Yes we have all indulged in retail therapy at some juncture of our life. However, the positive impacts of the therapy might often have been short-lived as retail therapy invariably entails money and often bloated credit card statements.
If you feel like you are using retail therapy too much in your life, it is time to consider some alternative coping mechanisms (in relation to management of stress, anxiety and depression).
Melange spoke to a few psychologists and wellness counselors who recommended some measures to curb excessive retail therapy habits. "One can do intensive physical exercise to replace the retail therapy with a different activity. Going on an outdoor exploration to rejuvenate the mind also helps," says Piyali Bose a wellness coach and adds, "Have meaningful conversations with your loved ones to whole-heartedly connect with others. These are all great ways to improve your mood that can be even better than engaging in retail therapy. While retail therapy is sometimes just what you need, these options will likely be a better way to take care of your mental health overall."
Offering some strategies for limiting retail therapy, Sagarika Mahanta, a psychologist attached to a private hospital says, "There are also ways to limit how much you are engaging in retail therapy, while still giving you room to treat yourself. You should learn to recognise your triggers. This awareness will help you rationalize before jumping into compulsive shopping. Also writing out a list of your blessings can help you appreciate what you have and minimize the feeling that you need to buy more."
"If you know your limits, you can enjoy what you spend on yourself without feeling guilty afterward. Also it is advisable to engage in retail therapy in moderation. Small pick-me-ups can be a positive influence on your life, just be mindful of how often you are using shopping as a coping mechanism," observes Piyali.
Opting for window shopping in-stores or browsing online is a great way to curb your urges for retail therapy. Window shopping can still boost your mood without hurting your wallet. "Sometimes just adding something to your online shopping cart can scratch the itch," says Sagarika and adds, "Institute a credit card limit of your choosing. By having charges above a certain amount declined, it will be easier to stay within budget."
While retail therapy in moderation is not an inherently unhealthy behavior, these strategies can help if it becomes more prevalent or begins to take over your life. Try these different suggestions and see what works best for you.
So how is retail therapy different from a shopping addiction? According to Sagarika there is a significant difference between the two. She explains, "Retail therapy and shopping addiction can sometimes be used interchangeably in everyday conversations, but we as psychologists differentiate the two. A shopping addiction, known as compulsive buying disorder, is more extreme than casually participating in retail therapy from time to time. Compulsive buying disorder is characterized by an inability to control shopping behaviors, constantly craving shopping, feeling guilty about purchases, and having dysfunctional emotional responses when unable to shop. Those dealing with a shopping addiction will often feel tension before a purchase, and then relief after it, followed by guilt."
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