So, you’ve had a bad day at work or looking for a job. Your kids are driving you crazy and your spouse decided to repaint the kitchen while you were gone…a bright lime green. The air conditioning is on the fritz, and it’s going to be in the 90’s tomorrow. Not a good day at all.
Some people, faced with this type of reality might pour a tall cool adult beverage (or two). Some might cry, laugh, scream, or crawl into bed and pull the covers up tight. Some might call a therapist. But according to a survey conducted by TNS Global for Ebates.com, when faced with frustration and disappointment, more than 52 percent of Americans go shopping. “Retail therapy” the act of shopping to improve a person’s mood, is practiced by 64 percent of women and 40 percent of men.
A Time Magazine article, “Is Retail Therapy For Real? 5 Ways Shopping Is Actually Good For You,” cites a study in Psychology and Marketing that reported 62% of shoppers had bought something to lift their spirits, and 28 percent celebrated by buying something. Can buying a new dress or pair of shoes really make you feel better? In small doses, adding something new or splurging on something you’ve always wanted can make you feel better. A glass of wine after a hard day can help you relax. Four or five can make you the life of the party and unable to face friends or a mirror the next day. Moderation is the key in drinking or shopping. Going on a shopping binge with the resultant credit card bills can pour on the stress and have you looking for a real therapist.
One way shopping can give you a mental boost is to ease the trauma of transitions. Who hasn’t wanted a change of scenery after a breakup? Getting rid of familiar surroundings you once shared with an ex can help ease the pain and give you a fresh start. Out with the old and in with the new. Choosing new pillows or bedding that might not have been the other’s preference is a little freeing, giving a sense of power and control.
Getting a new outfit for a job interview, date, or other special occasion can help a person feel more confident, feel in style, and feel a part of a new peer group. It’s amazing how a pair of skinny jeans, silky top, boots and a little bling can help a newly-divorced woman feel comfortable out for drinks with the girls. Gone are the “mom” jeans, sweatshirt and running shoes. The right professional suit for the first day on a new job or important interview can make the right first impression.
You don’t even have to make a purchase to reap the benefits of retail therapy. You can unleash your creativity, sense of style and fashion by spending time in a retail store browsing, trying on clothing and creating outfits by pulling together items to create just the right look. Shopping is a great creative outlet and helps you explore color, style and fashion sense without spending any money. Up the therapeutic value by acting as a personal fashion stylist for a friend. There is an added “feel good” sense with making someone else happy by making them look and feel great.
You can lose yourself in an haute couture designer boutique; exotic shops filled with imported items from around the world, or take a nostalgic trip to the past in a dusty antique shop. Shopping becomes exploring, much like a mini vacation to places never seen or experienced. You have all the benefits of shopping plus experiencing a new culture.
Retail isn’t just for buying and selling. It’s an experience that can soothe a troubled soul and give a new perspective on situations. The next time life makes you a little cranky, instead of ordering another gin and tonic, hop in the car and head for a couple of hours at the local shopping mall for a little shopping therapy.
Photo Source: stockimages / Freedigitalphotos.com
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