From CNN: “Doom spending, or the practice of spending money to soothe fears about broader issues like politics or the economy, shows up everywhere from YouTube and TikTok videos to Reddit to personal finance discussions and data in surveys.

Gen Z and millennial consumers are also more likely to say it is better to treat themselves now rather than hold off for a future “that feels like it could change at any moment,” according to an Axios Vibes survey in June conducted by The Harris Poll.”

While CNN and other news outlets may pretend this is a new thing, it’s not. Spending and shopping (along with sugar) have been America’s drug of choice for a while.

The Story of American Shopping

To make this brief, a long time ago, people in America mostly made things at home or bought just what they needed. But then, big factories started mass producing goods, and stores began to pop up everywhere. This was around the time when cars and trains made it easy to bring things from far away. People started to have more money to spend, and they liked buying new things like clothes, toys, and gadgets. Shopping became a fun activity, and people enjoyed having the latest and coolest items.

As time went on, more and more stores opened, and they had lots of different things to choose from. Advertisements on TV and in magazines showed people all the exciting things they could buy. This made shopping even more popular! People loved going to malls and shopping centers with their families and friends. Today, shopping is a big part of American life, and now people can even shop online from their homes. It's like a big adventure to find and buy things that make us happy!

Why Shopping Makes Us Feel Happy!

Have you ever noticed how excited you feel when you get a new toy or a cool gadget? That's because when we shop and buy something new, our brain releases a special chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is like a little messenger in our brain that tells us, "Hey, this is fun!" It makes us feel happy and excited. It's the same feeling you get when you eat your favorite ice cream or play your favorite game. Our brain loves this feeling, which is why shopping can be so much fun! Dopamine is both a hormone and a neurotransmitter. (Learn the dirty little secrets of women’s hormonal health)

Here are a few things to remember about how shopping makes us feel good:

- Dopamine is a "feel-good" chemical: It makes us feel happy and excited when we get something new.

- The thrill of the hunt: Looking for the perfect item can be just as exciting as getting it!

- Sharing the joy: When we show our new things to friends and family, it makes us feel even happier.

But there’s a hidden problem…

Living Paycheck to Paycheck in America

Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck, which means they use most or all of their money from each paycheck to pay for things they need, like food, rent, and bills. This can be very stressful because if something unexpected happens, like a car breaking down or a medical bill, they might not have enough money to pay for it. Some people are just a few paychecks away from not being able to pay for their home, which means they could become homeless. This worry can make it hard for them to relax and enjoy life because they are always thinking about how to make sure they have enough money for the next month. (Learn how to have a financial breakthrough here).

Boosting Your Happiness the Healthy Way!

Feeling happy and excited is something we all love, and one of the ways our body helps us feel this way is by releasing a special chemical called dopamine. There are lots of fun and healthy ways to get more dopamine. Spending time in nature, like going for a walk in the park or playing outside, can make you feel really good. Eating tasty and healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, can also help your body make more dopamine. Being with friends and family, playing games, or just talking and laughing together can boost your happiness too. Here are some simple ways to get more dopamine and feel great:

- Go for a walk or play outside in nature.

- Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

- Spend time with friends and family.

- Play games or do fun activities with others.

- Listen to your favorite music and dance around.

- Try a new hobby or learn something new.

- Get plenty of sleep to help your body feel its best.

- Psalm 16:11: "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

- Nehemiah 8:10: "Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"

- Philippians 4:4: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice."

- Romans 15:13: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

- Psalm 118:24: "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."