Mindfulness has been known to reduce stress, boost working memory and heighten our ability to focus. With a range of health benefits it brings, it’s clear that mindfulness is no longer just a buzzword in the health space. If we practice mindfulness at work, in exercise, could we apply it to the way we shop? Probably. In recent research by Choosi, 90% of Aussies have said they are overwhelmed by choice when they hit the shops. Almost 1 in 3 Aussies have made a large purchasing decision that they have come to regret. Another 2 in 3 Aussies have brought things they have never used. Here are some ways you can practice mindfulness, curb your spending and invest in things you love.
Separate wants from needs: The line between ‘wants’ and ‘needs’ can feel like a thin one but with a little perspective you’ll start to see how separate they are. Mindful shopping starts when you can see the difference between the two. If you’re struggling to distinguish the two try assigning a number to everything on your shopping list, high for things you need and low for things you want. If you’re seeing a lot of low numbers then you’ll know your list might have you coming home with buyer’s remorse.
Make a list: The key to any mindful shopping experience is to make a list. You can go shopping without knowing exactly what you want, but it will mean coming home with all sorts of things you don’t need. Give yourself plenty of time to write a list of what you’re after. If its food shopping then make a list of meal plans and the ingredients you’ll need. If its tech gadgets you’re coveting, make a list of the specs you need, that way you won’t be tempted by the newest or flashiest models at the store. Be specific with your lists – “food for the week” or “new pants” are not appropriate. Putting down your own guidelines will ensure you shop smart, saving you time and money. Remember, making a list isn’t just about what you will get, it’s also about what you won’t.
Pay with cash: With so many tempting offers from credit card companies promising you 50,000+ frequent flyer points per credit card, it’s easy to put everything on borrowed money. All it takes is a swipe or a tap and you can walk out of the store with your arms full of bags. Practicing mindfulness with your shopping is as simple as paying with cash to keep track of your spending. In fact, a 2008 study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology established that shoppers who pay with cash experience an increased “pain of paying” – the realisation that a loss of funds is very real.
Take a mindful pause: The ‘Mindful Pause’ is about putting space between the moment you decide you want to buy something and actually paying for it. Use this period to re-evaluate and ask yourself a few key questions – Do I need this? How will I pay for this? Where will I put this in my life? How will I feel once I’m home with this purchase? If you notice you’re struggling to answer some of these questions that’s good, it means you’re learning to be mindful in your shopping. Setting aside a shopping budget and consulting your support groups about the purchase will help make your Mindful Pause a strong and lasting habit.
Appreciate what you have: It’s easy to feel pressured to buy things, with so many ads bombarding us every day we’re conditioned to think we need more. Being mindful at the shops can be as simple as going in feeling grateful for the things you already own. This appreciation of what you do have in your life can help cancel out those feelings of needing more, leaving you more appreciative of what you have. When you stay present in the moment and appreciate that you are fortunate enough to have the funds to go shopping you may find you are less inclined to purchase more things for the sake of it.
Being mindful is more than just the latest buzzword, it’s about putting your wellbeing first and taking yourself out of the moment to see what’s really in your best interests. Becoming more mindful in your life will help more than just your mind and body, you’ll see it’s great for your spending too.
