Home Subscribe Write for Us FAQ Contact HubGarden Login

12 Activities Instead Of Retail Therapy

by Marie Vonow (follow)

Blogs:https://minamaries.blogspot.com.au https://simpleselfimprovement.blogspot.com.au/

Shopping (46) Money (18) Activities (10) Advertising (5) Consumerism (5) Depression (3) Spending (3)

Adapted from image by Pixabay

It is quite common for women to go shopping to combat feelings of depression, anxiety, boredom, inadequacy or loneliness. Some shop to reward themselves. For many buying unnecessary things is just a habit and it's one that is pretty easy to get into whatever your budget.

One study found 31% of women sometimes shop to make themselves feel better and 53% have shopped to reward themselves or celebrate.

Advertisements play on our emotions by telling us we need item x or it will make us more beautiful, more desirable or more successful. Or that we're worth it or have earned it.

Some alternative activities
When the urge to shop to fill a void strikes, substitute another activity you enjoy. Do something that takes your mind off shopping and makes you feel good. If you shop out of boredom find an activity that is interesting and inspiring.

Here are twelve suggestions:

Get cuttings from plants in your friends' gardens and strike them to grow your own new plants. Time in the garden has many benefits for your well being.

Do some form of exercise you enjoy. Exercising releases mood boosting endorphins. If you choose to go for a walk, stay away from places where you will be tempted to spend money.

Go through your wardrobe and remove clothes you no longer wear. You may rediscover clothes you forgot you had. Spend time trying on clothes and experiment with different combinations so you have a new look to wear next time you go out.

You might be able to swap a few clothes with a friend who is the same size or exchange some accessories such as scarves and necklaces. Donate or sell the clothes you no longer want.

Go online and look at different ways to wear your hair or do your make up. Experiment.

Image courtesy Pixabay

Invite a positive friend over for a cuppa and a chat or have a chat on the phone. Contact with positive friends makes us feel happier.

Watch a comedy or a feel good movie at home. Avoid anything likely to make you feel negative or depressed.

Start a blog as a way to express yourself.

Write down your thoughts. Add drawings if you feel inspired to do so. A journal or writing poetry may help you work through your emotions and insecurities.

Listen to uplifting music. It doesn’t matter what type of music it is, as long as it works for you. You may want to do something else while you listen or just soak up the music.

Image courtesy Pixabay

Spend time with your pet. Whether you cuddle your pet or play fetch is up to you. Tip, 'fetch' works better with a dog than with your average cat or galah.

Take a relaxing bath and indulge yourself. Use a bath product that makes you feel good. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure.

Rearrange a room. Whether you choose to declutter for a more minimalist look or swap curtains and accessories from one room to another is up to you. Being busy and having a lovely tidy room that looks fresh and different as a result should lift your spirits.

If you find your compulsion to go shopping is too strong you may need professional help. You could be suffering from compulsive shopping disorder. Have a chat to your doctor for further advice.

# Activities
# Advertising
# Consumerism
# Depression
# Money
# Shopping
# Spending

I like this Article - 3