The Minimalist Mindset: A Cycle of Consumerism
A big part of society and culture in the 21st Century is consumerism. Everyone shops, whether that be online or going to your local high street, and we all often fall into the culture of ‘this is great, I need it!’, but how much of this is consumerism, and does this, in turn, make us all addicts of some kind.
At New Leaf, we understand that shopping can become an addiction for some with a compulsive need to make a purchase. With consumerism a large part of culture, how many of us fall into this trap more easily? What are the ways in which consumerism can be avoided in a world that has an addictive culture?
If you feel you have been pulled towards consumerism, seek advice today with New Leaf Recovery in Birmingham.
What is Consumerism?
We are all consumers; we all shop in some form, even for food. Consumerism addiction is simply when a person cannot help but acquire new things. There is no specific need for such purchases, but there is simply a need to have it. As with many other forms of addiction, it is often not obvious to the person themselves that they are struggling with consumerism addiction but can be seen by those around them.
It is very easy to want things in a world full of change and exciting new things. But at what cost?
The Role of Media in Consumerism Addiction
As the 21st Century continues to evolve, it is becoming ever more technological. With mobile phones and devices being released year on year with more features, it is becoming increasingly easy to click a button and make a purchase. Not only this, but companies can be in your face more often through digital media.
The role of social media in consumerism addiction is vast and striking. Social media and its connections across the internet mean that brands can be everywhere, from social media feeds to your next advert. With offers, clever marketing techniques and a consumer's need for something new; this can very easily lead to consumerism addiction.
The role of the media can also make people feel like certain standards have to be met or body image must be a certain way. With this in mind, consumerism becomes rife with people purchasing more ways to better their looks or ensure they have the latest trends so as not to feel left behind.
If you feel you have fallen prey to consumerism addiction, seek support today from New Leaf Recovery. We can help guide you through your consumerism or shopping patterns and try to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Is Consumerism Addiction The Same As Shopping Addiction?
Shopping addiction is a behavioural addiction that is often characterised by the compulsive need to buy something. When making a purchase, it gives us a sense of feeling good and getting a high from the buy. With this euphoric feeling, we are then driving to make more and more purchases to maintain it.
Consumerism and shopping addiction are virtually the same thing. Consumerism is rapidly becoming more about your ‘social worth’ and ensuring that you always have the newest thing on the market or the latest trends. When you struggle with a compulsive need to buy things, consumerism can become an easy place to hide.
Often, when things have been purchased due to a compulsive need to give into the surrounding consumerism, it can lie at home unused. The high of the purchase drains away leaving you feeling the need to experience it again without having spent time looking at your most recent purchase. This is often how hoarding begins and can quickly begin to take over your life.
Switch to a Minimalist Mindset
Often, people that struggle with consumerism or shopping addiction can have a materialistic outlook on life, propping themselves up with status through material things.
Some tips on how you can help a loved one that struggles with shopping addiction can be seen in one of our latest blogs. This blog focuses on shopping addiction and how you can begin to take control of your wallet, breaking the cycle of consumerism for a healthier lifestyle.
Another means of overcoming consumerism and shopping addiction is to switch to a more minimalistic lifestyle. Being a minimalist is simply living with the few things that you need and removing distractions (https://www.becomingminimalist.com/what-is-minimalism/). Although this can be a big jump for someone who struggles with consumerism, it can be something to strive towards.
Not only would this help to declutter your space and your mind, but it would help you live a healthier lifestyle in the long run. The culture of consumerism has given the perception of possession in material things is the way to go; this is not the case. Often, we need very little, but want a lot. Understanding the difference and living within your means will give a better outlook in life.
If you are looking to embrace more of a minimalistic lifestyle and take control of your consumerism or shopping addiction, speak to New Leaf today for advice and support.