How to avoid pitfalls of retail therapy? A growing trend and its complexities

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Retail therapy - an act of shopping to improve one's mood-is being increasingly resorted to by many in Bengaluru to cope with stress, sadness, or boredom.

While retail therapy can be a temporary relief, it is important to be aware of the potential consequences.

Who doesn't enjoy shopping? However, few people are aware of oniomania and compulsive buying disorder. While not technically shopping, window shopping or browsing online can also provide a sense of satisfaction that can improve your mood.

Retail therapy is becoming increasingly popular in Bengaluru for a number of reasons. One is the city's growing affluence, which means that people have more disposable income to spend on shopping. Additionally, Bengaluru is a fast-paced city where people are often stressed and overworked. Retail therapy can be a way to de-stress and relax.

However, Sheetal Lekhani, a PhD scholar in clinical psychology at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans), cautions that retail therapy is not actually therapy.

She says, "There are many things that can make us happy, such as shopping or travel. We should use these means to make ourselves happy whenever needed, as long as we don't overuse them and address the real reasons for our problems."

She also believes that it is dangerous to call anything that makes us feel good "therapy."

Surbhi, an assistant professor at Ramanujan College in Delhi, agrees that retail therapy can be helpful in moderation. She says, "It gives a sense of control, brings immense happiness, and helps to distract from low moods. However, it is important to track your purchases and be mindful of your spending so that it does not become an addiction.”

A person who frequently turns to shop for emotional solace shared, "The experience doesn't truly uplift my spirits; I merely savour a fleeting thrill upon unveiling my latest purchase, followed by almost instant remorse for heedlessly squandering money. Despite this awareness, I find myself compelled to persist due to an apparent lack of self-control."

'Avoid falling into a trap'

Establish a budget and adhere to it consistently, ensuring that your purchases are limited to genuine needs or items with practical utility.

Refrain from shopping during periods of stress or heightened emotions, and intersperse shopping with enjoyable alternative activities, adds the professor.