At this time of year our lovely Newcastle shops are full of enticing things – toys, music, tech and all manner of things that we may love to have for ourselves or to give as presents over Christmas.

A brief wander through Eldon Square can easily end up as an afternoon shopathon. Before we know it we've spent far more than we had planned or indeed can afford.

However well intentioned, the allure of a new purchase often provides a fleeting sense of satisfaction but this can quickly spiral into a cycle of regret, guilt, and anxiety. The consequences of spending, financial pressure, strained relationships, and emotional turmoil, can last much longer than the initial pleasure.

So how do we keep control of ourselves and our spending and resist the many temptations placed before us over the Christmas period? One of the key issues to be aware of is that spending is an emotional process. We enjoy the joy and satisfaction we get from it. This can cause us to spend impulsively to make ourselves feel good or to meet emotional needs in ways that are quite destructive to us.

We can help ourselves by being very planned and organised – essentially having a clear rule with ourselves that we only buy things that we had intended to.

It may be useful to have a ‘looking’ trip (to figure out what you might want to buy), and then an actual buying trip, with at least 24 hours in between to help you cool off and think rationally about whether or not you can afford what you plan to buy. This helps avoid impulsive purchases.

Setting a budget and sticking to it is also essential. Apps or spreadsheets can help create a clear picture of income, expenses, and saving goals.  

If shopping has become an emotional outlet for you, it may be useful to develop healthier coping mechanisms and ways of making yourself feel good. Engage in activities like walking, running, or reading which are productive, fulfilling, and free options. You may also find it helpful to seek support from friends, family, or even professionals such those here at First Psychology Newcastle. This can help provide accountability and guidance.

By recognising excessive shopping/spending as a symptom of deeper issues and adopting mindful habits, it’s possible to foster financial security and emotional balance. Small steps today can lead to lasting transformation tomorrow.