We've all been there: after a rough day at work or when feeling the blues, many turn to the well-known comfort of shopping - they call it "retail therapy" for a reason, after all. But is such a kind of therapy actually effective in the long run?
One of the many problems that comes with shopping therapy is the reduced amount of space. As you buy handbag after handbag, there's only so much your closet (and wallet) can handle.
Instead of seeking solace in materialistic goods, people are now discovering that non-tangible therapy such as prayer, meditation, exercise, service, or even just simple creativity work can be just as effective as (if not more effective than) shopping. And all these things are relatively free!
There is a time and place for shopping, but - like the saying goes - less is more. Avoid impulsively buying things that will clutter not only your home but also your life. You don't need to use shopping as a crutch to get through a rough patch; rather, treat yourself to anything as simple as a healthy meal or an hour of exercise - your mind and body will thank you for it.
The bottom line: Next time you're feeling down, put down your wallet and pick up some newer, more effective habits - it will make you feel just as good and spare you the financial damage.
Category(s):Compulsive Spending / Shopping, Depression
Source material from Psych Central
