A deep dive into your spending psychology, in the company of American psychiatrist, addiction specialist, and author of Dopamine Nation, Dr. Anna Lembke.
This is a fab post Pauline. I'm so glad I kept it in my inbox to come back to when I had time. You (and of course Anna) have set the tone brilliantly – and without any of the condescending undertones we so often see when it comes to speaking about ill conceived spending habits. The book is top of my list to read!
Such an excellent post, Pauline. I don’t really buy many physical things, but I’ve literally just been scrolling through my Kindle app listing all the books I’ve bought but haven’t (yet) read. Definite dopamine hit when I get them, even though I don’t think I’ll ever have time to read them all 😬
Thank you, Keris! I can totally relate to that. It’s a habit I inherited from my mum! (But after researching this topic for weeks, I’ve concluded that books are exempt from the impulsive dopamine purchase list 🙈).
I wish I had read that when I was a shopping addict...!
Still worth it today, I finally understand why I used to struggle to get out without a podcast (which, by the way, I was not even really listening). Is it possible that this addiction also impacts our ability to (not) handle frustration?
Thanks, Pauline, this was one of my best read since few months!
Alice, thank you so much for taking the time to write these kind words! I'm really glad this session resonated with you.
It’s fascinating how our brain craves constant stimulation, even through seemingly harmless habits like listening to something while we shop or go about our day. Just earlier—I couldn’t resist picking up my phone during the TWO minutes I had to wait for my coffee! 🤦♀️
Dopamine really does make it harder to tolerate frustration, boredom, or discomfort because we’re no longer used to waiting or managing those feelings without some kind of reward or distraction.
Two big questions for you: How did you realize you had a shopping addiction? How did you break free from it?
Sounds like you’ve done some incredible work since recognizing it! 👏🙌
Hana, you’re the best! So glad this gave you some perspective, and thank you for sharing! The "ear candy" struggle is so real. Honestly, since I read the book (this summer), I’ve been starting my days with a walk (when I can, I’m not a robot 😊) and making sure I don’t pick up my phone or listen to anything. It was super uncomfortable at first, but now I even find joy in just witnessing my ruminations. Big progress since just a few months ago when I’d feel bored and weird!
This is a fab post Pauline. I'm so glad I kept it in my inbox to come back to when I had time. You (and of course Anna) have set the tone brilliantly – and without any of the condescending undertones we so often see when it comes to speaking about ill conceived spending habits. The book is top of my list to read!
Aww, so wonderful to read, Anna. Many thanks for the kind words. The condescending and shaming tones are the absolute worst.
A fresh perspective into our spending habits and great work! 💜💜💜
Thank you Salwa! For the kind words and taking the time to share. Another healthy dose of dopamine for me thanks to you.
Such an excellent post, Pauline. I don’t really buy many physical things, but I’ve literally just been scrolling through my Kindle app listing all the books I’ve bought but haven’t (yet) read. Definite dopamine hit when I get them, even though I don’t think I’ll ever have time to read them all 😬
Thank you, Keris! I can totally relate to that. It’s a habit I inherited from my mum! (But after researching this topic for weeks, I’ve concluded that books are exempt from the impulsive dopamine purchase list 🙈).
Haha! I will take that
I wish I had read that when I was a shopping addict...!
Still worth it today, I finally understand why I used to struggle to get out without a podcast (which, by the way, I was not even really listening). Is it possible that this addiction also impacts our ability to (not) handle frustration?
Thanks, Pauline, this was one of my best read since few months!
Alice, thank you so much for taking the time to write these kind words! I'm really glad this session resonated with you.
It’s fascinating how our brain craves constant stimulation, even through seemingly harmless habits like listening to something while we shop or go about our day. Just earlier—I couldn’t resist picking up my phone during the TWO minutes I had to wait for my coffee! 🤦♀️
Dopamine really does make it harder to tolerate frustration, boredom, or discomfort because we’re no longer used to waiting or managing those feelings without some kind of reward or distraction.
Two big questions for you: How did you realize you had a shopping addiction? How did you break free from it?
Sounds like you’ve done some incredible work since recognizing it! 👏🙌
This was good for perspective.. especially not being about to take a silent walk without a podcast playing.. I realize I'm always after that ear candy
Hana, you’re the best! So glad this gave you some perspective, and thank you for sharing! The "ear candy" struggle is so real. Honestly, since I read the book (this summer), I’ve been starting my days with a walk (when I can, I’m not a robot 😊) and making sure I don’t pick up my phone or listen to anything. It was super uncomfortable at first, but now I even find joy in just witnessing my ruminations. Big progress since just a few months ago when I’d feel bored and weird!
**able to