Is shopping really good for the soul? You’ve probably heard the term “retail therapy” in the past, but is there actually anything to it? There is no question that some people swear by it. On the other hand, plenty of individuals say the whole idea is absolute rubbish. Not surprisingly, there have been a few studies aimed at determining whether or not shopping can truly make you a happier person. The results may surprise you.
Can shopping help you through a difficult time?
Have you ever decided to go shopping because you were feeling down? Perhaps you thought that buying a little something for yourself would cheer you up. You may have been onto something. It seems that people who go shopping have an easier time dealing with difficult phases of their lives. Everyone has a different idea of exactly what that entails, but shopping apparently helps you feel better when you are dealing with something unsettling. Some people shop when they lose a loved one or when someone close to them is seriously ill. Others shop when they change jobs, move to a different house, or relocate to a new city. Some shop to help them deal with the daily stresses of life. Others use retail therapy to help them get through an abusive relationship or a child going to college. In short, shopping can help you get in a better mood, even in the face of such challenges.
Why does shopping help?
As it turns out, shopping increases the level of dopamine in your brain. This is the chemical that is largely responsible for making you feel happy. It is also the same chemical that the brain releases when you exercise. If you have heard of “runner’s high” before, then you already know something about dopamine. When enough of this chemical is released, it can feel like a natural high. You might even go as far as saying that shopping can give you the same high as running, all without the treadmill, sweat or pain that goes with it.
Does it only work for adults?
The good news is that shopping can also help kids as they develop throughout childhood. This is especially true when they enter into some of the more difficult phases of childhood, such as adolescence. All that time, you thought your teenager was practically living at the mall just to get out of the house (and away from her parents). According to science, she’s doing it because she needs to boost her mood. This might give you some food for thought the next time she wants to head to the mall. Maybe she’s just trying to successfully navigate the many challenges of being a teenager.
Are their limits to the amount of help retail therapy can provide? Each person has to answer that question for themselves. As long as you’re not spending more money than you can comfortably afford to spend, you should probably go ahead and enjoy your newfound hobby. If it gets too expensive, you could always go to the gym instead.