Author : Sylvia Dickens
Shopping can be a stressful event, as many of you have already discovered. It can come from the long line-ups at the cash register, large crowds, heavy traffic and hovering salespeople. It can also happen because we're buying expensive items or trying to choose a special gift.How can a person shop comfortably with all this "stress" and especially, make that all-important purchase? How do you achieve anxiety relief quickly?For awhile, I've wanted to update my old 24" television set that I bought in 1984. Although it's still watchable, it's lost its clarity and color definition. This takes away from the pleasure that can be enjoyed, so the other day I decided to buy a new one.As I went out the door, I figured I could get a new set for under $500, until I saw the flat wide-screen, high definition sets. The less expensive ones didn't impress me, and my eye for good quality wouldn't stray from one high end set from a well-known manufacturer I'd respected for decades. Considering the quality of the picture and the stability and reputation of the firm, I knew this was the set for me.The price tag, however, was way out of my budget, so I decided to look elsewhere in the hope of finding a less expensive high definition wide screen. There was one, but it too was out of my budget. For hours, I pondered my decision while standing in each store talking with the sales clerk who kept me company.I knew I couldn't afford such an expensive set or even a cheap set, but I wanted it. The stress was building. After much deliberation, I took the plunge and we headed for the pay machine. All the while, a voice inside me kept reminding me that I couldn't afford this purchase. And there was this discomfort in my stomach that I hoped would go away after the purchase. On previous occasions when I'd bought something I just couldn't afford, this anxiety nagged at me for months.This time, it turned out that my bank card has a daily withdrawal limit that is much less than the price of the set. We tried several ways to enter the sale, but it was rejected. Perhaps someone is watching over me, I thought. This must be a sign that I shouldn't do this.When I returned home, I continued to ponder getting the set and how I'd raise the cash. Clearly, I was determined to buy it and put myself into debt. Next morning, it was the first thing on my mind, but my attitude had changed. After reviewing my financial situation, I realized how foolish it would have been to spend so much right now. I decided not to buy the set today. Instead, I'd make it a future "gift" to aim for by working and saving harder. I think I'm happy with this decision. After all, my current set is still watchable and I don't really "need" the other set immediately.If you're finding yourself stressed about buying a particular item, take it as a sign. Maybe your mind is trying to tell you something, as mine was. Taking time to re-evaluate the purchase and weigh all sides will go far to easing the stress and anxiety that can come with shopping.First of all, don't worry about the salesperson and don't be pressured into buying when your inner voice is telling you otherwise. Take as much time as you need. Get away from the store for awhile. Go have a coffee and distract yourself so you can come back and take a fresh look.Sometimes, our minds become so focused on the purchase that common sense can get blurred. Taking a break from the decision-making process can help put things back into perspective. The pressure we put on ourselves will ease.After "recovering" from this event, I took a closer look at why I got into that anxiety state.
There have been times in the past when I've waited to make such a buy and missed out. This now causes me instant anxiety. In this recent instance, the set was being offered to me at $300 less than the ticketed price. That's because I found the same set elsewhere for less and this store was willing to match the price.Then, I wondered if this particular set would be discontinued and I'd lose out altogether, because I really did like it.When I allowed my common sense to take over, I realized that this "reduced price" and possible discontinuation of the product were my motivating factors, apart from the obvious desire for a better set. Today, the set might cost $1500, but in January after the Christmas rush it might be even less.So what if this set is no longer available then. Perhaps they will have released an even better set. Also, consider the end result. By buying now when I don't really need it and can't afford it, I'll end up spending even more than the original price due to the interest charges.By delaying the purchase and allowing our perspective to fall back into place, purchases can take on a new light. We will enjoy anxiety relief in the end, and we'll feel better about our decision.Sylvia Dickens is an award-winning journalist who has struggled and overcome panic and anxiety. Formerly with the Canadian Mental Health Association, she's written, "A Guide to Teenage Depression & Suicide" and offers a book to cure panic quickly and without medication. You can learn more at http://www.book-titles.ca/anxietycure.htm and on her blog at Natural Anxiety Relief
Keyword : anxiety relief,stress relief,relieve stress,shopping anxiety,stress management
สมัครสมาชิก:
ส่งความคิดเห็น (Atom)
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น