Comments on: The Compulsion to Alleviate Stress by Shopping

By: One Frugal Girl

One Frugal Girl — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 02:41:00 +0000

@midwest chick -- It took me a few weeks before I figured out why I went shopping. The next time you feel the urge to shop, try to stop and ask yourself what you're upset or stressed about.

@shopping sherpa -- The idea of going to an art gallery or a museum is a great one, but there isn't one close by. I like the idea of finding a place, other than the store, that would distract me from my thoughts.

@rtc & grey -- I definitely kept my shopping in control even in times of stress, but if a similar situation ever arises I'd like to do something more meaningful with my time. I think it would lift my spirits even more.

By: Grey

Grey — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:29:00 +0000

I found this article incredibly touching…and I can certainly relate. I frequently use shopping (even just window shopping), as a way to alleviate stress and just feel “normal”. It’s very hard, however, to stop yourself from buying things. I pretty much have to give myself the “do you really need this, or do you just want it as a pick-me-up because times are hard right now?” talk.

I think it’s important to question why we’re mindlessly shopping, and I think it’s okay to indulge that “need” for distraction, within reason.

By: RTC

RTC — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:44:00 +0000

It sounds like you have your compulsion under control

By: The Shopping Sherpa

The Shopping Sherpa — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 22:13:00 +0000

Do you have an art gallery or museum nearby? If so you may find visiting and looking at new exhibits does the same as looking at new things in shops. Otherwise a trip to the public library to pick out books, CDs and DVDs to borrow would fill the same "hole"

:-)

By: Midwest Chick

Midwest Chick — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:30:00 +0000

I enjoyed this post. I just wrote yesterday about how I had an itch to go shopping. You bring up a great point about stress. It makes me wonder why I really want to shop.