Baby, It’s Cold Outside. Resisting The Winter Blues Shopping Fix.

We know that Los Angeles is having winter heat waves, but just recently there was snow in forty-nine of fifty states and, for much of the country, we’re settling into the heart of winter. What do we all know about winter? It can be depressing. For many of us, it’s still a process to learn not to deal with depression through retail therapy. Worse yet, the easy access of online shopping can mean that we don’t even need to go out into the blustery weather in order to satisfy our retail therapy “fix.” Here are our favorite three tips for getting you through the grey, depressing winter days without yielding to consumer temptations.

Here’s the big one – just stop before you shop! Actually say to yourself, “I am buying this item just to cheer myself up because it’s grey and cold outside, but I don’t really want or need this item. A year from now, it will most likely just be shoved in a closet somewhere.” If that doesn’t work (and it may not, because winter depression can be a powerful thing), then it’s time to implement the twenty-four hour rule where you wait twenty-four hours before making a purchase. However you do it, stop and take time before giving in to the impulse to cheer yourself up with a purchase.

The act of creating can be a powerful pick-me-up when it’s cold and uninspiring outside. Whether you’re painting, knitting, sewing or making art out of old plastic bottles, pick projects and crafts to do that involve bright colors and summer themes. Being exposed to bright and happy color therapy along with the natural satisfaction of creation will help distract you from the “happiness through purchasing” temptation.

Every cent that you spend buying an extra gadget or sweater just to perk you up during the winter is one less dime that you have to spend on actual activities you’ll enjoy during the summer. It’s one less margarita, one less ticket to a summer event, one less road trip with the windows open. Before you purchase that trinket, think about what you could spend that money on when the green grass and all-day sunshine return.

Winter can be hard on everybody. Even if you don’t officially have SADS, the grey days and hibernation factor can bring you down. Just remember, “stuff” doesn’t bring happiness. Spend this time indoors to look for activities and mindsets that do bring you happiness.

Have any other ideas for how to avoid the winter blues retail therapy bug? Like us on Facebook and share them with us!