therapy

Retail therapy is a term that brings up myriad emotions for people, ranging from guilt about shopping to feelings of joy when that perfect item is found. If you find yourself overindulging in retail therapy, you may be afraid of what your bank account or your conscience will look like at the end of the day, but not all aspects of retail therapy have to be so guilty-inducing. This form of therapy has actually been found to be beneficial for both mental and physical health.

Positive mental benefits

Retail therapy has been shown to be an effective way to improve one’s mood. Shopping can be an excellent way to reward yourself and celebrate a milestone or event. It also gives people a sense of achievement and pride when they find that perfect item they’ve been searching for. Shopping can also be an escape from stress, allowing individuals to forget about their concerns and focus on the present. A study found that Ozarks women considered retail therapy “coping” behavior, meaning that those engaging in it felt satisfied, free, and happy, while those who weren’t seen other escape behaviors as a means of stress relief.

Physical benefits

Further, retail therapy goes beyond just a short-term mental boost; it can also be beneficial to physical health. Shopping can help reduce stress levels, which can have a positive effect on blood pressure and heart rate. Furthermore, shopping can be a form of physical activity; a study in Germany found that browsing a few shops burns an average of 54 calories per hour, and window shopping burns an average of 81 calories per hour.

Finally, shopping can be beneficial for social health. Although it can be done solo, the activity can also help foster connections with friends, family, and even strangers. Even if those connections are brief, they can have a positive effect on one’s well-being.

Overall, retail therapy can bring more than just a short-term mental boost; it can be beneficial for mental, physical, and social health. Shopping can be a form of self-care and should not be seen as a guilty pleasure. So the next time you’re feeling a bit low, don’t forget to treat yourself to some retail therapy.

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