Christmas Shopping Causes Extreme Stress and Anxiety, But Can be Avoided

The holiday season is just around the corner but experts say that Christmas shopping has become so stressful that is causes the primal 'fight or flight' response.

Dr. David Lewis, founder of the independent research consultancy Mindlab International, says: "People become aggressive while they are doing their shopping because the swarming crowds activate basic survival mechanisms." He added, "The experience can also cause exhaustion and anxiety as well as guilt and feelings of inadequacy. People who live in the countryside are most at risk of adverse effects as they are not used to the crowds."

"Festive cheer all too easily gives way to seasonal shopping stress. The presence of other people is a major factor. Other people present a great threat and strangers are more of a threat. You can begin to see people who are moving more slowly than you, such as an elderly person, as the enemy. It leads to shopping rage." Dr. Lewis explained that during these types of circumstances, a person's heart rate increases, thus, resulting to increased sweating and their body starts to produce the stress hormone called cortisol.

This can then promote aggression that may encourage people to want to escape. However, there is also some good news for shoppers. To make the entire experience less stressful, Dr. David encourages buyers to create a shopping list that will help them stick to what they really need and avoid unnecessary purchases. Second, he encourages shoppers to never shop with an empty stomach and to think twice before purchasing any item, especially the more expensive ones. Finally, he encourages shoppers to also try online shopping in order for them to have a more relaxed shopping experience.