How To Break A Shopping Addiction
We all go through stages of developing the urge to purchase more than we usually would. Having the desire to buy something you like the look of is extremely common, and sometimes you might treat yourself by going through with the transaction. Occasionally, spending over budget or buying something that wasn’t planned is fine. In fact, most people do this. completely normal. However, the issues arise when your habits turn into shopping addictions, which then start impacting other components. For example, if you begin overspending, you’ll soon see your finances dropping and you’ll find yourself falling into the cycle of debt. According to the shopping addiction statistics at UK Rehab, around 85% of those with a shopping addiction accumulate a “worrying” amount of debt. Therefore, it is essential to break the addiction before it becomes too late.
Spotting The Signs
When doing things we enjoy, for example, shopping, our brains release endorphins that create a positive feeling within our minds. As a result, it makes it easier to form an addiction. However, this isn’t the only way addictions are formed. There are hundreds of reasons why we become addicted to different things throughout our lives. It is the task of highlighting each individual reason that will benefit you and help break the loop. Here are some of the most common signs that you should watch out for if you start worrying about your habits.
- Shopping online or in-store frequently
- Spending more than you can afford
- Spending for emotional motivations, for example, gaining happiness from purchases
- Unable to decrease your shopping habits, despite the negative implications
- Denial of any shopping problems you may have
- You avoid looking at how much you have spent
What Can You Do To Break The Shopping Addiction?
Despite sometimes seeming impossible, breaking a shopping addiction can be done if you’re dedicated enough to make a difference. It is something that takes plenty of time and commitment. However, the results, in the end, will be worth it for you and even those around you.
Unsubscribe From Mailing Lists
Typically, when you make a purchase online, you’ll soon find that your inbox is filled with advertisements and discounts from specific shops. This means that you’ve been added to their mailing list and you’ll be receiving all the deals, updates, and informative emails until you unsubscribe. Although this might sound great for saving money, you’ll actually find yourself spending more. Physically seeing the discounts available and the newest items in the collections will give you more of an urge to complete the purchase. Therefore, unsubscribing from mailing lists will help to resist any impulse decisions.
Set Goals
Just like in any aspect of life, to move forward, you need to set goals and stick to them to progress. This is especially important when trying to break any addiction. Setting goals and targets for yourself, as well as limitations, will allow you to get closer to your desired result. For the most part, your budgetary limitations will be the most important aspect. After all, you don’t want to overspend and find yourself worrying about debt or having to borrow a short term loan to pay for the bills. So, set yourself goals that coincide with your limitations in order to attempt to improve your spending habits.
Seek Professional Advice
Through an online source, there is only so much information you can receive and take into consideration. After all, despite being extremely helpful, online information can be very generic, meaning it is not always specific to your exact issue. Therefore, instead of running the risk of falling into debt due to poor knowledge of your financial problems, maybe it is time to seek professional help. This way, all of your information will be pointed toward your individual financial difficulties.
These are just a few of the many ways you can break out of your shopping addiction. For more tips and tricks regarding your finances click here.