According to a study done by University of Michigan, shopping to reduce stress was 40 times more effective at giving people a sense of control and shoppers were three times less sad than those only looking at items.
More than half of the 1,000 consumers surveyed by Credit Karma, head researcher of the study, said they have shopped to deal with feelings of stress or depression. About 48 percent of men and 31 percent of women who have stress shopping said they had purchased alcohol when stressed. About 82 percent of women spend on clothing compared to 52 percent of men. Women also lead shopping for jewellery, 42 percent, compared to 22 percent for men.
In some sense, stress shopping can actually help you live a healthier life by making sure that your blood pressure is lowered. The survey found 82 percent had only positive feelings about their purchases and that the positive mood was long-lasting. However, stress shopping, for many, could grow into a drive that uses up money, causes conflict, and therefore adds great stress to life.
Despite the in-time joy from purchases, stress shopping never proves along-lasting cure to stress or depression. Actually it needs to be avoided anyhow. Whether you're purchasing Christmas presents or buying groceries, having the items you need written down will provide you with brightness while shopping. Reward yourself for sticking to your list and you'll be more likely to commit to it.
In addition, always think about what you struggle with most financially. Do you spend too much money at the mall? Eating out? Vacations? Make a list of where your money is going and take necessary steps to resist your desire. For example, if you spend too much money on dining out on weekends, stuff your cupboard with food on Friday. So you'll be more likely to stay in and cook. And you need to give up the need to keep up with others. Everyone's financial situation is different and comparison may lead to debt and dissatisfaction with what you already have.
