Grocery shopping is an activity most everyone faces. Yet, beyond the obvious benefit of being able to stock up on food for the week, there are some surprising positive benefits that come along with grocery shopping.

One benefit of grocery shopping is that it is time to disconnect. When shopping for food, it can be a great way to get away from the demands of technology and daily life. People can be better present in the moment and appreciate the atmosphere of the store and the variety of products available.

Grocery shopping can also be another form of exercise. Walking around the store for 30-45 minutes can count as a workout, depending on how purposeful the shopping is done. It could also be a way to challenge oneself by only shopping the perimeter of the store, which is the healthier way. The time spent moving around to check off items on the list can also bump up heart rates and burn a few extra calories.

On a psychosocial level, grocery shopping can be a way to relieve stress. By choosing healthier items to purchase, people can have a sense of control and accomplishment over decisions of what to bring home. It can also be a way to bond with family members or friends. Taking the time to shop for food together can open the door to conversations about the food choices being made.

Finally, grocery shopping can be a way to build a sense of community and support local businesses. Shopping through local farmers markets or stores can help individuals become better aware of where their food is coming from. The investment into the local community can have a positive impact on the economy.

Grocery shopping can bring about a surprising amount of positive benefits. From being able to take some time to disconnect from technology to being able to support local businesses, it is an activity that is important and worth investing in. Shopping for food can be a way to challenge and better oneself, to relieve stress, and to foster relationships.