Difficulty with shopping
Have you noticed that going shopping is taking more and more energy? Perhaps you dread the crowds in the shop, walking through the aisles or lifting heavy bags. Or maybe you put off going shopping because the planning, choosing and lugging it all becomes too much to handle in one go. Going to the shops may seem like a simple task, but there’s a lot involved. You have to work out what you need and go to the shop. In the shop, you have to pick out the items and pay for them. And then take everything home and put it away. If you’re in pain, get tired easily or find it harder to keep track of things, this can quickly become too much. This can affect your independence and what you eat.
What do you notice?
Going shopping can be tricky at various stages. Sometimes it starts as early as at home when you’re making a shopping list. Sometimes you only realise it once you’re in the shop or when you get home.
You may, for example, notice that:
- you are dreading going to the shop;
- walking around the shop is too tiring;
- Standing in a long queue takes effort;
- bending down or reaching for products is difficult;
- Lifting heavy bags causes pain;
- you get out of breath more quickly;
- if you forget your products or lose track of them;
- you tend to opt for quick or less healthy solutions;
- you have little energy left after doing the shopping.
Sometimes people go to the shop less often or only buy small quantities. That can help in the short term, but it can also create extra stress if there’s always something missing.
