Thrifting
“I was feeling stressed out so I did some shop therapy today. I probably bought some things I don’t actually need, but it’s fine.” Most of us have probably heard about shopping as a form of therapy. I used to love shopping when I was younger. My nana would take us to Goodwill almost every week during the summer. As I got older, I refused to thrift shop and only went to the first hand stores to buy my clothes.
This quickly changed again when I got to college, was pretty broke, and took an ethics class that changed my mind on some of my favorite stores because of how they got their clothing. I started hitting up Goodwill, etc. again. At this point in life, I can find just about anything I need through thrifting; although, I do visit places like TJ Maxx and Marshalls frequently as well - new clothes at discounted prices!
Shopping is a way for many people to cope with whatever is concerning them. There’s something very satisfying about making a purchase, finding something cool, and distracting yourself. However, this satisfaction is temporary. I would even argue that out of many coping mechanisms, this one offers the most temporary results. You feel good finding that cool item, show your friends, and that’s about it. If it’s clothing, you might feel nice the first couple times you wear it, but the good feelings quickly fade.
While it may seem like it, I am not arguing against shopping as a coping mechanism. If this is something that really helps you relax every once in a while, do what you gotta do! I am here to just recommend thrift shopping if you are going to shop often as a way to cope. Now, sometimes we do need the “new” things in life, but if you can, try to use these thrift stores! For one, it will be easier on your wallet. How often do you go into a department store and stand there for several minutes contemplating that $40 shirt? At this point in my life, that better be the most comfortable, beautiful, amazing shirt for me to even consider it. However, I spend way less time thinking about a $4.99 shirt at Goodwill. If you are impulsive, thrift shopping isn't going to hurt your finances too much. Secondly, some thrift shops have philanthropic endeavors that are easy to support by shopping there. For example, Goodwill is a non-profit that uses money spent at their thrift store towards community programs like job training for people with disabilities. Finally, thrifting produces some rare finds! There are just some items you can’t get in other places anymore. Why not explore and see what happens?
We all cope in different ways, and shopping happens to be one of them. This coping mechanism can be helpful if used appropriately, just try thrifting sometime!
Challenges/Points:
Shopping is a common distraction technique used as a coping mechanism.
Thrifting is a wallet-friendly alternative to buying everything new.
Try thrifting the next time you have the urge to buy something. See what you can find!
Questions:
Do you ever use shopping as a coping mechanism?
Do you prefer thrifting or buying new?
Does shopping provide a long-term solution to the hard stuff?
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