Managing Hoarding Behaviour this Christmas

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6 tips to help manage hoarding behaviour this festive season

Are you looking for guidance on managing Hoarding Behaviour this Christmas?

We have put together our top tips to not let hoarding behaviour take control and make sure the festive season can be enjoyed not just endured.

Do not fixate on the mass level of product advertisement and ‘offers’

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Please don’t buckle under the pressure to buy.buy,buy.

Companies go to extremes all year round to push their products in everyones faces, this then gets even more intensified on the run up to Christmas. It is even harder to avoid being inundated with mass marketing now we also live in such a digital world with a constant flow of media at our finger tips.

This can force us to feel the need to over consume during the festive period, whether you are exposed to Hoarding tendencies or not, everybody at some point has probably felt the pressure to purchase items that they realistically don’t need.

Remember, before being swallowed in by the ‘incredible offers’ or ‘last chance to buy’ promotions, unless you have preplanned to buy this item at full price, you are losing money, not saving it.

Excess only makes people unhappy. The more you have of something, even if it was purchased for an incredible price, reduces its enjoyment and speciality.

One perfect mince pie that you really enjoy is better than buying up boxes of them that will go off….

Ask for experience gifts, not physical items

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Ask your friends and loved ones for experiences not physical gifts.

An example of this could be a meal out together, a day trip, a pottery painting class, tickets to a show…

Given the economic crisis a lot of us are feeling the effects of this year, a more cost effective option would edible treats/foods. Make sure to consider when and how you will eat them before stating the best suited options. This would be a lovely way to involve friends and family too, for a home cooked meal or movie night.

The true joy is not the feeling of giving or receiving the most gifts, it is all about creating a lovely memory you will keep for a lifetime,

Be strict when shopping for other people

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If you must buy specific gifts for people BE STRICT.

Make a list, go straight to the product, don’t wander and fall for the glittery offers.

If you do shop online, do not feel pressured to spend more to gain free shipping. It is better to pay £3-5 for delivery then an extra £20+ for an unplanned item.

Plan a treat for yourself when you do these things, so you can celebrate your success when you get home with the only thing you went out to buy or only order that specific gift..

Shop your own stock first

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Go to the best shopping mall ever – your house!

You will be amazed what you can find lying around your house that can be repurposed into a really thoughtful gift for friends.

Maybe last years secret Santa Dove set, that bottle of wine you know you will never drink.. Or get crafty and make something.

Explain to friends that you are doing an alternative way of gifting this year , re purposing and not harming the environment further by buying another new thing. This is also another great way to manage the pressure created by the current economic climate.

Reward yourself

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Plan one lovely treat for yourself over the holidays.

The more rules you manage to stick to the more you need to celebrate that fact. Maybe a panettone all to yourself or a special bubble bath, or just a copy of the Radio Times to mark off all your favourite viewing..

What ever you choose, do it purposefully and with intention,

Enjoy those feelings of indulgence, you will have earned them.

Combating loneliness

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For many, these can be difficult times. Old memories, absent friends, feeling more lonely than usual.

It is equally as important to reach out to others at this time as it is to make sure you feel supported yourself.

A great way to help others but also give yourself some socialisation is volunteering. Find your local voluntary service or ask at your local church/community centre.

Never underestimate the joy of giving your time to help others, it is priceless. This is also a great way to find likeminded people who could become a long term support system..

Need more support?

If you feel you need more specialised assistance, please contact us here.