Go on. Buy it. Treat yourself.
A phrase many of us are now used to hearing.
When did our lives become so entrenched in capitalism that purchasing goods- be it a doughnut or a bag - became our only source of relief?
Our fast-paced and hectic lives leave no space to find internal peace and self fulfilment, and instead of slowing down, we are encouraged to fill the gaps with some cheeky shopping.
According to the official Gov.uk Obesity Profile of May 2023, in 2021 to 2022 63.8% of adults over the age of 18 were estimated to be overweight or obese.
Our consumerist society is only encouraging this.
Rather than a break from work, we are encouraged to “treat ourselves” and buy a cake and coffee.
Yet, the dopamine wears off before it is even fully digested, and you are plunged back into the cycle of stress and anxiety.
Until the next time you pass a shop and are encouraged to splurge on an overpriced latte that you “deserve”.
What you deserve is a break.
How often are we told to decompress, to hit the pause button and take care of our state of mind?
Not often enough.
Is it a coincidence that according to The Journal of Psychiatric Research (published in 2020), worldwide depression rates have increased by 49.86% in the past 20 years?
But how can we escape the culture that has been ingrained into so many of us?
Next time you feel stressed, take a second to zoom out.
Look at what has caused you to feel that way- and you might notice a pattern or cycle of habits and events in your life.
Put the focus on long-term change and establishing a life where you feel that post-purchase dopamine all of the time, without the financial and health implications.
Let’s break the cycle.
Your bank accounts will thank you, and so will your children, who will learn the value of true peace and a balanced life.
