De-stress at the mall?!?!?

Once and a while, we get so frazzled, so caught up and tangled with everything that we just feel like GETTING OUT OF TOWN, and relaxing. The reality is, most of us can't just pick up and go right this minute.

There IS a solution to the stress of it all, and its not the use of recreational drugs or alcohol.
Women have known it for ages, and Men have been very careful on how involved they get - especially if you share the experience of SHOPPING.

The root of all evil is greed, and if greed comes from money, and since money creates stress, you may think that supporting your greed by using money to go shopping is not a good idea for stress releif (especially when you have little of it).

If you need to combat your stress and you get bummed by not being able to just get up and go up north or down to the Coromandel to relax, try the theraputic properties of shopping. Its sounds wacky dunnit?

Do not decide beforehand that you WILL actually make purchases, just go to look and TAKE YOUR TIME.
Have fun and bring a friend. Be especially nice to the people in the stores. Create a nice rapport. Now, if you come across something on sale you just cannot miss out on (and your funds will allow) then sure, buy it. You may even get a discount!

By actually going shopping, you indirectly target greed, by being in the vulnerable position of standing in front of desire - the 'evil'. You like those shoes, or WANT that shirt. When you are in a mall, wanting these things when you convince yourself you NEED them, is greed. Realise the difference and you will overcome the mind manipulation that is STRESS (at least temporarily).

If you have no money to start with, just browse and think about gifts for friends and family. This will get you thinking of them, and appreciate that friendship and kinship is more important that money and greed.

If you still have trouble thinking about the problematic elements of coming face to face with your desires at the shopping mall, try this. Swap the items you wanted in the mall, for your thoughts of your holiday.

You want both, but which would you prefer?

If you eliminate the WANT, you stop the mental debate in your mind. This eliminates stress because there is no expectation to gain anything. Instead you can clearly understand what you NEED, which may be that holiday.