How to Get Over Your Grocery Store Shopping Anxiety

If you're one of the many people who feel anxious when grocery shopping, you're not alone. But there are...

Anxiety
March 21, 2025

If you're one of the many people who feel anxious when grocery shopping, you're not alone.

But there are ways to get over that anxiety and make the process a little easier.

This is important because if you're not able to get groceries regularly, it can impact your health.

There are many possible reasons why grocery shopping makes you anxious, from worrying about spending too much money to feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices at the store or feeling anxious around so many people who are also shopping.

Whatever your particular reason is, there are some strategies you can try to help you feel

In this post, we'll outline some tips to help you overcome your grocery store anxiety.

Understand Why You Feel Anxious When Grocery Shopping

The first step is to try and understand why you feel so uneasy in the first place.

  • Are your worries about running out of money or overspending?
  • Do you struggle to get all of your items in a single trip, and worry that there won't be enough time?
  • Do you worry about the hustle and bustle of a grocery store whenever it is really busy?

Whatever your specific fears or concerns are, tackling them head-on can help you to feel more empowered and confident when shopping for groceries.

This is a good step when learning how to get over your grocery store anxiety.

a woman with a hand on her head looking at food in a grocery store

Identify the Specific Things that Make you Anxious

Once you understand the root of your anxiety, it's helpful to identify some specific actions that cause your anxiety.

  • Do crowds make you feel overwhelmed?
  • Do long checkout lines make you anxious?
  • Do the number or variety of choices at the store leave you feeling stressed out and confused?

Identifying these triggers can help you to better prepare for your next trip to the grocery store and make it a more manageable experience.

Identifying what makes you nervous is a good thing to do when learning how to get over your grocery store anxiety.

Come Up with a Plan to Address Each of Those Anxieties

For many people, grocery shopping is a dreaded chore. It can be especially challenging for those who suffer from anxiety.

It is important to come up with a plan. Make a list of the items that you need and stick to it. This will help to minimize the amount of time that you spend in the store.

Next, try to shop during off-peak hours. This will help to avoid crowds and long lines. Third, take a friend or family member with you if possible. This can provide moral support and make the experience less daunting.

Be prepared to walk away if necessary. If you start to feel overwhelmed, step out of the store for a few minutes to take a break.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce your anxiety and get one step closer to learning how to get over your grocery store anxiety.

Put that Plan into Action and Go Grocery Shopping

First, take a deep breath and make a list of what you need before you even step foot in the store.

This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse buys.

Second, try to shop early in the morning or late at night when the store is less crowded.

And finally, don't be afraid to ask for help if you can't find what you're looking for - the staff is there to assist you.

By following these tips, you can start to see grocery shopping as a more manageable task and reduce your anxiety in the process.

interior shot of a grocery store

Celebrate your Success and Reflect on What Worked Well for You

When it comes to grocery shopping, many people struggle with anxiety and stress.

Whether you find yourself worrying about making the right choices or fretting over how much you're spending, there are steps you can take to overcome your anxieties and make grocery shopping a more positive and enjoyable experience.

One of the most important things to do is to celebrate your successes and reflect on what has worked well for you in the past.

By recognizing that you have handled similar situations in the past, you can build confidence and motivation to tackle new challenges.

Additionally, being mindful of your emotions and recognizing when you are feeling anxious can also help you to manage these feelings.

With these tools at your disposal, you can tackle any uncertainty that comes your way while grocery shopping and move forward with greater ease.

So if you want to get over your grocery store shopping anxiety, start by celebrating all of your accomplishments, big and small! You've got this!

Disclaimer

The content in this blog post should only be used for informational purposes only.

Do not use the content of this blog post as a substitute for official advice from a licensed medical professional.

Seek Professional Help if Necessary

If you are struggling with severe anxiety or other mental health issues related to your grocery shopping experience, it is important to seek professional help.

Speak with your doctor or a mental health counselor to discuss effective treatment options and find support in managing your symptoms.

With the right tools and resources, you can overcome your grocery store anxiety once and for all.

So don't hesitate to reach out for help - you deserve it!

Conclusion

Grocery store anxiety is a common issue that many people face. However, there are steps that you can take to reduce your anxiety and make grocery shopping a more manageable task.

By creating a plan, shopping during off-peak hours, and taking breaks as needed, you can help to make the experience less daunting.

Additionally, speaking with a mental health professional can provide you with the support and resources you need to overcome your grocery store anxiety for good.

When it comes to grocery shopping, many people struggle with anxiety and stress.

Whether you find yourself worrying about making the right choices or fretting over how much you're spending, there are steps you can take to overcome your anxieties and make grocery shopping a more positive and enjoyable experience.

One of the most important things to do is to be mindful of your emotions and recognize when you are feeling anxious.

By being aware of your feelings, you can manage your anxiety and get you on the track to learning how to get over your grocery store anxiety.

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Anxiety

What can happen if I don't seek help for my anxiety?

Ignoring anxiety can exacerbate symptoms and make it more challenging to manage over time. This can result in a negative impact on your personal, professional, and social life, leading to feelings of isolation and even depression.

How do I know if my therapist is a good fit for me?

It's important that you feel comfortable discussing personal matters with your therapist in order to open up and get more out of therapy sessions; therefore finding someone who meets certain criteria like experience level, expertise areas, and personality is key when selecting a therapist who can give meaningful feedback about how best handle issues related to anxiety or other mental health concerns.

Are there specific therapy services for anxiety and depression covered by Medicaid?

Yes, Medicaid provides insurance coverage for therapy services specifically designed to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Access to licensed therapists who specialize in these areas is available within the Medicaid network.

What other activities are beneficial for reducing anxiety symptoms?

Other activities which have been found helpful in reducing both immediate feelings of anxiousness and long-term anxieties associated with chronic disorders include yoga, journaling, nature walks, art therapy, volunteering, and other low-stress activities. Additionally, developing a healthy lifestyle incorporating adequate sleep, physical activity, and nutritious meals can help reduce overall stress levels.

Why is it important to address anxiety?

Addressing anxiety is crucial because it can significantly impact your quality of life and overall well-being. Left untreated, anxiety can lead to more severe mental health issues, relationship problems, and difficulty functioning in daily life.

What can I do to reduce my anxiety?

To reduce your anxiety, you can practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness practices. Additionally, regular exercise has been found to be beneficial in managing stress and improving mental health.