Menstrual cycle, the time of month when you are uncomfortable and prone to mood swings can be an interesting part of the month too. The variation in hormonal levels can lead to various effects that you may count as good or bad. Are you wondering why every time during your cycle you have a strong urge to shop? You are totally on a shopping spree no matter what your budget allows?
A recent study and research revealed that women go through a compulsive shopping behavior during certain times of their menstrual cycle. So think before you blame your psychology, it may have more to do with your biology. A sudden penchant to shop for clothes and shoes simply dictates your consumption behavior pattern during menstrual cycle.
A survey conducted with 59 women who were asked to maintain a diary to record their 35 days purchases regarding clothing, food habits and beauty routines revealed a strong connection between the women’s menstrual cycle and their spending/purchasing pattern. The researcher concluded that a woman’s shopping and consumption behavior is affected by the phase of the cycle. An earlier study conducted in year 2010 also uncovered that the hike in dysfunctional financial behavior during the reproductive period of a woman. Conducted on 322 women, the study showed the unusual shopping practices such as an impulse or an urge to buy and overspend during the menstruation.
The explanation of this unconventional shopping behavior given by the author is that during this time of month the hormonal fluctuation and varying level of hormones are quite common and can cause several side effects like craving for sweets, often mood swings, concentration problems and a disorder concerning the finance related decisions. Following are a few differences in behavior that is observed in a woman during their cycle:
- A significant increase in the attention towards their appearance is noted during the menstruation.
- A strong impulse to shop clothes during reproductive phase is also seen.
- Less consumption of food during this phase is yet another unusual behavior is observed among women.
- However, the diet pattern is different during the sterile phase, a sudden urge for food with high calorie content is noticed and so does the purchase of food items.
But if you are really pissed off with your sudden urge for shopping there are some tricks and steps you can follow to curb this behavior:
Maintain a book
What could be a better way than monitoring your own expenses and logging in each day purchase? Take note of the date your cycle begins and then notice the amount you spent recklessly during the time. You will be surprised to see the hike in your consumption behavior during menstrual cycle and help you curb it further.
Stay low on cash
A pre-planned trip to market with budget in mind wouldn’t hurt your bank account. However, a suggestion: try not to carry your credit card along. Also if carry limited cash with you that will further help you to keep the spending in control.
Inventory count
A list of clothing and accessories already adorning your closet will be good reminder to cut down on overspending. A good shopping companion aware of your shopping penchant will also be good option who can supervise your shopping list.
Health comes first
A good and nutritious health chart, during and before the menstrual cycle, helps maintaining the hormonal balance. A cut down on caffeine products can further help reduce the mood swings and so yours keen urge for shopping.
Distraction is the key
If shopping is the main issue the keep away from the sites of shopping. But also make sure you are ready with the alternatives for distraction. List down all the activities that you enjoy doing from singing and dancing to swimming, reading or an outing with friends. It will not only act as a distraction from your sudden splurges but also keep your mood in check.
The study revealing the relation between the spending/purchasing pattern and the time during the menstrual cycle is a good source of awareness for woman. With the steps mentioned above, the findings give women an option to make their own choices and help maintaining their bank accounts.
