shopaholic

Addiction is defined as not having control over doing something where it could cause harm to the person. It’s a chronic condition that may affect our daily life, such as physical and mental health, family, relationships and even career.

Shopping addiction is one of these. It’s an uncontrollable desire to spend a substantial amount of money or time on shopping, buying things that are not necessary, and it brings negative impacts to their life, the biggest impact will be to their financial well-being. To a shopaholic, compulsive shopping and spending are a way to release negative or uncomfortable feelings such as sadness, boredom, stress and anxiety. Shopaholics tend to continue to shop even though they are in debt and can’t afford to pay the bills. When they shop, they feel excited, but encounter feelings of regret or guilt afterwards.

Signs of Shopping Addiction:

- Compulsive spending

- Emotional Attachment

- Loss of Control

- Preoccupation with shopping

- Shopping to release negative emotions

- Financial issues related to shopping

- Lying or hiding their purchases

- Shopping as a recreational activity

- Neglecting responsibilities

Do you have these signs? Be careful …

How do you break shopping addiction?

Just like other addiction, there are ways to fight against the shopping addiction. Removing shopping addiction is going to be a long battle. But the truth is there aren’t many tips for shopaholic. Personally, I think mindset shift and self-awareness are the only ways to get away from this addiction. Below are few tips:

#1 Be honest to yourself

Most shopaholics actually know very well on the consequences of the excessive shopping. Be honest and face your problem. Don’t make excuses. Once you realize it, you’re motivated to take action to remove the addiction.

#2 Find new coping mechanism

If you feel you want to shop, whether to release your negative emotions or due to your uncontrollable desire, try to search for new healthy habits to replace the addiction. Shifting your focus to something else. However, avoid replacing your shopping addiction with some other addiction.

#3 Shopping list

Prepare a shopping list – list the items clearly before you make your way to the mall. Set your target and have a planned item list in your mind and you know what you actually need to buy. This will help you to avoid shopping in unnecessary areas in the mall.

#4 Shopping Budget

Do budget allocation. Know your spending limit and ability. Learn how to allocate your finance every time you receive your pay-check – how much to spend and how much to save up. Setting a shopping budget. Plan ahead to avoid stressful financial fallout.

#5 Practice gratitude

Take a look around your house, especially your room, your closet. I believe that the things you already own will surprise you. If you practice heart-felt gratitude, you will start appreciating for the things that you currently have and slowly you’ll begin to lose the desire to obtain more and more.