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How to fight a shopping addiction
Shopping Addiction
Compulsive shopping is when chronic, repetitive buying habits have serious consequences and become a disorder, similar to drug addiction. Conscious spending is one of ways we can overcome this emotional need to buy stuff.
An inability to handle money effectively and lack of impulse control makes us spend like crazy. Our emotions take over and we feel comfort in spending, and we unconsciously spend on stuff we don’t need, creating a vicious circle of debt followed by further compulsive spending.
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Key Ideas
Different types of "shopaholics"
- Compulsive shoppers: Buying when they are feeling emotional distress.
- Trophy shoppers: They are always looking for the next great item.
- Flashy shoppers: They desire the attention that comes with having nice, new things.
- Bargain shoppers: They purchase things through sale, even if they don't need or desire it.
- Bulimic shoppers: They continually buy and return items.
- Collective shoppers: They find emotional value and wholeness in having a complete set of things.
Socially acceptable
Shopping can be socially acceptable because consumerism is continually pushed on us in the forms of posters, adverts, and signs.
Shopping is also a way of life: You need food and clothing from stores. Even if you try to stop compulsive buying by avoiding the stores in person, there is still a world of online shopping.
Addiction vs compulsion
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Being a productivity junkie
The brain can become addicted to productivity just as it can to other addiction sources, such as drugs, gambling, or shopping.
As with all addictions, the desire for the stimulant continues to increase while withdrawal symptoms include increased anxiety, depression, and fear.
Society encourages workaholics
What makes addiction to productivity complicated is that society tends to reward it - the more you work, the better. A workaholic might be earning a lot of money, but in the long run, the detrimental effects outweigh the short-term benefits.
Addiction affects the brain's reward system. It results in compulsive behavior while disregarding harmful consequences.
Obsession with productivity
At the root of obsession with productivity is a fear of wasting time. Everything is seen as either productive or unproductive.
Buying groceries is seen as productive because you have to eat, while a hobby is viewed as unproductive. Productivity junkies are overly focused on a single aspect of their life. Potential sources of pleasure, such as spending time with loved ones, are very low on the list.