When it comes to de-stressing, the first thing people typically think of might include taking a walk, eating comfort food, practicing self-care, or spending time doing their favorite hobbies. There’s one thing they don’t think of, though, that while unconventional, is also a good way to de-stress: grocery shopping. 

You’re probably wondering… why? How does that even work? Well, let’s break it down. First, grocery shopping is a way to reset your mind. Whether you’re working on an essay for your English class and find yourself stumped on how to write the next sentence, worried about an upcoming exam, or dealing with any other type of conflict in your life, when you go grocery shopping, you can take your mind off of it. You can focus on the motions—getting in the car and driving to the store, finding a cart, roaming the aisles to find certain items, and then eventually, checking out—and momentarily forget whatever it is you were stressed about. 

Secondly, grocery shopping can be a positive sensory experience that calms you down and boosts your mood. The general atmosphere of a grocery store, with its countless interesting items, the people walking around nearby, and the soft sound of pop music playing in the background, can serve as a distraction from stressors in your life, effectively cheering you up.

I can recall countless instances when I’ve gone on an impromptu grocery run on a weeknight while experiencing anxiety about an upcoming deadline at school, and the sight of a random item at the store, like holiday themed baked goods or a rare, seasonal fruit I’ve never seen before, has sparked my curiosity and captured all my attention, making my anxiety dissipate, even if temporarily. 

And lastly, grocery shopping gives you a sense of control, which is valuable when you’re feeling stressed out. From the moment you walk into the store to the moment you walk out, groceries acquired, you make all the decisions. You decide what to buy, what not to buy, how much you spend, which cashier to go to when you check out, etc. Stress is born from those moments when you feel like life has the reins, not you, and grocery shopping hands the reins back to you. 

So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, try something new. Go ahead and make a stop at your local Kroger, Walmart, Sprouts, Sam’s Club, or wherever it is you like to shop. You might just leave the place feeling a little lighter.