1 . According to a study done by University of Michigan researchers, shopping to relieve stress was up to 40 times more effective at giving people a sense of control and that shoppers were three times less sad compared to those that only browsed for items.
In fact, shopping to reduce stress can actually help you live a healthier life by making sure that your blood pressure is lowered. 1
However, the side effect of retail therapy, for many, can start out as a relatively harmless mood booster but could possibly grow into a compulsion that drains finances, causes conflict, and thereby adding a significant amount of stress to a person’s life. So how to avoid the effect?
2 . Whether you’re purchasing Christmas presents or buying groceries, having the items you need written down will provide you with clarity and order while you’re shopping. Reward yourself for sticking to your list and you’ll be more likely to commit to it: buy a cup of coffee while shopping or plan a fun activity for when you return home.
3 . Do you spend too much money at the mall? Eating out? Vacations? Make a list of where your money is going and take necessary steps to avoid temptations. For example, if you spend too much money on dining out on the weekends, stock your cupboard with groceries on Friday so you’ll be more likely to stay in and cook.
Give up the need to keep up with your neighbors, co-workers, and friends. 4 and it’s dependent upon a variety of factors, least of all being one’s self worth. Comparison leads to debt and dissatisfaction with what you already have. 5 .
| A．Prepare a list prior to shopping |
| B．Shopping to relieve stress is also called retail therapy as a form of regulating stress |
| C．Also, it can help people become more positive |
| D．Think about what you struggle with most financially |
| E．Appreciate what you currently have by practicing gratitude |
| F．The survey found that 82 percent had only positive feelings about their purchases |
| G．Everyone’s financial situation is different |
