Want To Control Your Shopping Compulsion? Here Are A Few Things You Can Do

Shopping is an addiction more and more people are falling prey to. The online shopping industry has grown four-fold amid the lockdown due to the pandemic and it is being used as a therapy which many regret later. If you have realised that you are adding unnecessary items to your wardrobe or home and want to get rig of this problem which is emptying your bank accounts with zero returns then these steps may be able to help you out. 

Understanding The Problem

How do you know you have a problem and have become a compulsive shopper? Generally, compulsive shoppers hide or lie about their purchases. They max out on the credit cards. They buy items they do not need, still have the price tags attached to them and are always on the brink of the financial crisis. 

How Do You Feel Post-Shopping

There are many emotions attached to shopping. You must recognise how you feel at the end of that payment made message. Do  you shop when you are depressed? Is your spree anxiety-ridden? Could loneliness be an issue? Are you doing this to cheer yourself up? If any of the factors are the answer then it is time you look for other ways to deal with it. Take on some  classes that work on your hobbies or a new language you may want to learn. Go for a workout session, a run or a long walk or yoga whenever you feel that urge to shop. Delete the apps, go travel... there are several ways indeed so channel them and question yourself- Why?

Time Taken

Going through the website, searching for what picks on your heart is time-consuming and it is time you accept that! Question yourself, is it really worth it? Could you have done something else that could have added to your life? You are going to wear that top probably just once and no one cares so is the time wastage worth it all?

Taking Charge

When you have realised the above, it is time you take charge and help yourself because no one else is going to come to your rescue until you help yourself. 

• Write down every day what you bought and how much money you spent.
• Cut up your credit card. 

• The moment your salary comes, stash away half of it in another savings account and do not keep a debit card of that account so that you are unable to spend it.

• Jot down how much money you aim to have in your account at the end of every quarter of the year.
• Delete the shopping apps from your phone especially during sale time. 

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• Talk about your problems with a trusted friend who does not judge you to channel those feelings elsewhere and avoid the shopping temptation. 
• Play mind games like keeping a 2 week to 30 day rule. If you feel tempted to buy something then stop and mull over it for some days and see if you still need it. It is not about the want, it is more about the need for the items you spend money on.

These tactics are where you begin and when you save all that money at the end, you will realise that you have enough money to travel as well. Having enough money for your rainy day or emergencies is actually what helps you feel secure. Make a PPF account or invest in mutual funds with assistance and you are sorted. Make sure you have health and life insurance as well. Keep a monthly cycle so that you do not feel the pinch when it all goes suddenly.

Stay tuned to HerZindagi for more such tips that could help you save money.