Kerri BridgmanHow many times have you scrolled through designer sites or shopped online because you were bored or stressed?
How many times have you bought something simply because you liked the outfit it was paired with online — even though you don’t own the rest of those pieces?
How many times have you added an “extra” item to your cart just to qualify for free shipping?
And how many times have you ordered multiple sizes, promised yourself you’d return the extras, and then… never did?
If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. These are small, familiar moments — but they add up to something much bigger than we realize.
Your Nervous System and Your Shopping Habits
We often shop to soothe something deeper. A sense of anxiety. A feeling of not having enough. A momentary need for control, excitement, or reward.
But when we buy from that place, when our nervous system is dysregulated, we’re not really choosing what we love. We’re chasing relief. It has never been easier to shop online than it is today.
Shopping from a grounded place, however, feels entirely different. You pause before you purchase. You breathe. You notice whether this item aligns with your life, not just your mood. You ask:
– Does this fit how I actually live day-to-day?
– Will I wear this more than once?
– Does it work with what I already own?
– Or am I hoping it will make me feel like someone else?
This simple pause is what I mean when I say: shop with your nervous system.
The Bigger Picture
The fashion industry is one of the most creative, expressive, and innovative spaces in the world — but it’s also one of the most damaging.
“The fashion industry is the second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for 2–8% of global carbon emissions. What’s more, 85% of all textiles go to the dump each year (UNECE, 2018), and washing some types of clothes sends significant amounts of microplastics into the ocean.” — Geneva Environment Network
As someone who works in production, I love this industry — but I’ve also seen firsthand how easily it becomes a monster when consumption outpaces consciousness. Every impulsive click, every forgotten return, every fast-fashion haul is part of a much larger cycle that affects not just our wallets, but our planet and our well-being.
What It Means to Shop Intentionally
Shopping with your nervous system means bringing awareness back into your buying habits. It’s not about shame or perfection — it’s about presence.
When you feel that urge to shop, try this instead:
- Pause and breathe. Ask yourself what emotion you’re trying to soothe.
- Check your closet first. You may already own something that scratches the same creative itch.
- Wait 24-48 hours. If you still want it, there’s a good chance it’s aligned with your true style, not your stress response.
- Buy quality over quantity. Invest in well-made pieces that last, and in brands whose values reflect yours.
Why It Matters
The way we consume shapes the way fashion is produced.
When we shop with intention — when we slow down and listen to our nervous system — we send a message that design, craftsmanship, and sustainability matter more than instant gratification.
The future of fashion depends on us remembering that we’re participants, not just consumers.
Because the calmest nervous system — and the most sustainable wardrobe — is built one conscious decision at a time.
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