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The Conversation
The Conversation
Samantha Brooks, Associate Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, Liverpool John Moores University

It’s so hard to resist overspending at Christmas – here’s how to reinforce your willpower

Eterna Images/Shutterstock

We often throw caution to the cold, dark wind of December when it comes to spending. The cost-of-living crisis may slip our minds amid the razzle-dazzle of Christmas. We just want a moment to enjoy ourselves, to forget about the winter gloom. It’s natural for us to behave this way. Our brains are wired for it.

People in the UK spend on average an extra £700 at Christmas. The UK Office for National Statistics show increases of between 15% and 100% in the sale of books, music, computers, phones and electrical products, clothing and shoes, cosmetics and toiletries, food and alcohol in December.

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