This article is based on reporting that features expert sources.
Introduction
Did you know that according to statistics, 57% of shoppers say that they have become anxious just since the last Black Friday because of the coronavirus pandemic?
A poll from Deloitte says that’s up 6% from last year. Rod Sides, the Deloitte vice chairman, says the pandemic has “driven folks online and changed behavior.”
But other research shows that retailers induce this shopping mania and stress around the holidays.
This sense of urgency causes anxiety in customers lest they miss out. Even though these are all advertising ploys just to increase consumerism, people fall for them.
There are usually deals that go on through the entire year!
What Are The Signs Of Shopping Addiction?
A lot of people enjoy going on a fun shopping spree. But there is an actual line between it being a passion and you being a shopping addict! And it’s not easy to define shopping addiction.
Neuroscientist Christian Elger[1] explains why a shopping addiction can be like a drug to some. You have to think about a person’s needs as well as their income. Because wealthy people might be excessive with their buying.
They can afford it, so they enjoy buying lovely things. As Christian Elger explains, for average people, shopping addictions come in two steps.
He says, “When you have a lot of unopened stuff at home you bought a year ago and never touched, that is a warning sign.
And when you own more unused items than ones you use, you are addicted and need treatment.” That pretty much explains it.
Compulsive shopping disorder or shopping addiction used to be called oniomania. It’s an impulsive-compulsive behavior and results in excessive, repetitive, and can’t-help-it purchasing of items. This can lead to detrimental emotional and financial consequences.
Someone who engages in compulsive buying needs help. They are filling a void from negative emotions.
They often have problems with relationships as well as their finances because of this disorder. Compulsive shopping disorder often is accompanied by anxiety or even depression.
How Do I Survive Black Friday If I’m A Shopaholic?
Holidays are meant to be a break away from stress. They are an escape from all the deadlines, the emails, overbearing personalities, etc.
But for many, the thought of the looming holidays triggers stress and anxiety for many different reasons.
It’s often got a lot to do with your expectations. Shopping anxiety[2] can build up if you know you only have a certain time to get things ready and prepared for the holidays.
It’s also all about the fear of the unknown. You might be going to a place you haven’t been to before – you don’t know what will happen or come up.
Some find these types of experiences exciting. But others are scared and anxious at the mere thought.
Some people are aware of their anxiety and manage it with mindfulness techniques[3] and medication.
Many people become extremely anxious at the thought of arranging things – they believe that if things come apart at the seams, people are going to come down on them, and sometimes that is very true.
There are things if you are a shopaholic that you can do this Black Friday 2021 to keep you from severely damaging your bank account, let alone your mental health:
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Go offline on social media a week before Black Friday 2021. A good idea is to go dark on your social media accounts a week before Black Friday 2021.
Switch off your online accounts and wait till Cyber Monday has passed before returning. You will avoid seeing tempting Black Friday Deals and ads and be far less lured into buying stuff that you might not even need.
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Try an online support group. If you know you are a shopaholic or have a compulsive shopping disorder, and you want help in not succumbing to your addiction, you will find excellent support from a group like Spenders Anonymous[4] online. When you feel part of the same type of people who are struggling with the same things you are, you feel encouraged, supported, and more resolved to survive Black Friday without breaking the bank.
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Distract yourself. If you know you want to be out shopping and it’s going to be tough to stay away from the Black Friday Deals and Cyber Monday shopping, do something positive to avoid them.
A good idea is to make plans with your family or friends. Get involved with someone else, something like a picnic or a hike. Even volunteering for something can help you concentrate on other things, other people, and other activities.
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Go with a responsible friend if you have to go; someone who will keep you on track. Going with a friend will help you manage stress and anxiety of the day and make you more accountable.
Remember that a ‘crazy’ day, like Black Friday 2021, can take its toll physically on your body. So remember to wear comfortable shoes and clothes for all the walking. Also, stay well hydrated and carry a water bottle with you to keep you fueled.
Shopping stress can certainly result in anxiety attacks. A good idea is to practice breathing techniques[5] before you face stressful events. This helps calm you down when you feel your temper or blood starting to rise or boil.
Why Are Deals And Discounts So Tempting For Us?
Whether it’s FOMO or YOLO (you-only-live-once) that we suffer from, it makes so many people find discounts and deals irresistible.
We have all been guilty at some time of going overboard when it comes to sales and even online shopping.
Many of us are sold over by deals and discounts because we are addicted to retail therapy – it’s real.
The temptation of a good deal or discount can make many of us give in. And as the article says, it helps with lingering sadness.
Lots of people don’t realize that often what looks like a good deal isn’t one. The shopping sites have very often marked up their prices before the sale. So what you think you are getting on a sale; you are just paying the normal price.
Do you need the deals and discounts? Some people buy because it’s like claiming a prize for working hard – they haven’t considered whether they need the item or not. Often, a lot of what we buy is frivolous and unnecessary. There could be a lot that you buy that you probably don’t need.
Have you noticed that when you do buy something online from a certain website, that you then get bombarded with emails showing off their latest and greatest? As stated by Christian Elger, impulsive shopping can be like a drug.
These sale sites want to entice you to go one step higher, one step more expensive because it’s bigger and better. Just unsubscribe to these types of emails to save yourself from some slippery sliding into a black hole that is hard to climb out of.
If you are trying to resist the temptation of buying when you see things online, block the sites on your computer and delete the apps from your phone.
Conclusion
Some individuals are excited and agog about the holiday, while others dread it, maybe experiencing stress and anxiety. Covid-19 changed things dramatically for many people.
As November 26th gets closer, retailers might extend the Black Friday Deals not only for a few days but for more likely a week. With the pandemic waning a bit in the USA, it is predicted that consumers’ worries about scarcity and delays of goods and the retailers drumming up a lot of hype are a perfect storm set to happen this year. A strong spending appetite is expected.
With holiday gatherings happening again, home goods, décor, and fashion are going to be big pulls. It is assumed that online Black Friday sales combined with Thanksgiving spending are going to grow about 20% over the year.
