6 Step-by-Step Ways to Help a Shopaholic.

If you are constantly buying new clothes but have nothing to wear, you could be a shopaholic.

Let’s face it. If you find yourself quite often buying unnecessary stuff for the sake of buying, or as a comforting solution for an unpleasant situation, or simply because of a need to spend your money recklessly on clothes… Then you could be a shopaholic.

Despite the fact that the term has been glamorised in recent years and is usually used as a compliment or something to show off with, it still means that someone holds an unhealthy addiction to shopping. Somehow its true meaning has been buried in the thrill and now serves as applause for those with “a true love for fashion”.

Like any other kind of addiction, shopping has a short-lived positive impact and could help us through rough moments. However, its good is often much less than the harm. When we are addicted, we usually are trying not to face our inner issues, worries or fears. Or maybe we have inherited an unhealthy habit from the environment around us. Whatever the case is, one thing is for sure. Shopaholism isn’t beneficial neither for our wallets, nor for our mental health, or for the planet.

If you think that you might be a shopaholic, here is a list of six ways to help you stop buying and improve the quality of your life.

Read – 5 Simple Ways To Create A Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe.

Set weekly/ monthly budgets

If you fail to plan, you can plan to fail- as they say. No matter if there is an actual need for a budget or not, make one. Give yourself some strict financial boundaries and stick to them. Set yourself a separate account for your monthly sendings or withdraw your weekly budget and only use the cash for your purchases. When you have a certain expenses amount of money for a time period you are much less likely to spend it on unnecessary things simply because you will not have enough for the necessary ones. 

Find a healthier comforting activity

One can often find themselves on a shopping retreat when they are hiding from anger, stress or sadness. And sometimes it is hard to deal with an emotion or a situation straight away, so it might be wiser to take some time before facing the facts. However, why not choose an activity that is actually healthy and rewarding. How about jogging? Or maybe you can take your mind off things by cleaning the whole apartment? Do something that will both keep you engaged until you are ready to face your demons and create an outcome that you will be grateful for later. Would you rather end up with clothes you won’t ever wear or with an extremely clean living room which you can enjoy while reading your favourite book?

Switch to window shopping

In some cases, it might be hard to change your comforting activity with ease. In that situation, you can opt for an adjusted version of shopping. Instead of spending your money, go window (e-) shopping instead. Remember to leave your credit card at home if you are going to the stores or remove your saved data from the checkout page if you are doing it online. Go wild, visit as many places as you want or fill your e-basket with 100 products. Imagine you have bought them all feel instant satisfaction, but don’t spend a dollar. This way you are slowly but surely reducing the harm of your addiction.

Read – 5 Reasons why you should have a Parisian style Wardrobe

Join a 30-day no shopping challenge

If you have been struggling with your triggers, it might be necessary to quit shopping for good. Or at least for 30 days as a start. It is highly useful to join a group or share your experience on social media. There is a greater sense of accountability and motivation when you share your intentions with others. You will know they will know if you failed. The rules are pretty straightforward: don’t buy any new clothes, shoes or accessories for a month. The challenge will certainly make you reevaluate and appreciate the possessions you currently have. Moreover, you will end up with a bunch of cash to spend on whatever brings you joy. To the salon!

Let go of what you no longer need

Taking into account that you might have been a shopaholic for quite a while, we could assume that your wardrobe is full of never-worn items. Get yourself on a mission to do a big clear out and go through every single thing you own. You can apply the 3 questions rule before deciding what to do with a particular garment or accessory: Do I wear it? Do I have something similar already? Do I really need it? Experiencing this activity not only will leave you with a well-curated wardrobe but also can be eye-opening in terms of how much stuff you own that you never wear. All these dollars are spent for the sole purpose of giving you short gratification. This can definitely hit you hard and get you on the right track.

Share your feelings more often

Addictions are usually a great cover for something on a much deeper level. It could be a wound from the past or something annoying that happens on a regular basis. Often when we don’t want to face what is torturing us, we decided to distract ourselves with a certain activity. And we love the distraction so much that at some point it becomes an addiction. However, this is an extremely unhealthy temporary solution to our problems. Something as little as sharing how you deeply feel with a friend or family can go a long way in discovering what worries you. Getting professional advice from a life coach, physiatrist or consultant can also be a huge step in solving your issues without the need to shop pointlessly. Now, those would be money worth spending. 

Helplines – Shopping Addiction Information

Author: Elena Hristova