By stufflovely
Shopping is therapeutic. It really is!
See, the mood and feeling that comes with acquiring something you’ve always wanted is unexplainable.
While people avoid retail shopping because of impulse buying, planning ensures that you stick to the budget.
Psychologists consider retail therapy beneficial in many ways.
Retail shopping vs. Compulsive shopping
The two vary significantly. With retail shopping, you buy items and goods because it is necessary. Though you might purchase an item on impulse, you still find it worth the value. Its pleasure is therapeutic.
On the other hand, compulsive buying is an addiction (disorder). You keep buying items that you don’t need even if it means getting into debts with this condition. The happiness or pleasure resulting from compulsive shopping doesn’t last long; it is unsatisfactory. This leads to an addiction that necessitates other remedies.
Benefits of retail shopping
If you prefer online shopping over retail shopping, you should think twice about your preference. The latter comes with many benefits, including mental, physical, and emotional. If you are contemplating retail shopping, perhaps the following benefits should compel you to make this decision.
1. Shopping lifts your spirit
Regardless of your motivation for shopping, you can be sure to experience high spirits. It makes you feel better about your existence. Think of shopping as an occasional reward for achieving something –the dopamine reward system responds positively to rewards. For instance, you can purchase perfumes or a gift that you’ve always longed to have. If you ever feel powerless, hopeless, or anxious, it will help if you consider retail therapy; it counteracts these negative feelings.
2. Shopping relieves stress
It’s common to feel stressed. People respond positively to life’s pleasures and feel stronger impulses after shopping. Besides, you will interact with other people as you shop, and this could relieve stress. While emotional distress might be unavoidable, connecting with other people through shopping reduces stress significantly.
3. Creating social networks
Shopping allows you to meet with strangers who become friends over time. Perhaps one of the reasons shoppers love it is because of the social relationships that result from shopping. Market places are full of people from different backgrounds and cultures, hence the need for shoppers to connect. If you have been unsuccessful in forming social networks, it will be best to consider retail shopping.
4. Shopping Boosts mental activity
Consider a scenario where you are working from home throughout. Undoubtedly, your brain will feel worn out. Since mental wellness is critical for anyone, you need to interact with other people. The best way to connect with other people is through retail shopping as you exchange ideas.
5. Shopping is a physical activity
Unlike online shopping, where your order is dropped at your doorstep, retail shopping allows you to walk even if you have a car. If your weight is worrying, it will help if you spend some ten to twenty minutes going shopping. This way, you can be sure to remain physically active.
6. Shopping Increases happiness
Boredom can kick in at any time, causing unexplainable sadness, which negatively impacts your emotions and normal functioning. As you talk to the vendors, chances are you will crack jokes, share ideas, and get to know each other better. Retail shopping has a way of increasing your happiness, especially if you purchase something you have been looking for unsuccessfully.
7. Shopping has other Health Benefits
When having a medical condition brings a lot of negativity in your life, many counselors might recommend some light “retail therapy”. Shopping helps counter stress resulting from illnesses. The fact that you are in charge of the items you pick makes you feel comfortable and valuable, making you happier. Instead of dwelling on your sickness, you should go retail shopping! It might reduce pain by distracting you. Focus on the things you can change, like your socks 😀
8. You win loyalty points
Vendors have a way of rewarding their customers with loyalty for being regular purchases. This is one of the reasons why shoppers love it. Loyalty points are redeemable –you could redeem it for a highly valued item. Apart from loyalty points, regular clients receive discounts. You can make retail shopping a habit if you love deals and redeemable points.
Though retail shopping is beneficial, you should do it with moderation, lest it results in compulsive buying. This way, you will be in charge of everything and stick to your budget. Retail shopping is healthy for anyone with a few dollars to spend on yourself or a loved one!
