R U a Buyer, Part 1 highlighted diagnosis and intervention for compulsive buying. This post will address methods of ceasing overshopping behavior. These strategies are the result of work done by April Lane Benson, Ph.D. of Stopping Overshopping, LLC.
- Ask these questions before every purchase:
- Why am I here?
- How do I feel?
- Do I need this?
- What if I wait?
- How will I pay for this?
- Where will I put it?
- Find a friend who can be a "shopping support buddy". This person might be a "sounding board" prior to making purchases. The friend might also shop with you to keep you on track.
- Create limits such as:
- Number of stores entered or amount of time permitted to shop.
- Cease watching shopping channels on TV.
- No catalogs allowed in your home or office.
- "Shop" for ideas and experience rather than physical stuff.
These are very simplified solutions to a very complex problem. If you or someone you know is a compulsive shopper, please browse Benson's website for additional ideas and resources.
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