Emotional Shopping as a Quick Fix

Emotional shopping as a quick fix usually leads to other problems be they personal, financial, or relationship wise. We've all done it at some time or another, and usually a statement of validation such as "I deserve it" seemingly follows the purchase. The funny thing is, once you get home and buyer's remorse hits, the quick high you felt when you purchased the item, as well as the allure of purchasing the item has turned into a totally different feeling. Emotional shopping as a quick fix is generally a band-aid to a much bigger problem.

When going through stressful times in life, shopping is a great distraction. The problem is that sooner or later not only do we have to deal with the stressors; we have added an additional one to the pile of problems. Let's even say one can afford to use emotional shopping as a quick fix. The problems that led one to seek temporary fulfillment, momentary gratification, the quick high of receiving the undivided attention of the salesperson as all of the beautiful "I deserve it" trinkets are purchased - has worn off.

The emotional shopper is left with an empty unfulfilled feeling. In a study at Emory University it was stated that the effect of shopping is a surge of dopamine in the brain, which of course touches the pleasure center not unlike a drug high (www.experiencelife.com). But just like drugs you have to come down off of the high and deal with the reality of life and the problems that led you to attempt the ultimate escape in the first place. So what is a girl or guy to do who uses emotional shopping as a quick fix?

Here are a few rational tips to avoid using emotional shopping as a quick fix to solve your emotional problems. The next time your feel the urge to impulse buy or shop emotionally, pay attention to what feelings preceded the urge, to determine what your triggers are. Starting journaling these triggers down whenever this occurs. If you find yourself in a department store or mall anyway and you start to buy an item, walk away from it and come back to it later. Think twice about the purchase and ask yourself how and if it can actually resolve the feelings you are experiencing.

Chances are you will find not only do you not want it; you most likely don't need it. Also when not under the influence of emotional duress chances are you just might shop totally differently. Also if you find yourself in the situation where you know that you have used emotional shopping as a quick fix to solve another emotional problem, write the purchase down, how much your paid for it, and how much time you spend rumoring over whether or not to purchase it.

Be good to your self before it is too late and you find yourself a couple of thousand dollars in debt for trinkets with price tags still on them hanging in your closet that have most likely gone unused. If you find you can't control yourself seek professional help. You need to determine why you are using emotional shopping as a quick fix. Usually it is for one of several reasons being excitement to relieve boredom, fulfillment, rewards, validation, or revenge. If you are single it is one thing, but if you are a part of a couple, and have a family your decisions affect your entire family unit.