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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).
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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.
