Earlier today, I got a bit want-y. You see, I have been more interested in decorating our home here lately and I found myself browsing on Amazon. I quickly moved on from there to all the DIY blogs (the kind I really like are the ones where they build beds and really complicated bookcases), and before I knew it I was about to check out online at JoAnn’s before I took a step back.
Wait a second, was this a planned expense? Or am I making an impulse purchase?
Sometimes it is really hard to tell. We can psyche ourselves up into thinking that something is a need rather than a want pretty quickly! When it is unclear to me, I tend to walk away for a bit. Here are some diversion techniques I use when I just want to shop:
- Get off the computer if online shopping is what is making you antsy!
- Leave the mall or store if you are feeling tempted. Chances are the item will still be there if you go back later!
- Paint your nails.
- Play a game with your kids.
- Go bake something.
- Go de-clutter something.
- Go clean something.
- Add 20 items in your house to your donate pile.
- Run non shopping errands (bill paying is a GREAT diversion from shopping!).
- Call a supportive friend.
- Open up your favorite photo editing program and start editing pictures.
- Watch a movie.
- Exercise
- Take a bath
- Balance your checkbook.
- Go read a book.
- Get online and start stumbling
- Write a pen and paper letter to a loved one.
- Set a timer and just walk away for a set amount of time.
- Write out a pro and con list (doesn’t even have to be about what you want to buy)
It all boils down to just distracting yourself. The truth is, that even the most frugal minded of us can have moments of weakness. Retail therapy is not just for the materialistic!
Next time you are feeling want-y…try a diversion technique rather than giving into temptation.
Your wallet will thank you!
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