How to avoid remorse in retail therapy  

I recently came across an article that highlighted the importance of finding alternative mood boosters, such as exercising and spending time with friends, to avoid relying solely on retail therapy, which many people find beneficial but could be unhealthy.

It is crucial to understand that just because something appears to be healthy, does not mean it is, as the frequency at which we engage in these activities is also important. Excessive exercise or spending too much time with friends while neglecting other responsibilities can also have negative consequences.

On the topic of retail therapy, there is a fine line between finding joy in shopping and falling into the trap of compulsive buying or retail addiction. It’s easy to find ourselves purchasing things we don’t need or spending more than we should: this behavior can be compared to excessive alcohol consumption, binge-watching movies, or spending too much time on social media. It’s pertinent to recognize that the culprit here is the “excessive behavior” itself as those who engage in it often do so, not because they want to, but because they feel they need to.

Retail therapy, at its core, is about buying things that bring us joy and improve our mood. However, many of us have experienced remorse after purchasing something we later regretted. The initial excitement fades, and we realize that we never really needed the item in the first place.

As one who has been on both ends of the spectrum, I have learned some tips for healthily engaging in retail therapy:

1. Focus on essentialism: Identify what you truly need and stick to it. Don’t be afraid to exchange or return items that don’t meet your needs. Avoid getting sentimental, as this can lead to haunting consequences and negate the therapeutic benefits. Take some time to reflect on what you truly need before making a purchase.

2. Find a balance between spontaneity and rationality: While it’s common to come across something you’ve been searching for during a retail therapy session, don’t immediately add it to your cart just because you’re excited to find it. Evaluate your decision and consider if your desire for it has faded over time. Don’t let impulse guide your choices.

3. Seek satisfaction, not escape: Understand your motivations and desires before engaging in retail therapy. Emotional suffering often occurs when people don’t fully comprehend why they want something or the purpose behind their actions. Recognize the complexity of what you’re doing and the advantages it can bring, and use it in a way that truly benefits your mood, so as to avoid  beating yourself up or feeling worse afterward. Remember that the boost in mood is temporary, and it’s far more important to be happy with the choices in the long run.

Retail therapy can be a healthy and beneficial practice if approached with a clear and healthy state of mind. Double-check your decisions to make sure you’re not relying on “therapy” every other day.

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