We’ve all been there, right? That moment when you’re not really hungry, but suddenly you just *need* that cookie or that extra little something. It’s easy to dismiss it as just a craving, but sometimes, it’s a signal. These are the early-warning signs of emotional eating, and knowing them can help you stay in control. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about noticing what’s happening before you get swept away by it.
Key Takeaways
- Pay attention to subtle physical and mental cues that might signal you’re about to eat due to emotions, not hunger.
- Understanding how your brain reacts to sales and the ‘hunt’ for bargains can help you resist impulse buys.
- Recognizing your personal emotional triggers is the first step to managing emotional eating.
- Developing emotional resilience and finding alternative coping strategies are vital for breaking the cycle.
- Early awareness of these patterns, even from childhood, can build a stronger foundation for emotional regulation later in life.
Recognizing Early-Warning Signs of Emotional Eating
Sometimes, you just reach for food without really thinking about it, right? It’s not about being hungry. It’s more like a reflex, a way to deal with whatever’s going on inside. The first step to managing this is just noticing when it happens.
Understanding the Neuroscience of Emotions
Our brains are wired in complex ways, and emotions play a huge role in how we behave, including how we eat. When we feel stressed, bored, or even happy, our brain releases chemicals. Sometimes, these chemical signals get mixed up with hunger signals, leading us to seek out food even when our bodies don’t physically need it. It’s like our brain is trying to solve an emotional problem with a food solution. Understanding that emotions have a physical basis in our brain chemistry can help us see that eating isn’t always about physical hunger. It’s a fascinating area, and learning about the neuroscience of emotions can give us clues about why we react the way we do.
Identifying Your Personal Emotional Red Flags
Everyone has their own unique set of triggers that might lead to emotional eating. These are like personal warning signs. Maybe it’s a specific situation, a certain feeling, or even a time of day. For instance, some people might find themselves reaching for snacks when they’re feeling overwhelmed at work, while others might do it when they’re feeling lonely on a Friday night. Keeping a simple log of when you eat and how you’re feeling can be super helpful. You might notice patterns you never saw before. It’s about becoming a detective of your own habits.
Here are some common emotional states that can trigger eating:
- Stress
- Boredom
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Loneliness
- Happiness (yes, even good feelings can lead to overeating!)
It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and just eat. But taking a pause to check in with yourself can make a big difference. What are you really feeling right now?
The Link Between Emotional Intelligence and Eating
Emotional intelligence, or EI, is basically our ability to understand and manage our own emotions, and to understand and influence the emotions of others. When our EI is lower, we might struggle more with emotional eating. This is because we haven’t developed strong skills for dealing with difficult feelings in healthy ways. Instead, we might turn to food as a quick, albeit temporary, fix. Improving your emotional intelligence can help you build better coping strategies. This means you’re less likely to rely on food when you’re feeling down or stressed. It’s about building a toolkit for managing your inner world, and food is just one small part of that. Developing these skills can lead to a healthier relationship with food and a better overall sense of well-being. You can start by practicing mindful eating techniques.
The Physiological Triggers of Overconsumption
Ever get that feeling, even before you buy anything, that your body is already gearing up for something big? It’s not just in your head. There are real physical responses happening that can push us towards buying more than we intended, especially when sales are involved. It’s like our bodies are wired for a kind of primal response, even when we’re just browsing online.
The Dopamine Rush of the Hunt
Think of shopping like a treasure hunt. Just the act of looking for something, whether it’s in a store or on a website, can kickstart your brain into releasing dopamine. This is that feel-good chemical that makes us want to keep searching for that reward. It’s a powerful motivator, and it happens before we even make a decision to buy. This search itself becomes highly motivating, creating a cycle where the anticipation is almost as rewarding as the find.
Heightened Bodily Responses During Sales
Sales events, like Black Friday or even just a good clearance rack, can trigger a more intense physical reaction. It’s similar to our ancient fight-or-flight response. Your body gets revved up, almost like it’s preparing for a challenge. This heightened state can make it harder to think clearly and resist the urge to buy, especially when there’s a perceived scarcity or a limited-time offer. It’s not just excitement; it’s a physiological arousal designed for survival, now applied to snagging a bargain.
