Ten Ways to Soothe Yourself Instead of Shopping
About a week ago I got an injury while I was lifting weights. I’m trying to get workouts in with the Big Fit Girl workout app, but I’m starting pretty out of shape. Today I worked out again and the injury came back full force. It is this annoying pain in the back of my ribcage, and it really hurts! So I sat at my desk tonight and went on Facebook for a second, got out my journal, and basically felt frantic to try and soothe myself. Then it occurred to me that I have been wanting a new purse. As a (former) collector of handbags, I started looking at Nordstrom Rack and then Etsy for a new bag. I stopped myself from buying anything. Then I figured out other ways to soothe myself instead.
Ten Ways to Soothe Yourself Instead of Shopping
Have a snack or prep some meals. This one is good because prepping meals, baking or finding a healthy way to nourish yourself is a great place to start!
Write in your journal or do some art journaling. I got out my journal and wrote about how I was feeling.
Shop your own closet. Chances are you already have something similar to what you were thinking about buying.
Read a book to get some inspiration.
Make something with your hands. This one is a perfect go to for me, because I can sew a bag in less time than it actually takes to order one and wait for it to arrive on my doorstep.
Take a walk or work out.
Meditate. Light a candle and take some deep breaths. You could also say a prayer and connect with the Divine.
Do something kind for someone else. My husband wanted some cinnamon rolls tonight, so I baked some for him.
Listen to music or Youtube some music videos. This one is my go to, and you can have so much fun discovering new music.
Take a nap. If you are stressed or feeling like impulse shopping, chances are you really need to unwind instead. Get some rest and hold off on spending until you are more relaxed and can make a better decision.
Well, I did not shop tonight so it was a win for the environment and for my pocketbook! I got to save some money and do things that truly filled my well. Nurture yourself when you feel the urge to shop, or find ways to be of service to others. Shopping is not true self-care, it is merely a distraction. Take care of yourself instead of impulse shopping and your life will feel amazing!
