How's that happy Amazon thumb doing these days? Do you find yourself just clicking and buying? Do you joke about the daily deliveries? Are you a mall junkie who just can't get enough? Ever ask yourself why?
People shop for many reasons beyond the necessities. My very first job at 9 years old was to get my hands on some Jordache jeans. No way was my single mother going to spend $50 on jeans when I could get some regular jeans at the local Kmart. I made door hangers to announce my babysitting services and put them all around our neighborhood. I was very busy and enjoyed the reward. We should get nice things for ourselves, but be careful when it turns out to be a hobby or impacts your life in negative ways.
Signs of negative shopping:
You are in debt because of it
You hide the fact that you're shopping
You have to buy something because someone else bought one
You have to have something to fit in/keep up with your friends
You shop due to anger, revenge or punishment
You shop to avoid dealing with something bigger
You shop in an effort to find joy
Being a mindful shopper can help you find greater joy in life.
Take some time to assess why and when you shop. Do you shop after bad news, an argument or when you're stressed? Review your financial situation. Could you do something more meaningful with the shopping funds?
Some tips to help you be more a more mindful shopper:
List what you need to buy. Just jot it down on the notepad in your phone or on a piece of paper. Pause. Evaluate if this is a true want or a need?
Shop, but don't buy anything. That's right. Touch the objects, feel how they feel, imagine all the physical senses you can and then... walk away. More often than not, you'll find that going through that exercise will be very rewarding. In fact, you may find that NOT spending the money is an added reward!
Stand in the knowledge that you are NOT what you buy.
Find new ways to do something special for yourself. Perhaps it's volunteering, just taking a walk with a friend, exploring new hobbies, the list is endless.
Seek therapy if you believe you have a real addiction. Your life coach may be helpful in determining if you need therapy or just accountability. Remember, coaching is not therapy.