The ‘Fear of Missing Out’ Phenomenon
That nagging feeling that you might miss out on a great deal can put you in a competitive mindset. Suddenly, it’s not just about needing something; it’s about getting it before someone else does. This competitive drive can override rational thought, pushing you to make a purchase you might not have otherwise considered. It’s a powerful psychological trigger that taps into our desire to not be left behind, making impulse buys more likely. We might overestimate how happy a purchase will make us, only to feel regret later.
The instant we decide to buy, we feel good and there’s a rush of positive emotion. But afterwards, similar to a drug addict or alcoholic, intense feelings of guilt after indulging can make it difficult to rebound. We need more. We have to have more. We need the high again. We have to go back for more.
Here’s a quick look at how these triggers can manifest:
- Anticipation: Thinking about a sale or a desired item days in advance can start the dopamine release.
- Search Behavior: The act of browsing, clicking, and looking for deals activates the brain’s reward system.
- Sale Urgency: Limited-time offers and discounts create a sense of pressure, mimicking a threat response.
- Competitive Drive: The fear of missing out can lead to impulsive decisions to secure a deal.
Understanding these physical responses is a key step in managing the urge to overconsume, especially when faced with tempting sales. It’s about recognizing that your body’s reaction is a normal, albeit sometimes unhelpful, response to certain stimuli, and learning how to manage it. For more on managing cravings, you can look into understanding food cravings.
Subtle Cues Preceding Compulsive Behavior
You know that feeling? The one where you’re just browsing, maybe looking for a specific item, and then suddenly, you’re caught in a whirlwind of sale signs and impulse buys. It’s easy to get swept up, and often, we don’t even realize it’s happening until it’s too late. These subtle shifts in our behavior and internal state are the real early warnings.
It’s not always a loud alarm bell. Sometimes, it’s a quiet whisper, a slight change in your focus or a quickening of your internal pace. For instance, researchers have noted that even before a conscious decision is made, there can be subtle spikes in brainwave activity. This is what they call emotional engagement with a product. It’s like your brain is getting excited about the possibility of a purchase, even before you’ve fully processed why.
Brainwave Spikes and Emotional Engagement
Think of it like this: your brain is constantly processing information. When you encounter something that sparks interest, especially if it’s presented with a tempting offer, your brain activity changes. These aren’t dramatic shifts, but rather subtle fluctuations that indicate your attention is being captured and your emotional system is starting to engage. It’s a sign that the ‘hunt’ for a good deal is beginning, and the dopamine rush associated with it is kicking in.
Pupil Dilation as an Indicator
Another fascinating, often unnoticed, cue is pupil dilation. When we see something we desire or that captures our attention, our pupils can actually widen. This is an involuntary physiological response, a physical manifestation of increased interest or arousal. It’s a tiny signal that your brain is registering something as significant, potentially leading to a stronger urge to engage further, like clicking on that sale link or picking up that item.
The Hesitation Before Indulgence
Sometimes, there’s a brief moment of hesitation. You might pick up an item, look at the price, and for a split second, you pause. This pause is critical. It’s a tiny window where rational thought might still have a chance. However, if this hesitation is followed quickly by a purchase, it often means the emotional drive has already won out. It’s that moment before you give in, before the urge becomes too strong to resist. Recognizing this pause is key to intervening before the behavior becomes compulsive. It’s a good time to try and distract yourself, perhaps by looking at something else or even stepping away for a moment. If you find yourself consistently skipping this hesitation and going straight to purchase, it might be time to look at your shopping habits.
These subtle cues are your brain’s way of signaling a shift from rational decision-making to more emotionally driven behavior. They happen quickly, often before you’re even fully aware of them, making them easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. Learning to spot these signs is the first step in regaining control.
Navigating the Urge to Indulge
You know that feeling. The one where a sale sign or a "limited time offer" just pulls you in, almost against your will. It’s like a little jolt, a sudden need for that thing, even if you hadn’t thought about it before. For many of us, this isn’t just about wanting something; it’s about the thrill of the chase, the potential reward, and sometimes, a way to escape the everyday grind. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, especially when deals seem too good to pass up.
The Allure of Bargains and Sales
Sales can feel like a game, and winning feels good. That rush you get when you snag a great deal? It’s your brain releasing dopamine, a feel-good chemical. This makes the search itself rewarding, almost like a treasure hunt. The problem is, this process can become a habit, separate from actually needing the item. We might spend less than a second deciding to buy, driven by this immediate reward system rather than careful thought. It’s easy to get swept up in the frenzy, especially when everyone else seems to be doing it.
