SHOPPING CESSATION TECHNIQUES

1

Avoid shopping when you are overly emotional, because you will have less control over your body’s dopamine response. Plus, if you are stressed out, you will have excess cortisol, which clouds the frontal lobe of the brain. “This can translate into mindless shopping,” says Smith.

2

There are two different parts of the brain that impact shopping: value-directed and habit. The latter leads to mindless spending. “Check in with yourself and ask value-directed questions before and during shopping to turn off the habit part of your brain,” says Weinschenk. Ask yourself “Does this go with anything in my closet?” or “How many white shirts do I already have?”

3

Write a self-story detailing what you care about, and make sure that your purchases reflect your values. “If you state that you are someone who cares about quality over price, it will drive your behaviour,” says Weinschenk.