Do you ever find yourself shopping when you’re not happy or when you’re feeling stressed? If so, you’re definitely not alone. A lot of people turn to shopping as a way to deal with stress and emotions.
Unfortunately, this often leads to impulse buying and a lot of wasted money. In this blog post, we will discuss 34 ways that you can stop stress shopping and start saving money!
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Stress shopping signs to look for:
If you’re not sure whether or not you stress shop, there are a few signs to look for.
- Do you find yourself shopping when you’re bored?
- Do you often buy things that you don’t need?
- Do you feel guilty or ashamed after making a purchase?
- Do you hide your purchases from your spouse or partner?
- Do you use shopping as a way to procrastinate?
- Do you often buy things on sale even though you don’t need them?
- Do you shop more when you’re feeling stressed?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then stress shopping may be a problem for you.
What are the possible causes of stress shopping?
There are a few different things that can cause people to stress shop.
For some, it may be a way to cope with negative emotions like sadness, anger, or anxiety.
For others, it may be a way to celebrate happy occasions or to reward themselves.
Whatever the reason, stress shopping is a problem because it often leads to overspending. This can cause financial problems and add even more stress to your life.
Why shopping while stressed is bad for your pockets
Shopping while stressed can quickly become a dangerous habit. When we’re feeling down, shopping can be a way to make ourselves feel better in the short-term.
However, this relief is only temporary and can often lead to regretful purchases. Not to mention, if you’re already struggling with money, stress shopping can put you in an even worse financial position.
So, how can you stop stress shopping?
There are a few things that you can do to try and break the cycle of stress shopping. Here are 50 tips that you can use to help stop stress shopping:
Stress shopping Tip #1. Know your triggers
Try and become more aware of your triggers. What is it that makes you want to shop when you’re stressed?
Is it a certain time of day, place, or feeling? Once you know what your triggers are, you can try and avoid them.
Stress shopping Tip #2. Find a new hobby
Take up a new hobby that you can do when you’re feeling stressed instead of shopping. This can be something as simple as reading, cooking, hiking, or gardening.
Having a positive outlet for your stress will help you to avoid turning to shopping.
Stress shopping Tip #3. Set a budget
If you find that you’re struggling to stick to a budget, it may be helpful to set a strict budget for yourself.
Determine how much money you can realistically spend each month without going into debt. Then, make sure to track your spending so that you stay on track.
More reading – What is the main purpose of a budget
Stress shopping Tip #4. Get rid of your credit cards
If you’re worried about impulse spending, one solution is to get rid of your credit cards.
This may seem like a drastic measure, but it can actually be very helpful. Having to use cash or debit will force you to think twice before making a purchase.
Stress shopping Tip #5. Create a savings plan
If you’re struggling to save money, it may be helpful to create a specific savings plan. Determine how much you want to save each month and make sure to put that money into your savings account.
This will help you to reach your financial goals and avoid stress shopping.
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More Reading – How to save $10,000 in 6 months
Stress shopping Tip #6. Avoid temptation
Try to avoid places that trigger your urge to stress shop. If you know that you can’t resist the temptation of the mall, then don’t go there!
Instead, try shopping online or in stores that you don’t typically associate with stress.
Stress shopping Tip #11. Shop with a list
When you do need to go out and shop, make sure to bring a list with you. This will help you to stay focused on what you need and avoid making impulse purchases.
Stress shopping Tip #12. Take a break
If you’re feeling the urge to stress shop, take a step back and take a break. Leave the store or close your browser window and give yourself some time to calm down. This will help you to avoid making any rash decisions that you may regret later.
Stress shopping Tip #13. Talk to someone
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, talk to someone who can help you. This can be a close friend, family member, or anyone else who can lend a listening ear.
Talking about your stress can help you to feel better and may prevent you from turning to shopping as a coping mechanism.
Stress shopping Tip #14. Write it down
If you’re feeling the urge to stress shop, try writing down what you’re feeling. This can help you to identify your triggers and figure out other ways to deal with your stress.
Writing can also be a therapeutic outlet that can help you to feel better without spending any money.
Stress shopping Tip #15. Find a different outlet
Try to find another outlet for your stress instead of shopping. This could be anything from exercise to listening to music.
Finding a healthy way to deal with your stress will help you to avoid turning to shopping as a coping mechanism.
Stress shopping Tip #16. Do something else
When you’re feeling the urge to stress shop, try to do something else instead. This could be anything from going for a walk to taking a nap.
Distracting yourself from your urges can help you to avoid giving in and making an impulse purchase.
Stress shopping Tip #17. Wait it out
If you can’t seem to shake the urge to stress shop, try waiting it out. Take a few deep breaths and give yourself some time to calm down. This may help you to avoid making a purchase that you’ll regret later.