Shopping as a Coping Mechanism
Sometimes, shopping isn’t about the items at all. For some, the anticipation of a shopping trip, or even just browsing online, can be a way to relax or distract from stress. It’s a temporary escape. This can feel good in the moment, offering a sense of control or pleasure when other parts of life feel overwhelming. However, this can quickly turn into a cycle where the temporary relief is followed by guilt, leading to a craving for the next shopping
The Influence of Social Dynamics
It’s easy to think of emotional eating as a solo act, something that happens when you’re alone with your thoughts and a bag of chips. But honestly, our social circles play a pretty big role in our habits, especially when it comes to spending and, by extension, emotional eating. Think about it: how often have you found yourself browsing online stores or heading to the mall because your friends are doing it?
Friends as Shopping Enticements
Friends can be a huge trigger. When your buddy is excited about a new purchase or planning a shopping trip, it’s easy to get swept up in that energy. That shared enthusiasm can make you feel like you need to participate, even if you weren’t planning on it. It’s like a domino effect; one person’s excitement can easily lead to another’s impulse buy. This is especially true if you’re already feeling a bit down or bored. Suddenly, a shopping trip with friends feels like the perfect antidote, a way to connect and feel good, even if it’s temporary.
The Impact of Other Shoppers
Even when you’re not with friends, the presence of other shoppers can influence your behavior. Seeing a crowd gathered around a sale rack, or hearing the general buzz of a busy store, can create a sense of urgency. It’s that feeling of wanting to be part of the action, or the fear that if you don’t grab it now, someone else will. This competitive atmosphere can really amp up the desire to buy, even if the item isn’t something you truly need. It taps into that primal urge to not miss out, which can be a powerful driver for emotional eating disguised as retail therapy.
Online Reviews and Connectedness
In today’s digital age, social influence extends far beyond physical stores. Scrolling through social media feeds, you see friends and influencers sharing their latest finds. Reading positive online reviews can also create a sense of validation and belonging. It makes the purchase feel more legitimate and less like a solitary, potentially regrettable act. This feeling of connectedness, even through a screen, can make it harder to resist the urge to buy. It’s a subtle, yet powerful, way that social dynamics can nudge us towards emotional eating, turning a simple browse into an unplanned indulgence. It’s easy to get caught up in the collective excitement, which can sometimes lead to weight loss plateaus if not managed carefully, as mentioned in discussions about overcoming weight loss plateaus.
Here’s a quick look at how social factors can play out:
- Peer Pressure: Seeing friends shop can make you want to shop too.
- FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): The idea that others are getting deals or items you aren’t can drive impulse buys.
- Social Validation: Positive reviews and shared experiences make purchases feel more acceptable.
The collective energy of shopping, whether in person or online, can create a powerful pull. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and the feeling of belonging, which can sometimes override our better judgment and lead to emotional eating.
Strategies to Counteract Emotional Eating
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a sale or the comfort of a familiar treat when you’re feeling down. But there are ways to put the brakes on before you find yourself overindulging. The key is to create a little space between the feeling and the action.
Delaying Purchases for Rationality
When that urge hits, try to put a pause on it. A simple rule of waiting 24 hours before buying something non-essential can make a big difference. This gives your brain time to shift from that immediate, emotional response to a more logical one. You might find that the craving fades or that you can assess whether you truly need the item. It’s like giving yourself a chance to cool down before reacting to something that upset you.
Avoiding Sale Sections Initially
Think of sale sections like a tempting buffet – they’re designed to draw you in and encourage overconsumption. If you know you’re prone to impulse buys, try to steer clear of the sale racks or the “deals” pages online altogether. Instead, focus on finding specific items you actually need. This way, you’re less likely to be swayed by a bargain that wasn’t on your radar.
Focusing on Satisfaction Over Guilt
After you make a purchase, or even just indulge in a treat, how do you feel afterward? If it’s guilt, that’s a sign you might have been eating or shopping emotionally. The goal is to shift towards feeling satisfied. This comes from making mindful choices that align with your well-being, rather than just chasing a temporary high. When you choose something that genuinely nourishes you, whether it’s food or a purchase, the lasting feeling is usually contentment, not regret.
