Therapy has many faces. For some, it’s a journal and a quiet room. For others, it’s a Zara sale, a TikTok skit, or a midnight dance session in fuzzy socks and a silk bonnet. In this age of hyper-productivity, the world is slowly beginning to embrace an alternative, and equally valid, kind of therapy: Retail. Laugh. Dance.
Some Days You Need a Cart, a Cackle, and a Cha-Cha
These aren’t just feel-good moments, they are emotional resets. And for the modern woman navigating burnout, heartbreak, deadlines, and societal expectations, they may be just what the soul ordered.
Retail Therapy: More Than a Swipe of the Card
Ever noticed how a fresh pair of heels or a bold red lipstick can change your whole vibe? That’s not just indulgence, it’s affirmation. According to behavioral psychologists, buying something new releases dopamine, the “feel good” hormone. It’s not about being materialistic, it’s about feeling empowered.
Retail therapy, when done mindfully, can be a ritual of reclaiming joy, style, and a sense of control. It’s why we say, “If the shoe fits… buy it in two colors.” And the joy of unboxing is second to none. That crisp packaging. That scent of “new.” That momentary escape from adulthood.
Laughter: The Vitamin You Didn’t Know You Needed
We’re in our soft era, but we still need to laugh hard. The kind that makes your belly hurt and your makeup run. Whether it’s that ridiculous group chat meme or a spontaneous joke in traffic, laughter disarms stress, lowers blood pressure, and boosts immunity.
Laughter connects us. It builds community in a world that can often feel isolating. And let’s face it — sometimes, all you need to snap out of a spiral is a good laugh and a plantain meme.
Dance: The Silent Language of Freedom
You don’t have to be Beyoncé to feel the healing power of movement. From cultural dance to silent discos, dance is therapy that speaks to the body and soul. It’s an act of rebellion against shame, exhaustion, and stress.
In fact, research shows that dancing improves mood, releases endorphins, and strengthens memory. Even better? You don’t need a studio, your living room will do just fine. So next time you’re overwhelmed, shut the door, crank up your favorite track, and dance like DSTV just renewed your subscription.
Therapy Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All — And That’s Okay
Of course, traditional therapy remains a powerful and necessary form of healing. But healing can also mean taking the day off for a solo date at the mall, laughing with your bestie over suya, or dancing in your kitchen while the jollof simmers. You’re allowed to heal in high heels. You’re allowed to cry, laugh, spend, dance, and start again.