Inside: Learn 10 tips that are helping me to avoid the temptation to shop. Plus download a free checklist with ideas of what to do INSTEAD of shopping.
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One of the biggest lessons I am learning during my no-spend challenge this month is that I will never be able to avoid ALL ads and marketing urging me to buy things.
Unfortunately, this is part of the life we live in.
What I can do, though, is try to limit my exposure and change some of my habits to minimize impulse spending on things I don’t really need.
Keep reading to learn 10 tips that are helping me avoid the temptation to shop.
Additionally, I share 10 things you can do INSTEAD of shopping (with a FREE printable). Keep scrolling down for that!
10 Ways to Avoid The Temptation To Shop & Stop Buying Things You Don’t Need
1. Unsubscribe!
One of the first things I did to avoid the temptation to shop was to clean up my inbox. I unsubscribed from store emails and deal sites like groupon or Jane.com. I also unsubscribed from bloggers who write about saving money. In most cases these blogs still post about spending money, even if it is less money.
I also stopped most of my magazine subscriptions too. Those are usually filled with tons of ads and I can get a lot of the content on their websites.
Related post: Strategies to Simplify Your Email Inbox
2. While you’re at it, unsubscribe from snail mail too.
You can usually do so on store websites or check out this article for some great suggestions to remove yourself from mailing lists.
3. Unfollow stores and fashion bloggers on social media.
This is similar to unsubscribing from emails but focuses on social media. And if you’re on social media at all, this is a big one!
I enjoy reading about fashion while putting together my capsule wardrobe. Unfortunately most of the time when I look at these blog or social media posts I just want to go shopping or buy what they are wearing! I recognize the temptation there and know I need to avoid by simply not following. I can still go to these sites and get fashion guidance, but on my own terms.
4. Implement a capsule wardrobe.
“You’ll never find something to wear that makes you feel beautiful, smart or loved, if you don’t believe that you already are.” ~Courtney Carver
A capsule wardrobe is a great way to take an inventory of what you already have in your closet so you don’t end up buying duplicates of something you already have. A micro course like Project333 can help you develop your own capsule wardrobe and learn how to dress with less.
By dressing with a capsule wardrobe I have learned what styles I love and which don’t work for me. I can slowly add in other pieces intentionally and not on a whim simply because something is on sale.
I am also learning that it’s not really about the clothes. It’s what’s on the inside that matters.
Related post: Simplify Your Closet in 9 Steps
5. Shop with a list.
I can’t go to the grocery store without a list. This helps me to stay on track with my meal planning and not buy random things I can’t make into a meal.
Bringing a list is even more important for me at places like Target. When I would go to Target I got into the habit of just swinging by the clothes or shoes or sales racks, “just to look.” If I have a list I tend to be more mindful about what I purchase. If it’s not on the list to buy a new white shirt then I don’t need it right then, even if it is on sale.
6. Don’t go to the mall or other clothing stores.
If you don’t go to the store then you can’t buy what’s at the store!
7. Don’t go to store websites either!
Once you have unsubscribed from emails and stopped following stores on social media, stop going online to look to see what’s new or on sale. Remove the store websites from your favorites if you have to and force yourself to break the habit of “just looking.”
“It’s not a good deal if you don’t need it.” ~Unknown
8. Wait 24 hours before you buy something.
Put another way, sleep on it! If you still think you want or need the item after 24 hours, add it to your shopping list. And only shop from this list as mentioned above.
9. Implement a shopping ban to better understand your triggers.
If you want to stop mindless shopping, one way to force yourself to stop is by doing a no spend challenge. This is a great way to temporarily stop the shopping cycle and learn your own shopping triggers. By recognizing when you feel the urge to shop you can be more mindful in saying no.
Related post: How To Complete Your First No-Spend Challenge
10. Practice Gratitude
A regular gratitude practice is a wonderful way to recognize all that you already have in your life. It places the emphasis on what you have rather than what you think you need or want.
Related post: How To Start a Daily Gratitude Practice
What Can You Do Instead of Shopping?
In order to change a habit we must first understand how habits work. Habits have three distinct parts:
- The cue: A situational trigger that is based on a reward you’re seeking.
- The routine: A physical or emotional action you take to obtain the reward.
- The reward: The satisfaction you seek by following the routine.
The first step in changing your habit of mindless shopping is to understand your own triggers, or cues. Once you understand what is causing you to shop and the desired reward, you can focus on identifying other rewards that will provide the same feelings as the bad habit.
“The goal here is to find a positive routine that will provide the same feeling you get with a bad habit, without following the negative routine.” (Source)
So let’s say you go shopping because you are stressed or want to relax. The goal here is to find another activity that will reduce your stress or enable you to relax more. This will ultimately give you the desired reward, but without the negative habit of shopping for things you don’t need.
Here are a few different routines for you to try when you experience the cue that is causing you to shop:
- Go for a walk or do your favorite exercise – related post.
- Read a good book, preferably from the library or your own bookshelf – here are 10 books to choose from.
- Play a game – example 1, example 2
- Call a friend or family member
- Learn a new hobby – try Craftsy Unlimited or Skillshare for free
- Declutter an area of your home – start here.
- Listen to a podcast
- Start a blog! Learn how to here.
- Practice meditation – learn more here.
- Sit down with your favorite beverage, take a few deep breaths and enjoy some peace and quiet.
This change will definitely not happen overnight. But if you stick with it you will start to see progress! And that is all we can ask for!
Download Your Free Printable Now
Once you have figured out your own triggers and desired reward, use the free checklist to determine a new routine you can implement.
How do you avoid the temptation to shop?
Let us know your tips in the comments below!
Photos by bruce mars, Porapak Apichodilok from Pexels.
