Two things drive you to your couch during the holiday season: a good Christmas movie, and the exhaustion that comes with it. holiday shoppingAmidst the crowd, competitive “deals” (Is Is This Even a Deal?), and Gift Lists for Your Nearest and Dearest The most wonderful time of the year is also the most tiring time of the year.
We talked to two experts — one on shopping, and one on flexibility — to get their best tips for how to survive the holiday shopping season.
meet the expert
- brittany bishop is a life coach based in Connecticut specializing in resiliency and career management.
- Rachel Varney is a professional shopper and personal stylist with her own shopping and styling service, Styled by Rachel.
Create lists and keep track of achievements
The first and most important thing to do to survive the season is to make a list.
“make a list of must be a gift And prioritize the stores you want to hit first,” says professional shopper and stylist Rachel Varney.
Be diligent about crossing things off. And even though you want to keep your eye on things that haven’t been checked off the list yet, focus on what you’ve accomplished. According to Brittany Bishop, a Connecticut-based life coach, it can help you stay on task.
“Taking your brain away from the destructive spiral and intentionally celebrating the things you’ve already accomplished will give your brain time to refocus with a boost of positivity and endorphins,” says Bishop.
Prepare physically and mentally
Making a list isn’t the only way to prepare. You should also prepare yourself physically and mentally.
Varney says, “Wear comfortable shoes and comfortable layers (you never know what the lines will be like indoors or out).
Bishop also recommends creating a visual game plan: “Take two to three minutes to sit in a quiet place and mentally envision your drive to the store, finding what you need, and walking between shopping locations. “
Even if things don’t go according to plan, this strategy still helps.
“As challenges arise, your brain will be able to overcome obstacles faster because it has already practiced what will happen next,” says Bishop.
Shop small and at the right time
It always feels like the bigger the store, the bigger the crowd. If you’ve ever been to Macy’s on a holiday weekend, this is intuitive: Head to the smaller, local boutiques instead.
“You’ll discover unique, thoughtful gifts without all the hassle. Plus, you’re supporting local businesses, which feels great,” says Varney.
Whether you’re shopping at big or small stores, Varney recommends shopping early when stores first open, ideally on a weekday when there are fewer shoppers outside.
treat it like a job
You wouldn’t take on a big project at work without preparation—the same applies to shopping. Create long-term and short-term goals with benchmarks along the way. Plan a sit-down meeting with your partner to discuss the budget and delegate tasks. to install a system for documentation For keeping track of little things like gift receipts.
Bishop says, “Knowing that you’re using the same skills in the shopping aisle as you are behind your keyboard will give you confidence that you already have all the skills you need for whatever season lies ahead of you.” are necessary to meet any challenges that may arise.
self care plan
So much of the fatigue from shopping is mental. When your brain starts feeding off your negativity, Bishop recommends breaking that cycle with some self-care.
“Taking a few moments for yourself can help ground your thoughts and get you back on track for a more positive shopping experience,” says Bishop.
All of her ideas for self-care breaks are easy and doable: Stop for a hot drink at a coffee shop, grab a protein-based snack, sit and do some people watching, or pick up some To keep in your own stocking Christmas morning.
Use your phone to find deals
Whether you’re shopping online or in a store, you can still use your phone as an aid.
Use affiliate sites like Like to Know It or Rakuten — they’ll keep you updated when your favorite items go on sale, or another store is offering a better price,” says Varney.
And while you’re waiting in line at checkout, search your inbox for any holiday promo codes or deals sent by retailers. You can also check the store website for any promotional codes. For example, Michaels almost always has at least one coupon that can be used on anything in the store. At the end of the season, all the discounts actually add up.
make it fun
Yes, amidst the crowds and chaos, holiday shopping can be a joy. You just have to plan for it, or find it along the way.
“Turn it into a fun experience by inviting a friend to share the madness,” says Varney.
Make thorough plans to make it a more enjoyable experience. Some of Varney’s tips include pre-shopping for fuel to grab a holiday latte, picking a cute café for a lunch break, and downloading a few podcasts before heading out to help pass the time in long lines.
