Seriously, why are there so many types of tortilla chips?
The mysterious It we’re talking about isstresswhile grocery shopping.
Over time, repeated stressors can negatively impact mood and contribute to burnout or avoidance behaviors, explains Camp.
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But too many choices can lead todecision fatigue, leave you drained, overwhelmed, and stressed.
“When you go grocery shopping, you have to make hundreds of not thousands of decisions each time.
Shock at high prices:None of us are strangers to inflation.
I felt overstimulated by the size, noise, and crowds.
I felt very overwhelmed at the end of the whole experience, Bravo recalls.
The stress of … well, not having toilet paper.
That same stress can creep in when you cant find other items on the shelves.
Supplier issues and heavy demand can make you feel like youre scurrying just to shop for basic needs.
Trying to get it all done during that time can be nerve-wracking.
I will always remember a day when I was very stressed and going to the supermarket increased my stress.
I was upset and felt uncomfortable, shares Aura De Los Santos, Clinical Psychologist atTherapybyaura.com.
Unfamiliar store layouts:Not knowing where to find certain items leaves you searching up and down the aisles.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead includes preparing for your shopping experience.
Trader Joes offers many frozen healthy meal choices.
Ask for Help
A special or sale can still lead to confusing signage, or lack thereof.
Mindfulness techniques, such as taking deep breaths when feeling overwhelmed, can also help.
Design Matters
Youve shopped at a store for months and know the layout.
Or you visit a store thats not your usual and feel like nothing is where its supposed to be.
Thedesign of the grocery storeimpacts your entire experience.
Nicole Bravo, LMFT
Grocery stores that are small to moderately sized can reduce stress for shoppers.
Other stores that feature wide,unclutteredaisles and clear signage can also help, Camp adds.
Grocery stores that are small to moderately sized can reduce stress for shoppers.
I personally enjoy shopping at Trader Joes or Whole Foods, says Bravo.
American Medical Association.What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Decision Fatigue.
