IS SHOPPING A STRESS BUSTER FOR YOU???

Do you often find yourself buying something you don’t need, to make yourself feel happy? Do you tend to spend more when you are sad or stressed out?

Well, RETAIL THERAPY (the act of buying special things for yourself in order to feel better when you are feeling unhappy) is a real stress buster for many,including me…all smiles.:)

I often follow this therapy, when I am really lost or in anxiety; believe me it really works!! Have you tried it ever? I am sure we all find some kind of relaxation and happiness when we shop. Isn’t it?

BUT IS IT A HEALTHY HABIT OR IS IT COMMON???? Let’s find out!!

YES, according to a survey conducted by a Penn State Researcher, who surveyed a group of regular shoppers, who all had recently treated themselves by shopping,found that 62% of it was done just to uplift their moods.

LOOK!!! She is so happy having a hand full of shopping bags!

DOES IT HAPPEN TO YOU AS WELL?? DOES IT AFFECT US WHEN WE FEEL STRESSED??

YES!! When we are under some anxiety, we react to shop differently. Just as we crave for sweets,chocolates,coffee,ice-cream to lift our moods, and as we respond to other pleasures of life, likewise, people feel stronger desires to treat themselves with a purchase while stressed.

Certainly, the previously mentioned survey of shoppers claimed that 82% had positive feelings only about these buys and that their mood was uplifted for a long time.

However, when such purchases become a habit,especially when you are hard up, it can feel quite different. When shopping becomes just an exercise in mood enhancement, various other issues may arise due to unanticipated results.

Hence, those prone to compulsive buying may experience some levels of debt, anxiety and frustration, feeling of losing control and conflicts at home.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVES TO IT??

If you often find yourself indulging in retail therapy every now and then, it can’t be the only way to relieve stress but it can surely be a mood booster if it doesn’t become compulsive.

In order to benefit from the Retail Therapy, with the least damage, many have found these strategies helpful:

De-Clutter: Instead of going out to shop for something new, think of de-cluttering your wardrobe or drawers. Chances are, you may find some stuff which was forgotten and never used.

Re-organize: Try to shuffle and reset everything in your closet or room, whenever you feel like buying anything useless just to uplift your mood. Believe me, it will help.

Follow a hobby: Doing something creative often helps to distract yourself from the gloomy situation. Always try to lift your spirits by developing a hobby.

Spend less: Sometimes you are just in the mood for a treat, and talking yourself out of it takes more effort than its worth. Going to discounted stores and purchasing one small item(like a coffee mug or a scented candle, a scarf, or a bunch of flowers)at a time can be helpful.

Count Your Blessings: Cultivating a sense of gratitude for everything you have in life will make you feel more abundant that can surely erase the feeling of wanting more. This way you won’t ever find yourself unhappy!

If you still find yourself unable to manage your stress-related spendings and suspect that your shopping is out of control, it’s a good idea to consult a professional for additional support and advice.