Some people may not agree with me that shopping can also be favorable for our physicality and mentality. They would not hesitate to spend a dollar on things that they want, just because they think it’s a waste. Are your happiness and wellness not worth that dollar you earned?
Every girl I know who loves to travel also enjoy shopping, and I am no exception. It boosts my confidence and makes me feel full of energy. Whenever I visit a place, I never fail to see the marketplace. Every marketplace and every shopping arcade have their own unique things to offer.
Trip To Tynemouth
Visiting Tynemouth, first in my itinerary is the Tynemouth market. I read about it on the internet. They offer many great items and I know I can get a good deal if I find something I like.
I was surprised it was as busy as I read it to be. Going from one shop to another never tire me. My eyes were full just seeing those beautiful items on display, handmade decors and souvenirs, antiques, really rare finds were my favorites. And who would ever think that I would find Safrolitics here? I had ordered some of their stuff online. They are just so one of a kind. I couldn’t help but make my first few purchases of tiny kitschy to take back home.
Benefits Of Going On Shopping Trips
I’m a rational shopper. Sometimes, I don’t really have to buy anything. Just walking around, meeting people, and seeing the smile on the tourists’ faces give me a happy feeling. Being around the marketplace makes me more comfortable and it somehow alleviates the loneliness of traveling alone.
“Taking time away from the stresses of work and daily life can improve our health, motivation, relationships, job performance, and perspective and give us the break we need to return to our lives and jobs refreshed and better equipped to handle whatever comes.” –Shannon Torberg, PsyD, LP
Being in a foreign land can be a bit scary. Shopping around for a while makes my heart feel at ease. If you want to know more about the place and the people, I believe the marketplace is the best place to go. It is where I learned so much about culture and tradition. It shows in the products they sell and the food they offer. It’s always nice to talk with the old people doing business there. They make you feel you belong to the community. I don’t really need to buy their stuff to be helpful to me. (But of course, that is not always the case especially when they’re too busy with the customers).
Shopping around a marketplace like Tynemouth market is a form of exercise. It makes me move around and walk long meters as I carry pieces of stuff. It’s an excellent physical activity. Yes, beating the pavement as you go shopping can make you lose some pounds.
There are so many handmade items and rare finds that tease me to take home. Not buying more than what I need to give to friends as token tests my self-control. Having self-control, knowing what things I should purchase, and up to what extent I could spend are predicting factors of a sound mental health. I may love the market, but I am no compulsive buyer.
While sitting in the cafeteria, you’ll to meet other tourists and have a nice chat with them. Socializing gets me excited. I talk to strangers asking them about the things they have purchased or how their trip is so far. We exchange ideas on where or what to do next and share stories, and we even arrange meetups by the beach.
“Staring at the ocean actually changes our brain waves’ frequency and puts us into a mild meditative state.” –Richard Shuster, PsyD
It can’t be denied that shopping has its benefits. A study done showed that older people who go shopping for their needs everyday live to be happier than those who don’t. Experts can’t precisely say why shopping affects happiness and longevity. But for me, I think the obvious reason is that you get to move more and purchase healthier foods and beverages to your liking. I can shop for things to give my friends, and that brings joy to my heart. I can be around other people to socialize, which gets me excited and forget that I’m alone.
Mental wellness is just as important as our physical health, and both are important to living a life that is healthy and meaningful. You may be spending a dollar when you shop, but the happiness it brings is just priceless. Remember, “Happy people do things differently. They make their emotional wellbeing a priority and practice daily and weekly habits that help them create joy, happiness and satisfaction in their lives.” Dr. Chantal Gagnon PhD LMHC said.
