchase is really necessary. In a few hours, impulsive desire will fade, and awareness will come instead.
Remember, we previously discussed how to fall asleep quickly if you wake up in the middle of the night.