Here are a few more practical tips:
- Check prices last: When browsing, get interested in an item first, then look at the price. This can lessen the “bargain frenzy” that often leads to impulse buys.
- Hold items: If possible, put items on hold or add them to a wish list and revisit them the next day. This creates a buffer against immediate gratification.
- Be specific online: When shopping online, search only for the exact items you need. Avoid browsing general categories or sale pages that can trigger unplanned spending.
The process of shopping or eating can become a habit, much like any other. Recognizing the triggers and creating intentional pauses can help break the cycle. It’s about retraining your brain to respond to feelings with thoughtful action, not just immediate indulgence.
Understanding the Brain’s Role in Desire
It’s fascinating how our brains work when it comes to wanting things, especially when it comes to food or shopping. It’s not just about being hungry or needing something; there’s a whole chemical process going on. When you even think about a favorite treat or a sale, your brain starts releasing dopamine. This is that feel-good chemical that makes you want to keep going, searching for that next bit of pleasure or reward. It’s like a little treasure hunt happening inside your head.
The Motivation Behind the Search
Think about browsing online or walking through a store. The act of searching itself is a big motivator. It’s not always about the item you eventually buy, but the thrill of the hunt. This search can trigger a spike in brainwaves, signaling what some call "emotional engagement" with a product. It’s a subconscious pull, often based on past positive experiences with brands or seeing something you’ve wanted for a while. This is why it can be so hard to resist when you know you can’t control your desire for certain things, like a new pair of shoes.
Overestimating Future Pleasure
Our brains are also pretty good at convincing us that a future purchase or indulgence will bring immense happiness. We tend to overestimate how good we’ll feel after we get that item or eat that food. This anticipation can be a powerful driver, making the desire feel even stronger. It’s like planning a party and imagining it will be the best night ever, even before it starts. This anticipation is a key part of the brain’s reward system, pushing us to seek out those pleasurable experiences.
The Brain’s Reward System
At its core, this is all about the brain’s reward system. When we engage in activities that feel good, like eating a tasty snack or buying something we like, our brain releases dopamine. This creates a positive feedback loop: the good feeling encourages us to repeat the behavior. This system is designed to help us survive and thrive, but in modern life, it can easily be hijacked by things like processed foods and constant advertising. Understanding this system is a big step toward managing cravings and making more balanced choices. It’s about recognizing that the urge itself is a biological signal, not necessarily a true need. Learning to manage these urges is key to breaking cycles of emotional eating, much like learning to manage stress through exercise or meditation can help manage cravings without feeling deprived.
The instant we decide to buy, we feel good and there’s a rush of positive emotion. But afterwards, similar to a drug addict or alcoholic, intense feelings of guilt after indulging can make it difficult to rebound. We need more. We have to have more. We need the high again. We have to go back for more.
This cycle highlights how the brain’s desire for reward can lead to a pattern of seeking, indulging, and then experiencing negative emotions, which in turn can fuel more desire. It’s a complex interplay that shows why emotional eating isn’t just about willpower; it’s about understanding the underlying brain mechanisms. Recognizing these patterns is a big part of understanding emotional eating and how it works.
Early-Warning Signs in Childhood Development
It might seem a bit odd to talk about childhood development when we’re focused on emotional eating in adults, but honestly, it all ties together. The way kids learn to handle big feelings when they’re little can really set the stage for how they cope later on. Think about toddler tantrums. Those aren’t just about wanting a cookie; they’re often a sign of stress hormones kicking in because a little one’s brain isn’t fully equipped to manage them yet.
Tantrums and Stress Hormones
When a toddler has a meltdown, it’s usually because something has triggered a rush of stress hormones. They might not get their way, or maybe they’re just confused or tired. Unlike adults, they don’t have a developed prefrontal cortex to help them think through consequences or find calm. So, they react. This is their body’s way of showing us they’re overwhelmed. Learning how to respond to these moments is key to helping them build healthy coping skills. It’s not about punishing the tantrum, but about helping them through the emotional storm.
