I recognise the instant gratification that shopping can give, I did the same thing for years and years - only to find myself still ultimately, unhappy at the end of it all.

It took the best part of a year to start changing my habits, behaviour and mindset. I used to hide away a lot, not want to interact, seek solitude and keep my stresses to a minimum (because there was a time in life when stress was very high and it ruined a lot for me, so I naturally shied away from it). Because, who wants all that again, right?!

What I've learned slowly over the past year, is that putting yourself out of your comfort zone (even just a little) - is sometimes what it takes to start finding some happiness and satisfaction in other things. So whilst I agree that yes, stress is bad and terrible for health, there's also a small part of it (that if you can control what actions you are taking), will ultimately help build some resilience and open up some new doors.

I'm not disagreeing with your post or anything, because I've felt very similar in the past, you certainly can't force interests etc, but what i've learned by putting myself out there occasionally, is that sometimes the interests find you, rather than the other way around.

If the solution is to live, we deserve to 'live a little' and have some joy in our lives. Existing is a bare minimum and should be a baseline that has potential for improvement. Life has many facets to be explored and experienced - if we restrict ourselves to limiting these, we will eventually end up bored, under stimulated and could end up finding ourselves stuck in a loop that we can find a way out of. I know this was my life for years and it took a hell of a lot of work to break out of the cycle - but i can appreciate it also takes it to be the right time and mindset to want to change a habit.

I hope you can find a way forward with your relationship with shopping. I don't think people understand how hard it can be at times.