How to Overcome Retail Therapy?

[Suba]

While we may occasionally indulge ourselves, shopping to forget sadness, heartbreak, stress, or simply to brighten our mood, if we do it consistently, it can become addictive and lead to compulsive buying. Retail therapy refers to someone who shops to please themselves and improve their mood, and the items they purchase are desires rather than needs, often referred to as comfort buying.

Psychologists agree that retail therapy isn't a major problem, as long as it doesn't become an addiction/dependence and becomes a necessity, especially when feeling down.

Mild retail therapy can be managed on your own without visiting a psychologist. There are many methods we can apply in our daily lives, such as evaluating what contributes to high spending, reducing interactions on social media, delaying shopping urges, etc.

 

[gwolf666]

From my experience, I believe that retail therapy can be a temporary way to relieve stress or sadness, but it can also become a problem if it becomes a constant way to escape negative feelings. Sometimes, buying things we don't need gives us a momentary sense of happiness, but that feeling usually disappears quickly and can lead to a cycle of compulsive shopping. Personally, I think it's important to be aware of our emotions and find healthier ways to manage stress, such as exercising, talking with friends, or practicing relaxation techniques. I also believe that setting clear limits on shopping and being honest with ourselves about whether we're buying out of necessity or on impulse helps a lot. Ultimately, balance and self-awareness are key to preventing retail therapy from becoming a more serious problem.

 

[Kross]

The key to avoid retail therapy is to take control of yourself and emotions in relation to expenses when you are in a bad mood.

 

[Augusta]

Stop Shopping If You're Struggling Financially.
Determine the Emotional Root of Your Problem.
Use Cash or Gift Cards Instead of a Credit Card.

 

[Springtime]

When you are depressed, shopping is one way to please yourself. But do not get addicted. When I am feeling down, I just have a cup of Hong Kong milk tea which is my favorite drink. And that helps to boost my mood. A cup of milk tea is not expensive.

 

[Augusta]

Shop In-Person Instead of Online. Reconsider Splurging on Others