The Developing Prefrontal Cortex
This part of the brain, the prefrontal cortex, is like the control center. It helps us make decisions, manage impulses, and understand the impact of our actions. For kids, it’s still under construction, starting to form around age 4 and not fully maturing until their mid-twenties. This means they literally can’t regulate their emotions the way an adult can. When they’re upset, they can’t just ‘snap out of it’ because the part of their brain that would allow that isn’t ready yet. This is why distraction or removing them from a triggering situation can work better than trying to reason with them during a tantrum.
Learning Emotional Regulation Early
How parents and caregivers respond to a child’s emotional outbursts matters a lot. If a child learns that tantrums get them what they want, they might repeat that behavior. But if they learn that big feelings are okay and that there are other ways to get needs met, they start building a different toolkit. This might involve:
- Acknowledging their feelings: Saying things like, "I see you’re really upset right now."
- Offering comfort: A hug or just sitting with them can help.
- Teaching simple coping strategies: Like taking deep breaths or finding a quiet space.
It’s about guiding them through the emotion, not just stopping the behavior. This early practice in emotional regulation can influence how they approach stress and cravings throughout their lives, impacting everything from how they handle a tough day at work to how they manage mindful eating habits.
The way we help children navigate their early emotional experiences can shape their future relationship with stress and self-soothing. It’s a foundational step in developing resilience.
The Impact of Stress Hormones
Stress Hormone Production Triggers
When you’re feeling stressed, your body kicks into high gear, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Think of it as your body’s ancient alarm system. These hormones are designed to help you deal with immediate threats, but in our modern lives, the "threats" are often deadlines, arguments, or even just a packed schedule. This constant activation can really mess with your appetite and cravings. It’s like your body is always on standby, expecting a crisis, and it reaches for quick energy sources – often sugary or fatty foods – to cope.
The Fight or Flight Response
This is that classic "fight or flight" reaction. When your brain perceives a threat, it floods your system with stress hormones. This response can make your heart pound, your breathing quicken, and, importantly, it can suppress your appetite in the short term as your body prioritizes immediate survival. However, once the perceived danger passes, or if the stress becomes chronic, the body can rebound with increased hunger and cravings, particularly for comfort foods. This cycle can easily lead to emotional eating, where food becomes a way to soothe the lingering effects of stress.
Managing Stress Hormone Overload
Dealing with too much stress hormone isn’t just about feeling anxious; it directly affects your eating habits. Here are a few ways to start managing it:
- Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues, and try to eat without distractions. This helps you connect with your body’s actual needs rather than stress-induced cravings.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a fantastic way to burn off excess stress hormones and boost mood-lifting endorphins. Even a short walk can make a difference.
- Relaxation Techniques: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help calm your nervous system and reduce the production of stress hormones. Finding what works for you is key.
It’s easy to reach for a snack when you’re feeling overwhelmed, but understanding how stress hormones influence these urges is the first step to breaking the cycle. Instead of seeing food as a quick fix, try to identify the underlying stress and address it directly.
Learning to manage these hormonal responses is a big part of overcoming emotional eating. It’s not about deprivation, but about building healthier ways to cope with life’s ups and downs, which ultimately supports better decision making.
Developing Emotional Resilience
Calming the Body’s Stress Response
When we feel overwhelmed, our bodies can go into a sort of panic mode, releasing stress hormones. It’s like a car’s engine revving too high – it’s not sustainable and can cause damage. Learning to recognize these physical signals, like a racing heart or tense muscles, is the first step. Simple techniques can help bring your body back to a more balanced state. Deep breathing exercises, for instance, signal to your brain that it’s okay to relax. Focusing on your breath, inhaling slowly and exhaling even slower, can really make a difference. Even a short walk outside can help reset your system. It’s about finding what works for you to dial down that internal alarm system. Remember, managing these physical responses is key to not letting emotions dictate your actions, especially when it comes to eating. It’s a skill that improves with practice, much like building any other capability. Improving emotional wellness is a journey, and this is a big part of it.
Creating Alternative Coping Mechanisms
Emotional eating often happens when we reach for food to deal with feelings like stress, boredom, or sadness. But food isn’t really a long-term solution for these emotions, is it? It’s more like a temporary distraction. We need to build a toolkit of other ways to handle these feelings. Think about what else you enjoy or find relaxing. Maybe it’s listening to music, calling a friend, journaling, or even just doing a quick puzzle. The goal is to have a list of go-to activities that can help you process emotions without turning to food. Identifying what triggers your emotional eating is also a big help. Keeping a simple log of when you feel the urge to eat and what you were feeling at the time can reveal patterns. This awareness is the first step to changing the habit. Recognizing and managing life stressors is crucial for maintaining progress.
