You may have already begun to receive holiday catalogs, sales circulars and email notifications of holiday deals, but if you’re a savvy shopper, you know that some of the best prices come one day per year…Black Friday. This “holiday” draws crowds of people out early in the morning for a full day of shopping. If you’re a Black Friday shopper, try these tips to help you have a healthy shopping experience.
Before you go…
Prepare yourself for the big day.
- Get enough sleep: You might be planning to start shopping late Thursday night or early Friday morning; either way, be sure to get a good night’s sleep before you begin to shop.
- Pack water and portable snacks: Every line will be long on Black Friday, even lines at restaurants and food stands. Having water, snacks and maybe even lunch packed will help you maintain your stamina, save you time, and money as well as prevent you from opting for unhealthier food options. Find snack ideas here.
- Map out your route: Strategize beforehand by identifying the stores you want to go to and the items you expect to buy to help you save time, reduce stress, and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by the crowds.
- Budget: Money can be a major stressor that impedes your health and wellness. Before you head out, determine how much you can spend without breaking the bank to avoid impulse buys. Limit your credit card use. You may be getting a great deal, but if you can’t pay your credit cards off in a timely manner, your purchases may end up costing you more.
- Pick a comfortable outfit: Make sure you’re wearing weather-appropriate clothes, while still allowing you to easily remove layers should you become hot in the crowded stores.
- Start your day with a healthy breakfast: This will help you stay energized and feel good. Find breakfast ideas here. Anxious to get to the store? Try one of these grab-and-go breakfast choices.
While shopping…
Maintain your stamina and feel well during your shopping expedition.
- Wear appropriate shoes: Opt for shoes that you can easily walk in to prevent aching feet or injury.
- Stay safe: Be mindful of your surroundings, watch out for crazy drivers (and aggressive shoppers), stay alert in crowds and keep your belongings—and new purchases—close so that you’re less likely to attract muggers.
- Be sure to eat and stay hydrated: Hopefully, you’ll have eaten breakfast, packed snacks and lunch, but if not, don’t forget to eat. Equally important, make sure you drink plenty of water while shopping. Crowds, heat and standing in long lines can result in fainting and other mishaps if you don’t have the proper fuel to run your body.
- Maximize your movement: If you’re looking to get some exercise while you shop, check out our Black Friday fitness ideas and tips for turning everyday activities into exercise.
The finish line…
Relax, refuel and restore your body.
- Rest and recover: When your shopping expedition is over, be sure to reward your efforts with a little R & R. Pick a relaxing activity like those suggested here to help you unwind from your busy day.
- Drink more water: Just as if you had been exercising, you should rehydrate at the completion of your shopping trip.
- Refuel with a healthy meal: Similarly, you’ll want to opt for a healthy meal to replenish your protein and carbohydrate stores. Healthy Eating in a Hurry is a great app to search for delicious and nutritious recipes.
- Get some sleep: Help your body restore itself by getting a good night’s sleep.
For Health Advocate Members
If you’re a Health Advocate member with access to the coaching component of our Wellness Program, connect with a coach to learn more great tips to keep you healthy!
