(n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cityclubonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/shopping-2-300x199.jpg.
Americans are stressed, and one in every three of us shops to deal with anxiety (Gregoire). This isn't only for the ladies, although women are twice as likely as men to turn to shopping in order to cope with stress. No matter the gender, age, or any other characteristic of each individual, there is one trait many "stress-shoppers" have in common: "They tend to seek distracting, temporary fixes to alleviate their stress" (Gregoire).
Relaxing music and a great yoga session aren't on the top of every American's stress-reliever list. For many, the smell of brand-new clothing, the feel of a silk dress, or the sound of a credit card being swiped does the trick. Turning to to retail therapy in times of anxiety is becoming more and more common.
If you have access to the Internet, then you have access to online shopping websites. Many of us shop online using our iPads, laptops, and even our cell phones. It is even more incredibly convenient to sit on the couch and continuously add items to "your cart" than it is to get yourself ready and drive to a mall or shopping center to do the same thing. Receiving emails about flash sales, free shipping, and discounts only adds to the fire for someone who is addicted to online shopping.
As temporarily uplifting as an afternoon spent shopping online may be, excessive consumption can leave a lingering toll on your credit card statement that may ultimately lead to higher stress levels due to financial concerns. "To curb this stress-spending habit to avoid this type of debt, dodge shopping altogether when you're feeling upset" (Gregoire).
(n.d.). Retrieved from
Try this: During free-time, make a list of items you really need. This can consist of household items, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc. And next time you feel the need to shop, buy these items so that the compulsion leads to a positive result.
Do you every shop to relieve stress? What are some ways addicts can deal with this obsession with shopping? What are some alternatives to shopping?
Sources
Gregoire, C. (2013, May 24). Retail therapy: one in three recently stressed Americans shops to deal with anxiety. Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/23/retail-therapy-shopping_n_3324972.html.
Although I'm not a big shopper in the mall I find online shopping much more satisfying! If you had asked me ten minutes ago before I read your post if I believed I used online shopping as a stress reliever I would say no. Now I realize I do use online shopping as an outlet! But my sister is way worse, and so is my mother. I really like your suggestion to make a list of items you actually need. This would make it easier for online shoppers to still get their stress relief without the after effect of high credit card bills and low self esteem! I can't think of any other option for these shoppers since their behavior is continuos an they need it to feel better!
ReplyDeleteI do not go to retail therapy or online shopping for a stress reliever. I only use online shopping if I really need/want something and I find it more convenient to get online. I don't ever shop in stores either to relieve stress; I find it very stressful to go shopping in large, crowded areas; I also find it stressful to try on a bunch of different clothes.
ReplyDeleteAddicts can deal with online retail therapy addictions by finding a stress relief in something else. Maybe they can add things to their wish list online instead of buying things; they could also try yoga or working out.
To be honest, I am 100% guilty of using online shopping as a stress reliever. Even if I don't actually buy stuff, it feels nice to find things I like and just put it in the cart. I think the convenience of it all is relaxing and easy for holiday shopping.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm the type that would, in fact, prefer the relaxing music and yoga class to a shopping spree to cope with stress, it does not surprise me that many people like to shop in order to relieve anxiety. However, I feel like physically going shopping at a store and being able to purchase and recieve the item right then, as opposed to ordering it online, would have more of an impact on the mood. I don't see how clicking a few buttons then having to wait a week for something to come in really cures anything. To each their own...
ReplyDeleteI am a retail therapy addict! Just the other day I find myself on the opposite side of the store that the items I needed were. I clearly made a list of the necessities and still ended up distracted. I'm a sucker for a good deal. I do not partake in online shopping often because some companies items vary from those your use to buying in store. I'd rather not deal with the hassle of having to send things back if it doesn't work out. I can be quite impatient on certain things. I do see myself participating in cyber Monday when a lot of the items online will be reduced. I do have a few friends whose first thing to do after getting paid is online shop. I would be broke all the time if I actually enjoyed online shopping.
ReplyDeleteI can be an addict when it comes to certain situations. I can find my self going to any kid of store and somehow I find I "need" items. I sometimes make up reasons for why I need items. I know that for a while I was obsessed with "finding a good deal" and when I found it I couldn't pass it up no matter what.
ReplyDeleteI will have to admit that I have spent time shopping online when I feel too stressed to continue doing what I am doing. Most of the time I don't actually spend money, but I LOVE to browse. When I do buy things under stress, I find that I regret it later, realizing it was a bad use of my money. But I can definitely relate to wasting time shopping when I am in very stressful situations.
ReplyDeleteWell for me shopping is not a choice, in fact i hate shopping because its boring. i only do it if im really in need for new clothes. For my case playing online games with my Ps3 would take off the stress.
ReplyDeleteI believe internet shopping is one of the reasons this country is in the financial crisis that it's in. It is so easy to go online and find a million wants and needs and purchase them with the click of a button. People who shop online to cure stress or anxiety may create new problems for themselves if they do not have the money to spend on the things they are buying. I do not believe online shopping is a healthy way to deal with stress, but everyone is different.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that shopping relieves stress. However when it comes to online shopping, I feel like it is safer for your bank account then in store shopping. A lot of people no like to just look at things they want rather than buying them. Such as pintrest for an example. Not many people buy things off pintrest but they will "pin" it and move on. At least when I am stressed and I do "retail therapy" on line, I am more than likely just browsing than buying.
ReplyDeleteI think that this article is absolutely correct, many people including myself use shopping to relieve stress. Even if we don't buy many of us like to just look around and dream to get our mind off of other things. I can see how this could be a problem for some people, especially those with a lot of disposable income or just those that are careless with their credit cards.
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