New Year's Resolution: learn to splurge

Grand Rapids, Mich. (WOTV) - Wouldn’t it be great if we always acted rationally and didn’t make hasty decisions that we regretted later? Well … we’re human, so that’s not quite the way it works! We’ve all made emotional buys at one point or another. Whether it was an argument at home or a tough day at the office that led you to the mall, buys made on feelings instead of frugality can be rough on your bottom line. Consider these options when making your 2013 New Year’s Resolutions for self-improvement … they may also help your bottom line:

Create more “me” time
In a lot of cases overspending happens because it gives you a sense of control over your surroundings. Instead of trying to grab control with money, take control of your time and your surroundings. Whether that means gifting yourself with a nice hot bath or time to work on that tinkering project in the garage, commit to unwinding on your own terms.

Connect with a loved one
Loneliness is another emotion that can turn you into a frenzied consumer. A call to a relative you haven’t spoken to in a while or even a spontaneous get-together with a friend can remind you of the wonderful bonds in your life.

Volunteer
It may sound strange, but in many cases the best way to help yourself is to work at making someone else’s life better.

Exercise
Scientists believe that for certain people splurge shopping releases the same amount of endorphins in the brain as skydiving. So if you are one of those people who gets a real charge out of filling a shopping cart, consider alternatives like going to the gym, walking or riding a bike to get your endorphin rush.

Enjoy nature
One of the best ways to get away from your problems is to, well…get away from them! Leave your connectivity behind and get back in touch with a favorite out of the way spot.

Read
A little healthy escapism is always good for taking your mind off your day-to-day worries. Whereas passive media like television usually serves more as just a casual distraction, diving into a good book forces you to actively engage in the story.

Play
Be it with children or a pet, having some silly fun can shed a lot of stored up tension you might otherwise look to purge with shopping.

De-clutter
Because coming home to a home crammed full of stuff can add to your stress level, give yourself a present and a future of increased serenity by hunting for items that can be donated or sold online or at a garage sale.

All topics for informational purposes only and are not intended to provide legal advisement.