By Julie-Ann Sherlock
I confess I was a bit of a shopaholic, especially regarding shoes. The thrill of buying new things, the instant gratification of holding my purchases, and the excitement of using or wearing them was a buzz. But there’s a catch.
Besides spending excessive money on things I didn’t need, my habit had environmental impacts and hampered my somewhat transient lifestyle. It wasn’t easy to take so many shoes with me or find somewhere to store them while I travel.
Then, there was the effect on my mental health. Over-consumerism and possessing an abundance of stuff can have a psychological impact. It can weigh you down mentally. I felt guilty for owning so much and panicked at my spending levels.
As consumer culture expands unabated, let’s examine the intricate relationship between over-consumerism and mental health.
Understanding Consumer Culture
Intricately woven into the fabric of modern society, consumer culture is not solely about acquiring necessities but defining ourselves through our belongings. Historically, possessing more was often equated with success and happiness.
Unfortunately, this mindset has evolved into over-consumerism. The appetite for more is now insatiable. The relentless bombardment of advertisements and easy access to credit foster an environment where acquiring goods feels like the solution to emotional voids or societal pressures. However, the psychological effects of consumerism are substantial.
We get caught in a cycle of temporary satisfaction followed by guilt, stress, and anxiety. Keeping pace with trends and status symbols, often dictated by societal norms and media influence, impacts our mental health.
Psychological Impacts Of Consumerism
While shopping can provide a buzz, it can conceal unresolved issues. Relying on material possessions for happiness is fleeting, leading to a cycle of desire and dissatisfaction, contributing to stress, anxiety, and, sometimes, depression.
The unending need for MORE fosters a sense of inadequacy and inferiority when we don’t meet societal standards or personal expectations. It distracts us from facing and addressing emotional needs like insecurity or fear. It can hinder the development of genuine self-worth and contentment.
The relentless pursuit of material goods can lead to neglect of our mental health needs and a pervasive sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction. This quest for external validation detracts from inner peace and contentment, critical components of mental wellness.
Additionally, financial strain from excessive spending can exacerbate stress and anxiety. The pressure to maintain a particular lifestyle or image can lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion.
Help! How Do I Escape Over Consumerism?
Since the emotional burden of consumerism can damage mental health, how can we foster a healthier relationship with consumption?
Shifting focus from material accumulation to nurturing relationships, self-reflection, and personal growth is essential to enhancing mental wellness. Practices like mindfulness and intentional living encourage individuals to appreciate the present moment and prioritise genuine well-being over superficial gains.
This approach can improve mental health and foster a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Mindfulness As A Remedy
It is time to cultivate awareness of the present moment. Mindfulness breaks us free from the constant desire and dissatisfaction cycle. It encourages a deeper understanding of personal needs and values rather than material possessions as sources of happiness.
We can learn to appreciate what we have, bringing greater contentment and reduced stress. Emotional resilience helps us tackle life’s challenges with clarity and calmness rather than seeking solace in consumer culture.
Simple practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindful walking can help promote inner peace and well-being and reduce the psychological effects of consumerism.
Embracing Minimalism
Go all Marie Kondo and declutter your physical and mental spaces. This can reduce stress and anxiety. Minimalism involves consciously choosing to live with less and focusing on what truly matters.
It fosters a sense of freedom from the relentless pursuit of MORE, allowing us to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of everyday life. It promotes intentional living. Aligning our lives with genuine personal values and desires brings a sense of liberation and empowerment.
This shift benefits mental health and contributes to a more sustainable way of living.
Practising Mindful Consumption
Using this proactive strategy to counter the adverse effects on our mental health involves stopping, thinking, being aware of, and intentionally purchasing and using goods. We must evaluate needs versus wants and consider the long-term impact of our choices on us and the environment.
Mindful consumption reduces impulsive buying, the stress clutter brings and financial strain. Thoughtful spending, where purchases align with personal values and contribute to happiness, empowers us and fosters a sense of contentment.
Shifting our focus from acquiring to appreciating leads to a more balanced lifestyle, promoting lasting contentment and reducing the negative link between over-consumerism and mental health.
Since adopting these strategies, I feel less guilty about my environmental impact, have a healthier bank balance, and am a happier, more intentional shopper.
So, delete online shopping apps that constantly promote stuff you don’t need and seek quality over quantity for more meaningful and fulfilling experiences.