What is shopping therapy and how does it work?

Probably, every woman was faced with the fact that after a good purchase, her mood suddenly rose sharply, and the thing she had just acquired warmly sweetened her soul. Even the most avid opponents of shopping had to experience such a feeling, and it was this uplifting through shopping that inspired people to think of some kind of shopping therapy.

What is this?

You are unlikely to find a clear definition of this concept, but everyone understands directly from the name that this is shopping therapy. And therapy is a process that aims to alleviate, eliminate the symptoms of diseases or normalize vital functions. Consequently, shopping therapy helps to cope with the problem, which is usually a bad mood or depression.. And the girls, trying to perk up, run around the shops! And I must say, this helps more than a lot.

How does shopping therapy work?

It is believed that a successful shopping can replace a trip to a psychotherapist, because during the welcome purchase a well-known hormone of joy is produced by everyone. You saw a beautiful thing that has sunk into your soul on the counter - buy it, but only if there is no doubt. At the time of purchase, endorphins will enter the bloodstream, because you will accomplish what you so wanted! Shopping therapies are credited with even such wonderful facts as an increase in physical tone. And it’s no wonder: long shopping requires stamina! Proponents of shopping also promise increased self-esteem and self-confidence

And if you regularly go shopping, then depression, according to them, is almost not scary for you, because stress resistance increases many times . And even disadvantageous purchases can be used! In short, shopping therapy is the cure for almost all problems, say shopping lovers. And for most women (and even some men) this is true. After shopping, a feeling of satisfaction rolls over, and the world no longer seems so gloomy and gray, and past problems are a bit fading into the background!

However, do not forget about the material side of the issue. Yes, you can enjoy it by scooping up money for every skirt you like, but when the euphoria subsides a little and you look into your wallet, then all efforts will go down the drain. And if you come home with full bags of unnecessary junk, this is also unlikely to add you joy. So since you want to try this type of therapy, do not forget some elementary rules:

1. Before going to the store, set aside the specific amount of money that you are going to spend, and only rely on it. It is better to leave a credit card at home .
2. Do not forget about the existence of discounts and sales ! Among these inexpensive things you can find something worthwhile.
3. You cancompile a list of expenses or store receipts in order to assess the size of their costs.
4. Sometimes it’s not necessary to buy an expensive item to enhance your mood - an inexpensive bracelet, new earrings or a scarf will take their rightful place among accessories, and at the same time they won’t hit your wallet very much.
5. And, of course, you cannot overdo it. Shopping is not the only antidepressant available . If it’s difficult for you to control yourself while shopping, then it’s better to eat chocolate, go to the movies or do your favorite thing.
6. Finally, figure out what you want from shopping? Perhaps it is simply a matter of getting positive emotions, including the contemplation of beautiful things in stores? Then psychologists offer a budget option - do not rush to the shops, but look through magazines, catalogs, find websites about fashion, and have fun without extra expenses !

While some psychologists praise shopping therapy, others claim that it only gives people a false sense of control, which then quickly leaves. Skeptics believe that shopping is too short-lived panacea, which, in addition, can cause addiction. Indeed, the line between shopaholism and just love for shopping is thin, and you may not even notice how you cross it. And if, on the contrary, you get tired of shopping or feel uncomfortable while shopping, then this type of therapy is unlikely to help.

It is also worth remembering that only the shopping process itself is a pleasure. The day after the purchase, a new thing may not cause any emotions at all! But then that dress on the mannequin will be the next dream that you will want to realize.

And another drawback of shopping therapy is the fact that the cause of your depression will not go away (if this is not a lack of new things). And, perhaps, in a couple of hours, sadness will roll over you with renewed vigor.

So… Shopping therapy is a good antidepressant, which you need to be able to use in moderate doses without harming your wallet. It is up to you to try it or not, but if you are unsure of yourself, it is best to bring along a patient friend or family member. And hurry up for new things that will please you and your loved ones!