5 Ways to Cope Without Shopping

Every fashionista knows the cure to all of life’s problems…shopping! And hey while we’re at it, what’s the best way to celebrate life’s wins…shopping! I’m a complete victim of using retail therapy as a coping method. Bad day? I will treat myself with something new. Accomplishment at work? I will reward myself with something new.  Boring Saturday? I will stay entertained by buying something new.  Can you see the pattern here?

While I’m a strong supporter of the right prescription of retail therapy, at what point are we overdosing? This week I detail how to cope with the 5 kinds of retail therapy.

1.  Bad Day Retail Therapy

We’ve all been there, that terrible day that seems to have no light at the end. You’ll feel better with that purchase”high” but it will soon wear off. On a bad day, try to feel better by comforting yourself with activities that make your soul happy rather than relying on the rush of something new. Try a bubble bath, connecting with friends, or watching your favorite comedy to remedy a tough day.

2.  Boredom Retail Therapy

I can’t tell you how many boring rainy days in Seattle make me want to shop. However treating every boring moment as an excuse to buy something, will only leave you broke and usually bored again. Next time you want to shop on a boring day, try to do something that will enhance or build a new skill. This could be learning a new language, going to the gym, or cooking a new meal. Curing boredom with productive activities will fuel personal growth and maybe a new hobby.

3. Accomplishment Retail Therapy

There’s a fine line between rewarding yourself after a promotion versus rewarding yourself for getting through another work week. When you accomplish something amazing and want to treat yourself, I say go for it! However, be careful not to reward yourself too much because as soon as you know it, you’ll think getting out of bed deserves a new handbag. Measure your significant accomplishments versus your daily accomplishments to really question what deserves a trip to Nordstrom.

4. Insecure Retail Therapy

You just stalked your ex’s new girlfriend on Instagram and suddenly your confidence is at all time low.  The truth is, when we feel insecure, there is something wrong on the inside and buying something for our outside will only temporarily solve this problem. When you’re feeling insecure, make a list of the things that make you great.  When you’ve completed the list, you’ll be less focused on patching your insecurities with new shoes and more focused on the traits that already make you amazing.

5.  Stress Retail Therapy

Avoiding stress by shopping usually doesn’t do your wardrobe or wallet any favors. You end up buying things to cure temporary stress which results in wasted money and poor purchase decisions. Next time you’re feeling stressed, do something that relaxes and rejuvenates your mind and body. Try meditating, taking a nap, doing yoga, or reading a book. Cure your stress with productive relaxation methods rather than filling your closet.