I love to shop, of course in moderation, however, doing research on this gave me so much satisfaction as well as the small Gnome called “Winkey” that I could not live with out on Amazon, I digress. To begin with, I discovered that it is proven that shopping can lift your spirits. Simply resisting the urge to buy something or finding something totally unexpected can give you a spirit high.
A study, conducted by TNS Global on behalf of Ebates.com, has found that more than half of Americans admit to engaging in “retail therapy.”
According to Psychology Today by Kit Yarrow Ph.D., there are five therapeutic benefits of shopping:
- Easing Transitions: If you are having a major transition in your life, shopping may give you a little boost.
- Dressing for Success: Looking the part is essential, especially when you are applying for a new job. A new item to wear for the job interview will help your confidence.
- The Pleasure Boost of Creativity and Aesthetics: Being creative with your style is a total mood booster, like revamping your hot 80’s leg warmers with the gold neckless you just bought.
- Relaxation and Escape: Going on a shopping hunt can relax your inner soul in ways that can’t be explained. This is done by searching and yearning for that unexpected joy of finding the object you did not know you wanted.
- Social Connection: Bonding with friends over the experience of hunting for that special deal.
Disclaimer: Of course reasonable retail therapy only works in moderation. Retail therapy typically involves desired purchases. If you consistently use shopping to cope with distress, please consult a psychologist.
