I was recently asked by a friend, “What’s your best advice to avoid online shopping?”
My answer, probably blunter than expected, was simply, “Close the computer and walk away.”
And that is the truth. If you close the computer and walk away, or put down the phone, you won’t be able to online shop.
Of course, that step is easier said than done.
This week, and the entire coming month, we will be bombarded with countless online messages to buy stuff we don’t need. They will all be strategically placed, crowd-tested, crafted by professionals, and designed to part you with your money.
But this year, probably more than ever, we need to take the step of resisting their appeal.
Online shopping is unique. And the temptation to buy can often be more seductive than shopping in-person in stores.
Consider this: online stores are always open, it’s easier to find individual items, the transaction can be finished in a matter of seconds, often times we don’t even need to pull out a payment card because our computer already has the information stored.
Making it even worse, we often find ourselves shopping at our weakest moments. For example, when we are tired, stressed, bored, rushed, or even inebriated. The thought enters our mind of something we’d like to own, and 30 seconds later it can be purchased and out for delivery.
76% of us shop online. And with the temptation available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, finding the strength to shut the computer, put away the phone, and walk away is not an easy task.
For that reason, it can be helpful to not just put down the phone, but to do so with purpose. Choosing a different activity other than staring at a retail store through a screen helps us put space, time, and energy between the temptation to buy and the actual purchase.
This week, when you feel the impulse to buy something online, close the computer and choose one activity from this list instead.
Ten things we could do instead of online shopping:
1. Go for a walk.
2. Read a chapter of a book.
3. Bake muffins.
4. Take a shower.
5. Play a board game with your kids.
6. Clean the kitchen.
7. Cross an item off your to-do list.
8. Call a family member or friend.
9. Sit quietly with a cup of coffee.
10. Go to bed.
Maybe you’ll find it most helpful to return to the same exercise over and over again this week and month. Maybe you’ll find it helpful to slowly work through each idea one at a time over the coming month.
Or maybe, most likely, this list will spark new ideas for your own life of pursuits and activities this holiday season more worthy of your time and energy than buying physical possessions.
lharr2006@gmail.com Harr says
By raisin’ I’m from an Appalachian huge family. We saved everything, did our own repairs, and was aquatinted with physical labor. We also loved to dress to societal standards, that resulted in immense clutter. Today, I and my siblings are avid online shoppers. I buy the least of all of us, but the temptation to buy and fill up carts all over the internet is real. I think your suggestions are on point and beneficial. Now- the discipline to choose a walk over shopping with back pain is another level of strength! 😃🙏…but I can do hard things!
Dawn says
Thanks so much for this thoughtful list! It’s timing is certainly perfect!
Geri says
I never knew there was such a thing as a buffolinian. No buffaloes 🦬 in the UK.
I was surprised how many people out shopping today. All this Black Friday stuff.
Happy to bake some cookies (badly) and pop stuff on eBay for other online shoppers.
S Price says
Remember when Black Friday was only on Friday—the day after Thanksgiving? Now it’s all month.
Shannon Kruger says
I also love the sentiment for Buffalo. I would add that Buffalo winters are also walking friendly if careful! During times of boredom, I admit to shopping. But I am working on consuming less. Sometimes saying aloud if tempted to buy online, “I don’t need to buy anything!” It works!!
Martha Miller says
I clean house before doing any shopping. Having a tidy home takes away the urge for something new. It helps me appreciate what I have. And after cleaning, it’s nice to just sit down and enjoy it without adding anything else or spending any money.
Barbara Crocker says
It scares me to go inside stores. I buy stuff that i dont need and return the stuff even before i get to the car.
Maria Cook says
As a Buffalonian, I appreciate all of this list, and the thought for us as well. Hunkering down inside the house today and making lemonade out of the situation by putting up some Christmas decorations (fresh snow is the perfect mood-setter for that!). Hope everyone reading this is safe and healthy!
Kay Collins says
Stay safe and warm!! Happy decorating. And happy thanksgiving!
Kay Collins says
“Except for Buffalo”. Lol.
Kat says
I despise clutter so I simply try to visualize the item in my space and it normally makes me queasy just imagining it cluttering it up. That’s enough for me to resist purchasing.
Ramona says
Yes on all 10 ideas!
Maux says
I have to admit, I’ve been tempted with the recent uptick in holiday advertising on Facebook. I’ve put things in my cart and sent them to myself as an email, unpurchased. There are definitely good reasons why I’m shopping for good orthotic shoes, with my recent foot injury this year… but I am not doing it impulsively. I’m unable to wear my old favorites due to foot pain. Once in a while you need to purchase to accommodate the body. I’m being super mindful and there’s an awful lot of temptation out there online. I love this list of great ideas to divorce my iPhone. Thank you.
Maureen Finney says
I have to admit, I’ve been tempted with the recent uptick in holiday advertising on Facebook. I’ve put things in my cart and sent them to myself as an email, unpurchased. There are definitely good reasons why I’m shopping for good orthotic shoes, with my recent foot injury this year… but I am not doing it impulsively. I’m unable to wear my old favorites due to foot pain. Once in a while you need to purchase to accommodate the body. I’m being super mindful and there’s an awful lot of temptation out there online. I love this list of great ideas to divorce my iPhone. Thank you.