According to a study done by University of Michigan researchers, shopping to relieve stress was up to 40 times more effective at giving people a sense of control and shoppers were three times less sad compared to those that only looked around for items.
More than half of the 1,000 respondents said they have impulsively shopped to deal with feelings of stress, anxiety or depression. In fact, shopping to reduce stress can actually help you live a healthier life by making sure that your blood pressure is lowered. Shopping to relieve stress is also called retail therapy as a form of regulating stress. For many, what starts out as a relatively harmless mood booster could possibly grow into a forced reaction that empties wallets and causes conflict, thus adding a significant amount of stress to a person's life.
In order not to be overwhelmed by retail therapy, you might refer to the following tips.
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Whether you're purchasing Christmas presents or buying groceries, having the items you need written down will provide you with clarity and order while you're shopping. Reward yourself for sticking to your list and you'll be more likely to commit to it: buy a cup of coffee while shopping or plan a fun activity for when you return home.
• Think about what you struggle with most financially.
Do you spend too much money at the mall? Eating out? Vacations? For example, if you spend too much money on dining out on the weekends, stock your cupboard with groceries on Friday so you'll be more likely to stay in and cook.
• Give up the need to keep up with your neighbors, co-workers, and friends.
Everyone's financial situation is different and it's dependent upon a variety of factors, least of all being one's self worth. Appreciate what you currently have by practicing gratitude.
A. Prepare a list prior to shopping.
B. This may encourage consumerism and impulse buying.
C. However, the side effect of retail therapy cannot be overlooked.
D. More men tended to purchase alcohol when stressed than women.
E. 23% said they've maxed out(刷爆) a credit card in the past year.
F. Comparison leads to debt and dissatisfaction with what you already have.
G. Track down where your money is going and then try to avoid temptations.