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When you're feeling restless, anxious, depressed or just plain bored, try some retail therapy to add some much-needed fun to your life. There are two types of retail therapy-shopping online and shopping onsite.

Shopping Online
This entails visiting various Internet sites where you can view products in detail and, depending on which Web site you're on, at many different angles. For instance, many sites show you the side, front and back views of a pair of jeans worn by a model. The problem is they are worn by a model, and not you. Strategy comes into play when analyzing which clothes will look good on YOUR body. For instance, if you have a stomach, you don't want to buy a pair of low-rise jeans; go for the mid- to high-rise. And, if something doesn't look quite right on the model with the perfect body, drop it like a hot potato because it's definitely not going to look right on you (barring a miracle or some other freak of nature).

Internet shopping is tricky because you have to read the fine print, including product descriptions detailing the fit, fabric and fashion of the item. Do you really want a 100-percent cotton blouse? Keep in mind, you'll have to iron it every time you wash it. Ironing isn't fun. Fun fabrics include rayon, polyester, modal and so on because you simply wash them and hang them up to dry.

Again, Internet shopping is a strategic endeavor because you need to know your body well enough to judge whether an item will look good on your figure. This requires analytic skill and sound decision-making capabilities. The challenges inherit to Internet shopping and the risk involved make online retail therapy fun. It's sort of like gambling and shopping, rolled into one. You take calculated risks when making your selections; then you wait until the package arrives to see if you gambled correctly.

Another fun part about ordering online is the packages arrive via UPS or FedEx, so it feels like you're receiving gifts. (Of course, they're gifts you paid for, but don't let that spoil the fun.)

You can build up anticipatory fun by tracking your orders via the UPS Web site so you'll know on which day your orders will arrive. (Most Internet sites will send you a shipping confirmation with a tracking number.) On the day a package is expected to arrive, you'll feel a little special. This happiness stays with you all day because you know when you get home, there will be a surprise waiting for you. Surprises are fun.

Shopping Onsite
This is when you get in your car, drive to a mall, choose clothes from racks and try them on in a dressing room. The benefits of onsite shopping are you get to feel the fabrics and see the clothes in person, so you really know what you are buying. You also get to actually try on the clothes so you can see how they look on your body and study the effects in the dressing room mirror.

Be careful not to blow your money on items that don't give you a high. For instance, if clothes and shoes are your thing, don't be drawn into Petco or Brookstone when you are on your way to Macy's. Chances are you'll see something you (or your dog) could use, but you'll drive home feeling flat. Sure, those items are usual, but are they FUN? Fun is the point.

So, the next time you need a lift, help the economy and your spirits at the same time: Engage in a some retail therapy.

Learn more about this author, Glenn Brittany.
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