The Importance of Logical Thinking
Sometimes, when we’re feeling emotional, our thoughts can get a bit jumbled. We might jump to conclusions or exaggerate a situation. Bringing in a dose of logic can help clear the fog. This doesn’t mean ignoring your feelings, but rather looking at the situation from a more objective viewpoint. Ask yourself: Is this thought based on fact or feeling? What’s the most likely outcome, not just the worst-case scenario? This kind of self-questioning can help break the cycle of emotional eating. It’s about pausing before you act and giving your rational brain a chance to weigh in. This mental check-in can prevent impulsive decisions, like grabbing a whole bag of chips because you had a bad day. It’s about building a bridge between your emotions and your actions, using reason as the support structure.
Building inner strength, or emotional resilience, is key to handling life’s ups and downs. It’s about bouncing back when things get tough and learning from challenges. Developing this skill helps you stay calm and focused, even when faced with difficult situations. Want to learn more about how to build your own resilience? Visit our website for helpful tips and resources.
Putting It All Together
So, we’ve talked about how our brains can trick us into emotional eating, often without us even realizing it. It’s like a subtle shift, a little nudge from our brain chemistry that can lead us down a path of comfort eating. But the good news is, by paying attention to those early signals – maybe a slight change in mood, a sudden craving, or even just a feeling of restlessness – we can start to catch ourselves. It’s not about being perfect, but about building awareness. Think of it as learning your own personal warning system. The more you practice tracking those feelings and understanding what triggers them, the better you’ll get at choosing a different response. It’s a process, for sure, but taking these small steps can really make a difference in how you manage your relationship with food and your emotions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs that I might be eating because of my feelings instead of hunger?
Sometimes, before you even realize it, your body might give you clues. You might feel a strong urge to buy something, or even just think about it, when you’re not actually hungry. This feeling can be similar to how someone might crave a drink or a snack when they’re bored or stressed. It’s like your brain is looking for a quick mood boost.
How does my brain react when I’m tempted to buy something, especially during a sale?
When you see a sale or think about shopping, your brain releases a chemical called dopamine. This makes you feel good, like you’re on a treasure hunt. This feeling can be so strong that it makes you want to keep searching for deals, even if you don’t really need the item. It’s a powerful reward system.
Can shopping with friends make emotional eating or spending worse?
Surprisingly, yes. When you’re with friends who are also shopping, it can make you want to buy things more. It creates a feeling of being connected, and this can make it harder to resist buying something, even if it’s not something you planned to get. It’s like everyone’s excitement feeds off each other.
Why do I sometimes feel guilty after buying something I really wanted?
That guilty feeling, often called buyer’s remorse, usually happens after you’ve made an impulse purchase. You might have felt a rush of excitement while shopping, but afterwards, you realize you might not have needed the item or that it wasn’t worth the money. This guilt can then make you crave that initial shopping high again.
How can I stop myself from buying things when I’m not really thinking straight?
A good trick is to delay your purchases. If you see something you want, try waiting until the next day to buy it. This gives your brain time to think more clearly and decide if you truly need the item. Also, try to avoid looking at sale sections first when you shop online or in stores.
What’s the connection between childhood tantrums and adult emotional eating?
When kids have tantrums, it’s often because their brains are still developing and they get overwhelmed by stress hormones. Learning how to handle these big feelings when they’re young helps them develop better ways to cope later in life. If they don’t learn these skills, they might turn to things like emotional eating as adults to manage stress.
How do stress hormones affect my urge to eat or shop?
When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones like adrenaline. These are meant to help you deal with danger, like the ‘fight or flight’ response. However, these hormones can also make you feel restless and crave comfort, which can lead to emotional eating or impulsive shopping as a way to calm down.
What does ‘overestimating future pleasure’ mean when it comes to shopping?
It means that we often think a new purchase will make us much happier or solve our problems for a longer time than it actually does. We get excited about the idea of having something new, but the actual joy from owning it might be shorter or less intense than we imagined.