Geek on a Budget: How to Avoid Binge Shopping

Despite the economy, many people (including myself) still treat stress and anxiety with a little shopping. Unfortunately, trying to make ourselves feel better by buying something new doesn't address the underlying emotions that we're experiencing. There's nothing wrong with occasionally buying ourselves a little something from time to time. However, if over shopping or binge shopping becomes a constant thing, it can create even more stress and not just on our budget. Here are three tips that may help avoid too many shopping sprees:

Focus on your feelings

How are you feeling? Are you happy, sad, anxious, mad, lonely, stressed or bored? If a specific emotion keeps popping up right before you go on a shopping binge, take note of what you are feeling. Then instead of shopping, find a different way to deal with those emotions to make yourself feel better. For example, if you're feeling stressed or anxious maybe make a warm mug of tea and watch an episode or two of your favorite comedy series. Or take some calming breaths while meditating, doing yoga or doing simple stretches.


Know your weaknesses or what temps you

Are collectibles your downfall? Maybe it's books, purses, DVDs, shoes, etc.? Or may be it's simply sales? To know what your weaknesses are, keep a money journal (or notebook) and write down all of your expenses. I know it might seem tedious and boring but it really will help you notice a pattern in how you spend your money. So, maybe the next time you go to the comic book store, you'll only buy what you went there for or that you have room in your budget to buy that collectible you've been eyeing.


Avoid the snowball effect

Have you ever plan to only just buy one thing but end up buying at least six or 10 things? Well, that's the snowball effect with one new purchase leading to more. While shopping, after you find what you're looking for, force yourself to stop shopping. It might seem difficult at first but you will get used to only buying what you intended to buy. If you really need to, you can also let yourself add only one extra thing to your purchase so it doesn't feel too drastic but try not to go overboard. Remember you're still a Geek on a Budget.