Is retail therapy real? Research shows that buying something new gives you dopamine which is a happy hormone in your brain and body. Happiness is good for your health and wellbeing, so retail therapy is legitimate – It’s all about how to strike a balance – you have to know how to manage your finances while enjoying your money at the same time. I’ve worked in retail and I’m also very interested in retail therapy (in a way, my retail job was very therapeutic). What’s more, I have traveled the world and bought many meaningful souvenirs from all over the world. Hence, in this blog post, I’m going to share with you my experiences in this regard.
- How does retail therapy work?
Whenever you buy something new, your brain gives you dopamine which leads to excitement. Whenever you buy something fun, your body produces nitric oxide which improves your health. Never underestimate the power of joy.
For many years, I thought I should only buy things that I needed and shouldn’t buy things that I wanted. Whenever I was about to buy something, I asked myself, “Do I need this? Or do I want this?” If I wanted it, I wouldn’t buy it; however, if I needed it, I would buy it. I thought that was a great principle until I read a book about the importance of buying things that I want: If I buy something that I want, I would definitely use it more often, so that’s good value!
Therefore, I changed my principle. Instead of buying things that I need only, I allocate a percentage of my income to buy things that I want. Here is my plan: Every month when I receive my pay, I save 10% of my income; I pay my bills; I transfer 10% of my income to my play account – the amount of money on this account can be spent on things that I want. Due to this clarity, I have the certainty in my life, and I don’t feel guilty whenever I buy things that I want because I know the money on my play account is for entertainment, so it can be spent. Entertainment is just as paramount as education because entertainment gives me the deepest joy.
- International travel is enlightening, but which countries offer phenomenal retail therapy?
If you find clothes therapeutic, you might go to France and Italy where high-end clothes are made. These products are timeless, so they will last for a very long time. This type of retail therapy has long-lasting effects because every time you wear these items, you feel nourished.
Personally, I find makeup therapeutic because it’s fun, so each time I go to the United States, I would definitely buy hydrating lipsticks from Too Faced, cream eyeshadow from Clinique and dramatic mascara from Elizabeth Arden.
When it comes to Australia, several fashion brands are iconic:
- Review is a feminine brand that has a vintage vibe. It offers a loyalty program which gives VIP members rewards every month as well as a birthday gift voucher.
- Dangerfield is an alternative brand for both men and women because it has a quirky style. Other unique brands such as Princess Highway, Revive and Black Friday are also sold in Dangerfield freestanding stores.
- Zimmermann is a high-end designer brand for women who love everything dreamy. It’s also a well-known brand internationally.
Of course, not everyone likes buying clothes and makeup. If digital gadgets make you happy, save money for those. If a new watch makes you satisfied, make that your next goal. There is nothing wrong with that. I’ve done a lot of international travel and I’ve met so many people, so I know different people have different interests. Life is short, so please do what makes you happy.
“International travel makes me feel energized; as a result, I derive a tremendous amount of joy from this hobby.”