Stress shopping Tip #18. Stick to your budget
If you’re on a budget, make sure to stick to it. This means avoiding places that trigger your urge to spend and being mindful of your spending. Tracking your budget can help you to stay on track and avoid overspending.
Stress shopping Tip #19. Delay your purchase
If you’re feeling the urge to buy something, try waiting a day or two before making the purchase.
This will give you time to think about whether or not you really need or want the item. It may also help you to avoid impulsive spending.
Stress shopping Tip #20. cancel your subscriptions
If you have any subscriptions that trigger your urge to spend, consider canceling them.
This could be anything from a shopping app to a beauty box subscription. Getting rid of things that encourage you to spend can help you to cut back on your stress shopping.
More reading – Things to stop buying to save money
Stress shopping Tip #21. Seek help from a therapist
If you find that you can’t seem to stop stress shopping, it may be time to seek help from a therapist.
A therapist can help you understand the root cause of your stress and provide you with tools to cope with it in a healthy way.
Stress shopping Tip #22. Enlist someone close to you for support
If you don’t want to see a therapist, enlist someone close to you for support. This could be a friend, family member, or spouse. Whoever you choose, make sure they are someone who will be supportive and understanding. Explain your situation and ask them to help you stay accountable.
Stress shopping Tip #23. Stay offline
One of the best ways to avoid stress shopping is to stay offline. When you’re not browsing online or scrolling through social media, you can’t be tempted by all the latest trends and must-have items. If you need to be online for work or school, set strict limits on your personal time.
Stress shopping Tip #24. Keep a wish list
When you see something you want but don’t need, add it to a wish list. This way, you can keep track of items you’re interested in but don’t need to buy right away.
When you have some extra money, you can go back and purchase items from your wish list guilt-free.
Stress shopping Tip #25. Avoid retail therapy
Retail therapy is the act of using shopping as a way to cope with stress or other negative emotions. It’s a temporary fix that can quickly turn into an expensive habit.
If you find yourself using shopping as a way to cope, try some of the other tips on this list instead.
Stress shopping Tip #26. Keep busy
One of the best ways to avoid stress shopping is to keep yourself busy. When you have free time, fill it with activities that you enjoy or that are productive.
This can help you stay focused and avoid boredom, which can lead to stress shopping.
Stress shopping Tip #27. Get enough sleep
When you’re attempting to avoid stress shopping, getting enough sleep is critical. Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue and irritability, which can make it harder to resist the urge to shop.
Make sure you’re getting at least seven hours of sleep each night.
Stress shopping Tip #28. Exercise
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood. When you’re feeling stressed, take a walk, go for a run, or do some other form of exercise.
You’ll be surprised how much better you feel after just a few minutes of physical activity.
Stress shopping Tip #29. Eat healthy
What you eat can also affect your stress levels. Eating unhealthy foods can lead to fatigue and low energy, which can make it harder to resist the urge to shop.
Instead, focus on eating healthy, whole foods that will give you lasting energy throughout the day.
Stress shopping Tip #30. Delete shopping apps
If you find yourself stress shopping on your phone, it may be time to delete the shopping apps from your device.
This can help you avoid the temptation to browse and buy items when you’re feeling stressed. You can always add the apps back later when you’re in a better place emotionally.
Stress shopping Tip #31. Change your mindset
One of the best ways to stop stress shopping is to change your mindset. Instead of thinking of shopping as a way to relieve stress, try to see it as a waste of money. This can help you resist the urge to shop when you’re feeling stressed.
#32. Spend time with friends and family
Spending time with loved ones is a great way to reduce stress. They can provide support and distraction when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
If you don’t have anyone to spend time with, consider joining a social club or taking a class.
#33. Take a break from social media
Social media can be a major trigger for stress shopping. If you find yourself scrolling through your feed and seeing things you can’t afford, it’s time to take a break. Delete the apps from your phone or set strict limits on your usage.
#34. Unsubscribe from email lists
Another way to avoid stress shopping is to unsubscribe from email lists. If you’re constantly bombarded with ads and special offers, it can be tempting to shop.
By unsubscribing from these lists, you can avoid the temptation and save money in the long run.
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Bottom line: How to stop stress shopping
If you’re struggling with stress shopping, know that you’re not alone. There are many people who have this problem. But there are also many people who have successfully stopped stress shopping.
Try some of the tips on this list and see which ones work for you. Remember that it’s a process, and it may take some time to find what works for you. But with patience and perseverance, you can overcome this problem.
Over to you
Do you have any other tips that have helped you? If so, please share them in the comments below! Thanks for reading!
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About the Author
Don is a father, real estate investor, self-directed investor and a personal finance enthusiast. He also holds an MBA and loves to share his financial Journey with others.