With the arrival of the christmas seasonnot only purchases increase, but a consumption dynamic is also activated that, if not directed appropriately, can lead to financial and emotional problems.
Read also: (Why is it bad to sleep with wet hair? This is what an expert says)
According to José Ricardo Franco Mojica, a psychologist specialized in Consumer Psychology and representative of Colpsic’s Consumer Psychology Field, during the Christmas season, the brain releases dopamine when anticipating the joy we associate with giving, celebrating, and connecting with our loved ones. However, there are also external pressures, such as advertising campaigns and discounts, that can encourage us to overbuy and indulge in unnecessary spending.
“Christmas is a whirlwind of emotions. Expectations of perfection, the ideal dinner, the perfect gift, impeccable decoration, activate our alert system, generating stress. Anxiety arises when we feel that we will not meet those expectations imposed by society and, in many cases, by ourselves. Marketing, with its ‘if you don’t buy, you don’t celebrate’ narrative, reinforces this pressure.”, comments the specialist.
For prevent debt and reduce stress During this season, the specialist presents a practical guide that guarantees that the festivities do not become a source of anxiety.
Where to start?
Franco highlights that the most important thing, before buying or planning celebrations, is to ask yourself if the object really reflects what we feel or if it is a sincere gesture that can generate a positive impact.
“The key is to remember that the true value of Christmas does not fit in a gift box. Define your own rules for these holidays. What makes you happy? What can you simplify? Remember that Christmas is not a competition, but a time to connect with others”.
See also: (‘MiPazaje’: what the inclusive transportation initiative in Bogotá is about)
87% of Colombians plan to make online purchases during Christmas
Private file
How should I plan my purchases?
According to the expert, the next step is to plan purchases to be able to prioritize resources and strategically take advantage of discounts.
1.Establish a total budget and break it down: gifts, dinners, decorations, incidentals.
2.Prioritize quality over quantity: One meaningful detail can be more valuable than many empty gifts.
3. Make a personalized gift list: Avoid impulse purchases by having a clear purpose for each expense.
4. Take advantage of discounts wisely: Buy only what was already on your list, not what appears at the last minute.
“Before making any purchase, ask yourself three questions: do I really need it or do I want it on impulse? Does this fit into my budget without compromising future needs? Or am I buying out of love or social obligation? Christmas marketing creates artificial urgency. However, the real magic is in spending from awareness, not from ephemeral emotion. Remember, conscious spending today is guaranteed peace of mind tomorrow.”explains the expert.
How to avoid impulsive purchases and excessive consumption?
1.Set a clear spending limit and stick to it – use financial control apps if necessary.
2. Buy with purpose, not emotion: If something wasn’t on your list before the discount, evaluate whether it’s really necessary.
3. Avoid “FOMO” (Fear of Missing Out): There will always be another opportunity. Don’t ruin your financial peace of mind for fear of losing an offer.
How can I handle Christmas stress?
It is expected that this year, Colombians will take advantage of the discount days to do Christmas shopping online.
iStock
If you’ve already completed the first part, like making your gift list, but you’re still feeling pressured by the season, you may be experiencing holiday stress. To manage it, it is recommended to apply emotional regulation techniques, such as conscious breathing before entering places full of people; delegate tasks to other family members and ensure digital disconnection to avoid exposure to advertising campaigns.
“Remember, serenity is the best gift you can give yourself. Focus on creating meaningful moments with loved ones. Thus, your happiness will be longer lasting and less dependent on material things. Make this Christmas a conscious act. Your peace of mind is worth more than any discount”concludes Franco.
PORTFOLIO
Add Comment