Let’s be honest: shopping can be therapeutic and fun. In a recent survey, 96% of adults admitted to engaging in retail therapy to have fun, elevate their spirits, and enhance their mood.

Making decisions about where to shop and what to buy can be soothing during stressful or uncertain times. Our brains release feel-good dopamine when we think about purchasing something. We may even experience a greater dopamine rush when there is an additional benefit, which is known as “shopper’s high.” While there is nothing wrong with enjoying a little retail therapy, going shopping for fun might make us regret our purchases if we go overboard.

Being able to buy the necessities for living your best life is amazing. But using shopping as a way to deal with your emotions might turn into chaos. You may end up buying things you will never need, fight over the last vintage scarf with another customer at the mall, become an addicted shopper, or even go into debt. What else could a person do when their stress levels increase and they get the urge to hit the mall? 

Let’s talk about better coping strategies than retail therapy.

5 Better Coping Strategies than Retail Therapy

Speak with someone

If you’re feeling down, anxious, frustrated, or bored, your first instinct may be to buy something to cheer yourself up, whether it’s a new dress, a special dinner, or something else you’ve had your eye on. While receiving immediate gratification can improve your mood temporarily, emotional shopping could lead to problems. Call a friend to chat about what’s upsetting you instead of going to the mall. Perhaps a lengthy conversation is exactly what you need!

Take a break from the internet

Almost anything you might want can be bought quickly and easily online with just a few clicks. But it may also make impulsive purchases quite tempting, especially when you’re not happy. Consider going on a digital detox to prevent overspending online. If you want to avoid visiting online shopping sites, put away your phone or computer, or block websites using a browser extension. Instead of using the internet, go for a walk in the park, work out, keep a journal, or pick up a good book. Taking a break from the screen is beneficial for your health and also saves money.

Remove a few things from your to-do list

If you feel the need to indulge in retail therapy, try completing one task on your to-do list instead of adding items to your shopping cart. Making progress on domestic chores that you’ve been putting off is a good way to unwind and reduce stress.

Check out your wardrobe

We often purchase new clothing without taking into account the amazing items we already own but rarely wear. Look at your own wardrobe first before making a new purchase! Give your closet some attention. Your wardrobe might feel like it is brand new after discovering some new and nice clothing!

Do some window shopping

Window shopping is an enjoyable way to look around your favorite malls or stores without having to spend any money. Take pictures or write a list of the things you want to buy while you window shop. This will enable you to budget your money and prevent splurging on impulsive purchases. Who knows? You might even meet a new person.

Bottom line

Even though retail therapy sometimes results in regret, you could still enjoy shopping. Instead of blowing your hard-earned cash on impulsive purchases that will only make you feel good for a short while, thoroughly research the things you want to buy and budget for them each month. When you go shopping with a strategy, it’s easier to control your spending and stick to your long-term financial objectives.   

Have you accrued debt due to impulse shopping, job loss, divorce, or a fatal illness? It’s possible you are even blaming yourself for getting into debt. None of the reasons are important right now; what’s more important is to repay your debt with ease, and you can focus on the reason later (to avoid a recurrence). Our debt relief experts at EmpireOne Credit Solutions are always here to help you navigate during this difficult time. We will help you get through this time, and your worry and burden will leave you. We help people to reduce your debt by up to 80% and stop all interest, what better time than now to call us at 416-900-2324 and book a FREE consultation.  Debt free … Feels Good!