Escape the Shopping Trap

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A Little Retail Therapy?

I used to think that spending a free afternoon at the shopping centre was the ultimate way to treat myself. A little retail therapy, right? But every time I left the mall, I felt worse than when I walked in. The bright artificial lighting, the endless rows of clothes and products I was supposed to want, and the subtle pressure to “keep up”—to look a certain way, dress a certain way, and even have my home styled in a way that society deems acceptable. It was like the whole place was designed to remind me of what I don’t have or who I’m supposed to be. And, if I’m honest, it left me feeling... empty.

The Hidden Costs of Retail Therapy

Even though I’ve become very aware of this kind of societal conditioning and the marketing machine that fuels it, it still has a way of getting under my skin. I know that I don’t need the latest fashion to be happy, or a perfect house to feel fulfilled, but walking through those shops makes it hard not to fall into that trap. I like to think I’ve got a backbone of steel, and yet, it still weighs on me. I walk out not just feeling exhausted from the experience, but often disheartened.

Discovering a Better Way

But here’s the thing: I’ve discovered something that makes me feel the exact opposite. Instead of spending my downtime in a shopping centre, trying to fill a void that can’t be filled with things, I’ve started doing something incredibly simple and healing—I take a walk in nature. And it doesn’t have to be an all-day hike (although that’s amazing too). Every single time, just an hour walking barefoot in the sand dunes, along the beach, or through a forest is enough to completely shift my mood.

The Power of Grounding

There’s something about being in nature that just strips away all of that stress and that I can breathe again. I feel lighter, more connected to myself, and grounded—both literally and figuratively. In fact, "grounding" or "earthing" is a practice that’s been shown to have real benefits. When I take my shoes off and let my bare feet touch the earth—whether it's sand, grass, or soil—I feel an instant sense of calm. Grounding has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood, and even better sleep. It’s like a natural reset button for my body and mind. (You can get slip-on Croc-style grounding clogs here and a sportier version here for those frosty days when barefoot isn't an option!)

The Impact of Stress on Health

There’s also a scientific reason why this shift in my routine feels so beneficial. The environment of a shopping centre—with its harsh lighting, constant noise, and subtle pressure to buy—actually increases stress levels, which in turn raises cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that, when elevated, can contribute significantly to weight gain, particularly around the midsection. So, each time I subjected myself to the stress of the mall, I was unknowingly contributing to my expanding waistband!

Embracing Peace and Wellness

On these walks, I’m not bombarded by advertisements telling me what I “need” to be happy. I don’t feel like I’m in competition with anyone, or like I need to fit into some impossible standard. Instead, I feel like I’m reconnecting with what truly matters—my health, my inner peace, and my happiness. It’s such a stark contrast to the noise and emptiness of a shopping centre. By reducing my stress, I’m also lowering my cortisol levels, which helps me manage my weight more effectively and feel better overall.

If you’re like me, and you sometimes find yourself drained by the pressure to keep up with society’s ever-changing standards, I encourage you to give this a try. The next time you have a bit of spare time, skip the shopping centre and head outside instead. Even if it’s just for an hour or less, walk barefoot in the sand or on the grass, take in the fresh air, and see how you feel afterward. For me, it’s the best form of “self-care” I’ve found—and it doesn’t cost a thing.

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