Secrecy is one of the major components of shopping addiction (and most addictions, for that matter). So, don't be afraid to get public about your problems with shopping. Tell your friends and family what's going on, and that you may ask them for help going shopping or buying necessitiesat least in the early stages of cutting down when temptation is still very high. Make sure that you only open up to trusted loved ones who are capable of supporting you through your push to cut down on shopping. A therapist can help you understand some of the possible problems that lay at the root of shopping addiction, such as depression. Although there is no standardized treatment for shopping addiction, you might expect to be prescribed antidepressants, like SSRIs. One commonly used method for treating addictions is a method called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy will help you recognize and challenge some of your thoughts related to shopping. Therapy will also help you place less value on extrinsic motivating factors, like a desire to look successful and wealthy, and more value on intrinsic motivators, like feeling comfortable in your skin and maintaining nourishing relationships with loved ones. Group therapy for shopping addiction is an abundant and invaluable resource. Being able to share coping tips and feelings with others who have similar problems can sometimes be the difference between sobriety and relapse back into your old, unhealthy spending habits. Look into local chapters of Debtors Anonymous or Spenders Anonymous. These are 12-step programs that can help you manage your shopping addiction on an ongoing basis. Use this link to locate a Debtors Anonymous meeting near you. If your shopping addiction has gotten you into serious financial trouble that you are unable to manage on your own, you may want to consider seeing a credit counselor. A credit counselor can help you deal with the massive debt that accrues as a result of shopping addiction. Dealing with the financial fallout of shopping addiction can be stressful alongside the emotional issues that arise with overcoming your habit. Because stress is a common trigger for relapse, a credit counselor might be an important resource.

Summary: Enlist the support of friends and family. Visit a therapist. Find a meeting. Go to a credit counselor.

Stand with your arm resting on a friend's shoulder. Your shoulder and arm should be in a neutral position not extended or flexed in any way. They should place the end of the floss on the top of your shoulder, slightly down from the top joint. Wrap it once for an anchor strip, then use 50 percent tension to continue wrapping. You might start to feel occlusion some pressure and tingling in your hand that's alright for this particular wrap. Make sure they wrap the end under the previous strip. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with your arm at your side and your fingers pointed toward the ground. Then raise your arm up, reaching toward the ceiling. Then swing your arm down and back, making about a 30-degree angle with your arm. Repeat this for 10 to 15 reps. Start with arm extended out to the side. Your elbow should be almost straight. Then swing your arm across your body so that it's parallel with your chest, keeping your elbow straight. Then swing your arm back out so that it's extended at your side. Repeat this movement for 15 to 20 reps. Hold a stick or dowel in front of you, so that your arms are just over shoulder-width apart. Lift the dowel up and over your head, extending your arms behind your body. Then bring the dowel back to the front. Repeat this for 15 to 20 reps. Hold the dowel with your arms just over shoulder-width apart. Raise the dowel so you're holding it above and slightly behind your head. Then bend your elbows and bring the dowel back down until it rests against the nape of your neck.

Summary: Ask a friend to wrap your shoulder. Flex and extend your arm. Swing your arm across your body. Perform pass-throughs holding a stick or dowel. Use a dowel to press overhead.

Cockatoos like a lot of noise and interaction with their humans. When that's not possible, the sounds from the television or radio provide an acceptable substitute to help entertain your bird. Much like humans, birds go through a phase in their youth where they get a little cranky and rebellious. During this time, your bird may go from being sweet and affectionate to pushing you away. This phase can be a little annoying, but your bird will eventually get over it. Start by enticing your bird out, as not all cockatoos will come out on their own. To entice the bird out, make sure the room is safe by closing doors and windows and looking for hazards. Place a toy or treat just outside the cage or on top of the cage, then open the door and walk away. The bird will likely dart out and grab whatever it is you're offering. Place perches or landing spots around the room, including one near the cage, and over time, your cockatoo will likely explore farther out. When checking for room safety, look for exposed wires, bare bulbs, flames, toxic plants, small hard objects that are easily swallowed, standing water, and hot burners. Hide or cover things you don't want the bird getting into. In addition, make sure to cover holes, such as those behind appliances. Cockatoos love to explore these holes, as they think they are tree cavities. To encourage your bird to interact with you, sit down near the cage sometimes when it is open. Speak in a calm tone to your bird and offer it treats from your hands. Don't make quick or sudden movements. Talk about anything at all, or read to the bird, always using a soothing tone. Allow your bird time out of the cage each day to keep it from getting bored but make sure you are around, as your bird will want to interact with you. These birds can also cause damage to the things in your home very quickly, so you will want to keep your eye on them. This should be a period where you're actively engaging your parrot. You can play fetch or just catch with a small, soft ball or toy, such as stuffed animal, for instance, or you can show your bird how to put a small ball into a cockatoo-sized basketball hoop. They love to roll things on the ground. Exercising your parrot helps it get out some of its energy each day. You can even get a bird harness for your cockatoo and take it outside on walks. To make sure your bird stays healthy, commit to an annual exam. Your vet can catch any health problem that may be creeping up and provide an appropriate treatment before it gets out of hand. Make sure to take your cockatoo to a vet who specializes in birds.
Summary: Leave the radio or television on when you are out of the room. Be ready for the teenager stage when your bird is 4-5 years old. Encourage time out of the cage. Exercise your bird for at least 30 minutes each day. Take your bird to the veterinarian for annual exams.