Christmas is definitely in the air and the shopping frenzy is present in markets and malls. Whether you are in your hometown or in another place traveling, buying a lot of things for you and your loved ones is a fun thing to do. However, there are some things you have to bear in mind so as not to be stressed when shopping. For one, start early to avoid the mad rush of shoppers. If the shopping venue is outdoors, then better to shop nearing sundown till night when the air is cooler. Be sure to have a list of everything you need to buy to ensure you don’t miss out anything. Avoid impulsive buying and canvas, if possible. Some enjoy buying when with someone else while there are others that prefers going the solo flight. Whichever works best for you, better to practice them if it can help you make your shopping activities less stressful.
But as the day wears off and the shopping bags begin to weigh you down, take time to pause all the walking and buying to give your traveling feet a rest. Often, all the crowd and the human activities can stress you a bit. If you feel you are on the verge of losing your patience, take an hour or two for a shopping break.
1.) Watch a movie
The movie house is always a choice to unwind after a full day of shopping. Choose a feel-good movie. Or keep yourself entertained by a show around the vicinity. Others seek refuge in a movie house to get a power nap and recharge themselves for more shopping escapades. Just avoid the cinemas in the week of Christmas till New Year when families also head to the theaters to catch the latest movies or support their idols in the film festival.
2.) Get a haircut
If all the bargaining is like pulling your hair out, why not get a haircut? There’s a psychological effect that a haircut can do, something that symbolizes freedom. So, free yourself from the pressure of shopping, treat yourself to a beauty session to ease yourself with the headache of completing your shopping list. Let those tresses take you away from the stresses, even for a brief period.
3.) Have a relaxing drink
There are plenty of eateries in malls and markets, that’s for sure. But don’t feast too much or else you might not be able to carry your weight for more shopping adventures. Choose a good dining place to pause and relax, one where your hunger is sated but doesn’t make you feel bloated.
Enjoy a dose of serenity at Serenitea. Not only will you get some healthy food and drinks that are not heavy on the tummy (you wouldn’t want that when you are walking around carrying your shopping items), but some great offers as well. As it turns out, December is Serenitea’s birthday month, just in time for the holiday season, and they have lots of things in store for their customers. Have a Thai Choco Tea that is from the steeped high-grade Thai tea leaves, a blend of finest spices with a delectable Hershey’s Kisses Deluxe. If you are not a tea drinker, there’s another option: the Avocado Choco Chip served with some Hershey’s Kisses Deluxe. They also offer a free upsize from large to their Jumbo Cup from December 18 to 20 on their select drinks. And when you are able to accumulate a single receipt purchase of Php 1,000, you can buy the Serenitea Diary at only Php 549.00.
4.) Spa and massage
Loosen those muscles. Have a foot spa or massage. How about some manicure and pedicure? One particular nail salon that you can enjoy is the beach-themed Nailaholics. They have plenty of packages to choose from. Lounge into their couches and let their team pamper you that will soothe your feeling. Choose from the vast colors of nail polish pallets. Exfoliate your skin on your hands while subject your feet to a relaxing treatment and come out with soft hands and feet.
If you want to have some massage sessions, there are also available spas even in local markets. I remember in Chiang Mai Night Market, there were areas that offered Thai massage. Try the local way if you are curious. But if you prefer quality service with a credible name, you can choose from the various spas in malls.
5.) Have a sit and rest your feet
If you do not want to spend a single cent for a shopping break, find a bench in the vicinity and rest your feet. Take this opportunity to observe the whole scenario. Allow the energy and the vibe of the atmosphere to revitalize your weary body. If shopping has brought you some unsavory situation, take a breather and just allow the steam of the stress to let off from your head.
There are other options on how to survive the shopping frenzy. For me, personally, I do my shopping throughout the year, especially when I travel. I already buy items that I can give as gifts when the occasion arrives.
