I have a love/hate relationship with the grocery store. Depending on the time of day, grocery store shopping can be therapeutic, calming, and almost a stress reliever.

Only at the grocery store do I find a whole isle dedicated to cereal. Only at the grocery store do I get to piece together meals inside my head. Only at the grocery store do I get to feel healthy and unhealthy within about five minutes (i.e. when I get broccoli and then ice cream).

Here are five reasons a grocery store is therapeutic:

1. Walking around and not having to talk to people.

I take this for granted more than I should. But going grocery shopping alone takes away the responsibility of social responsibility for an hour. I can be in my own little zone for awhile and not think twice about it. No talking, no schedules, no need to socially interact is great.

2. Checking things off a list.

Getting to make choices alone rocks. And getting to feel so accomplished within an hour is better than doing homework (which could take hours).

3. People watching.

People from all over town have to eat. So the grocery store is the perfect place to see small children, old grandparents, and even possibly your professor (but hopefully that doesn't happen too often). But walking around the grocery store provides a great way to watch people in the background.

4. Taking initiative.

Buying food is the first step in survival. You have to buy food to make food. You have to buy food to eat food. You accomplish so much by taking the initiative to drive to the grocery store and purchase food. Finally accomplishing something in life is worth it.

5. Being an adult.

The responsibility of going to the grocery store initiates adult responsibility. Because of that, there comes a sense of pride of accomplishment. Sometimes school and other responsibilities become overwhelming. Going to the grocery store and having that adult responsibility makes me feel accomplished.