What “retail therapy” means for me
I never thought the term “retail therapy” applied to me. Even though I have spent a few lunch breaks walking up and down State Street, wandering in and out of stores I had visited only a week or so before… I just thought I was looking for “essentials” for my work wardrobe.
Right.
Now that I have cut back on that (really, I have most of what I need) I realize that shopping was just a replacement for what I used to do during my lunch break to get away from work stress for awhile – eat eat EAT!
Don’t worry – I didn’t waste a lot of money, or even spend that many days at the stores, I just realized when I was out there, I wasn’t really looking for anything in particular. I was just looking for a mental break.
For a few months, I have been eating my lunch at my desk. Every day.
I hate this. It makes me feel anti-social. And it doesn’t really count as a mental break. Even if I am sitting there, reading email or blogs, or whatever.
Somedays, I don’t even leave the floor of my building.
Which must be why I liked going to shops. It just got me out of the building. And may be why I would run around outside looking for treats, before I started my healthy lifestyle quest.
We have a “break room.” But you know what? I can’t eat in there. I can’t sit still, and watch people eat their lunch. Without craving something more than mine. I am not starving myself, but I am grazing – I eat small things throughout the day. It actually feels great. But sitting down, and seeing someone eat so much more, along with trying to make small chat – I can’t do it. It makes me all nervous and antsy and depressed. It affects my ENTIRE day.
And I can’t take my small lunch back there and make it last very long. I already eat fast, and I am not eating much. So put those two together – why even go back there?
When I lived and worked in Rome, I did this as well. Only, we HAD to leave the office during lunch. So I would walk around and see the sights, eating my small lunch. Why can’t I do that here?
Yeah, ideally, I wouldn’t be this weird about food.
Themocracy
I wonder if there’s a little park nearby? Why don’t you make the whole purpose of the trip out of the building be a walk? Not a strenuous power walk, not an opportunity to window shop (or actually shop, heh), no dual purpose at all. A mental break would be allowing the thing that does all your mentalling do not much of anything or wander off on its own. Once you’re down and out of the building, stop, zone out and take a deep breath or two. Take yourself out of your office-world in your head as well as physically. While you’re at it, put any other issue-y stuff (waay over) to the side as well (remember, it ain’t goin’ nowhere for long!) Then, meander on over in a direction that doesn’t involve shopping (if that’s possible), and just walk, at a relaxed, consistent pace. Shops everywhere? No park area? Choose the quietest route you can and keep some imaginary blinders on, remembering that this is not about mental stimulus (shopping is definitely its own kind of ‘work’), but a break!
Just a bit (reams, srry) more unsolicited advice from your old pal Catherine.
I found that the more I ate at my desk, the more work I got done. This was a positive thing until I realized that I needed to spend more time outdoors, especially in the summer time. Or time alone in a booth at a local eatery, reading the paper and just enjoying a few moments away from it all.
BTW, love the weight loss progress item on your page. Nice.
I know exactly what you’re talking about. Sometimes I just can’t get away from my desk and other times I just end u p eating there anyway. Those days, but 2:00 I am so antsy cause I didn’t get away.
I agree – eat out somewhere outside. And frankly? Why not go and browse? As long as you aren’t buying, what’s the harm? I used to like to go out and do that just because seeing new stuff sort of shook up my brain again, got it loosened up and moving once more. 🙂 You’re alive, and the rest of the world is still out there thriving too. And you are a part of it.
Eat outside of your work environment whenever possible, even if it is just a small meal or a snack. You are entitled to breaks and when you work through your lunch or breaks, it just becomes expected of you and you may become resentful so simply don’t allow it to happen. Plus, stepping away from things is sometimes the best thing to do for your brain, your eyes, and your attitude. 😉 Also, Vitamin D from the sunshine is extremely good for you!
Catherine – I appreciate your advice! There are tons of plazas here, and of course, Millennium Park. I love to walk to the park and people watch, but sometimes, getting there, around all the tourists, is just more stressful on its own. But, I think it would be good to get out and get some fresh air, if only for 10 minutes or so!
martymankins – I think I get more done too, because there are not as many interruptions. But now winter is coming, and I am thinking “D’oh! Why didn’t I go outside!?” Thanks on the progress bar. Are you thinking of using one?
Cheryl – Yeah. I like to think I will leave on time on those days, but I still don’t. I sometimes hit a wall of exhaustion around 3:00, but not as much as I used to.
Kyra -Maybe window shopping will help me solve my instant gratification problem as well! 😉
teeni – Yeah. I hate it when I eat at my desk and people bother me. Well, how the hell are they supposed to know I am taking my “break”?
my boss and i do this too. we’ll just go to target, or cvs, without NEEDING anything… but just needing to get away from the office for a bit.
we also have a little pond where we work, and we take smoke breaks (well, she takes smoke breaks, i just take breaks!) and walk around it a few times a day if it’s nice out. it’s surprisingly refreshing.
Alice – The pond sounds nice! Being around water always makes me feel relaxed!
I will most likely use a progress bar, but it may be one that I create a weekly graphic for. I start this week… woo hoo!
martymankins – Cool! I can’t wait to see it! I am getting so stoked for you!!!! 😀 😀 😀