The Shopaholic's Diet

Does this scene look oddly familiar?

As I was running towards the escalators to my platform, I managed to grab a copy of Mx before boarding my train. I came across an article (quite hard to miss really since there is a full page photo of Isla Fisher carrying shopping bags) and I thought I had to include it in a post. 

A 10 step recovery program for the shopaholic:

$1: Keep a shopping diary. Whenever you make a purchase, note down how you feel and you'll start noticing a trend - maybe you can occupy that feeling with another activity. Recording also lets you keep track of how much you spend and what on. I started doing it this year and just to avoid writing it down (and of course, avoiding the feeling of guilt), I end up not buying it.

$2: Clean out your closet. You'll have more than you think and you'll probably find two very similar things!

$3: Get yourself started on a shopping detox. Avoid the shopping strip and the malls. As with any addiction, you might feel lost at first but you'll find time to do other things.

$4: Write a list of simple things you like doing like calling a friend, giving yourself a facial or having a warm bubble bath. Whenever you feel like shopping, pick something on the list to do instead. It'll do less damage to your wallet and you'll feel better after it too.

$5: Take up a new hobby that does not involve shopping. I keep busy with jewellery making and I can spend any day indoors even when its beach weather outside.

$6: Don't impose a complete ban because if you allow yourself indulge once in a while, you won't feel the pain as much every time you walk past a store. Just make sure its reasonable. E.g.: Let yourself go shopping once a month but set yourself a budget.

$7: Before you enter, think whether your potential purchases are a need or a want. And think will you use it more than once? Quite often we'll find things that look pretty at first sight but aren't all that practical.

$8: Use cash only when shopping. You'll be more aware of how much you spend if you have to dig out your wallet and count cash compared to just swiping and signing.

$9: Make a list of what you need to buy and stick to it.

$10: Bring a non-shopaholic friend shopping (someone who isn't into fashion would be better) because they'll be indifferent to everything you pick out and you'll be doing more walking than purchasing.

Good luck!