Do you find yourself shopping to make yourself feel better? If you use retail therapy to lift your mood, it won’t be long before you accumulate clutter in your home (hidden or not).
It is a vicious cycle because your clutter will lead you to feel poorly again.
Instead of going shopping and buying things to boost your mood, try a different way to treat yourself and feel better at the same time.
Feel better without retail therapy by trying one or more of these ideas:
- Get some fresh air and spend some time in nature.
- Go for a walk.
- Curl up in a cozy spot and read a book.
- Get creative. Work on a craft, doodle, take pictures or write.
- Spend time doing a hobby.
- Visit a museum or zoo.
- Volunteer.
- Have a spa day. Take a bubble bath or do your nails.
- Watch a movie.
- Spend time with close family and friends.
- Have a game night with popcorn or other fun snacks.
- Give yourself a 5-minute, 10-minute, or even 15-minute break and just do nothing.
- Meditate, practice yoga, or exercise.
- Bake your favorite dessert.
- Buy a plant or some flowers to decorate your home.
- Reorganize the furniture in a room for a fresh look.
What did I miss? How do you help yourself feel better?
These are excellent ideas. I’d add “listen to music” to the list.
I’ve always been a fairly purposeful shopper, although I have been guilty of using shopping as entertainment on occasion. These days, between COVID and my decluttering focus, I pretty much avoid malls and stores at all costs.
That’s a good one!
This is so true! I have definitely used retail “therapy” and later found myself with too much stuff. Your list is great, all my go to items are included 👍
It is easy to do. I still get the urge now and then but it is easier to see those sale items as clutter now and I avoid buying them!
Sometimes we don’t realise we are doing it. I thinks its important to take stock which is what reading blogs like this help you do.
I agree. I used to convince myself I needed things before. Now that I have simplified my life it is much easier to tell the difference between wanting something and needing something. I’m glad my post is a reminder for you! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Another great list, Suzanne! I used to be quite the shopper when I worked in Corporate America, and I have loads of clothes and shoes that I haven’t worn in years! (Which I’ll need if I have to go to work for someone else again, so I don’t dare give them away!) Now, my shopping habit has been replaced by regular massage sessions; so much better in every way! 🌞
Massage sessions sounds like a great alternative! I normally go once a year and I always feel amazing afterwards. 😀
I don’t know what it is about plants that really breathes life into me… I agree with you 100% on buying a plant, but not so much for decoration but because of how we really need nature to thrive as humans! A friend of mine who is a holistic psychologist actually recommends spending 10 minutes a day, barefoot on the grass.
I’ve been working on finding the best plant for each room. I love having plants around. They look nice and they put me in a better mood.
Being barefoot outside is the best. I pretty much spend my entire summer without shoes. 😁
Lol you sound like my other half!
🦶 😀🍃
We’ve started growing fruits and vegetables in our garden and that’s been a fun distraction!
That is a great distraction! I love working in my garden.😀
Love this! Retail therapy often results in buying pointless clutter so I like to do some of the things you’ve suggested 🙂 x
In the past, I accumulated a lot of useless things. Luckily, I realized my wrongdoing and was able to donate or give away most of the stuff while it was still in good condition.
I won’t make that mistake again though! I love being surrounded by only the things I love. I also immensely enjoy the open space, it is calming and relaxing.😀