Are You A Shopaholic?
Sharvari Joshi | Sep 08, 2007
Depression
The feel-good factor in shopping stems from getting what you want from among a variety of options, getting attention and service. When one feels low, this temporary mood-elevator acts like an anti-depressant. Just like any other anti-depressant, this too could be addictive.
Stress Relief
For many, checking out brand new, colourful products and buying them is guaranteed fun exercise. Naturally, whenever stressed, shopping seems to be a quick fix to relieve stress.
Get Over It - Overcoming Shopaholism
Admitting to shopaholism and accepting that it is as harmful as any other addiction is the first step towards overcoming it. Here are 5 simple de-addiction solutions suggested by psychologists:
Leave all plastic money at home. As you step out, leave your credit/debit cards and chequebooks at home. Take limited cash, so that there's automatic restriction on spending. Set a low credit/debit limit on your cards to avoid reckless spending.
Make a List
Decide what you want to buy and put it all on paper. Everything from the quantity and budget, to minor details like colour should be on a list. Then try and stick to the list as far as possible. Set aside a certain amount for impulse purchase and don't spend a single Rupee more!
Differentiate between wants and needs. The next time you desperately want a new pair of shoes, think about that shoe rack back home, loaded with footwear. Remember, you can do without what you want but you can't do without what you need. Shop only when you really need something.
Take someone along. If your shopping group is as extravagant as you, take your thrifty, sensible friends along. Tell them to remind you about cash limits and point out overspending.
Indulge in window-shopping. Checking out new accessories doesn't cost money. If simply looking at and feeling brand-new stuff gives you pleasure, then indulge the senses, but don't buy. The moment you feel like buying an unnecessary item, leave the shop and go to the next one.
(With inputs from Psychiatrist Dr. Mihir Mehta, and Psychologist Rachna Kothari)
The feel-good factor in shopping stems from getting what you want from among a variety of options, getting attention and service. When one feels low, this temporary mood-elevator acts like an anti-depressant. Just like any other anti-depressant, this too could be addictive.
Stress Relief
For many, checking out brand new, colourful products and buying them is guaranteed fun exercise. Naturally, whenever stressed, shopping seems to be a quick fix to relieve stress.
Get Over It - Overcoming Shopaholism
Admitting to shopaholism and accepting that it is as harmful as any other addiction is the first step towards overcoming it. Here are 5 simple de-addiction solutions suggested by psychologists:
Leave all plastic money at home. As you step out, leave your credit/debit cards and chequebooks at home. Take limited cash, so that there's automatic restriction on spending. Set a low credit/debit limit on your cards to avoid reckless spending.
Make a List
Decide what you want to buy and put it all on paper. Everything from the quantity and budget, to minor details like colour should be on a list. Then try and stick to the list as far as possible. Set aside a certain amount for impulse purchase and don't spend a single Rupee more!
Differentiate between wants and needs. The next time you desperately want a new pair of shoes, think about that shoe rack back home, loaded with footwear. Remember, you can do without what you want but you can't do without what you need. Shop only when you really need something.
Take someone along. If your shopping group is as extravagant as you, take your thrifty, sensible friends along. Tell them to remind you about cash limits and point out overspending.
Indulge in window-shopping. Checking out new accessories doesn't cost money. If simply looking at and feeling brand-new stuff gives you pleasure, then indulge the senses, but don't buy. The moment you feel like buying an unnecessary item, leave the shop and go to the next one.
(With inputs from Psychiatrist Dr. Mihir Mehta, and Psychologist Rachna Kothari)
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