Clever Ideas for Keeping Fresh and Footloose during Marathon Shopping Days
posted in Shopping |There are three main shopping periods a year when you can expect some marathon shopping days – the day after Thanksgiving, the day after Christmas and tax-free shopping weekend. For many people, they take their shopping seriously and know how to spot a bargain. They are also the ones who keep lists of people along with who gets what present. They are … organized! So how do you become a veteran marathon shopper without just totally passing out from the sheer exhaustion of walking all day carrying mountains of shopping bags?
Start training during early summer and do exercises and weights that will work on your endurance – seriously! Shopping can be a full body experience, so you must exercise and train the whole body.  In addition, working with weights to build and maintain upper body strength will help you carry those shopping bags for miles. Also try and join a walking club, either outdoors or in a local mall. Remember – start this training program at least two months, if not more, before your next marathon shopping opportunity.
Break in any new shoes at least a month before the next shopping marathon. All that walking in the malls and even from sidewalk to sidewalk store takes a lot out of someone. It’s the hard concrete or cement floors that can wear you out. Select shoes for comfort; check for proper cushioning and arch support. If you are not fashion conscious, consider investing in a pair of nurse’s shoes that are made especially for those people who must stand for long period of time.
The day before your marathon-shopping day, be sure to peruse through all the sales circulars in the newspaper. Draft a game plan, which includes mapping out your route as well as the best parking places in the area, the bathrooms and even restaurants where you can stop and rest with a drink and lunch. For the day of your marathon shopping, be sure to dress in comfortable, loose clothing for a less constricting feel. Consider slip-on shirts and pants, perhaps a drawstring style. If possible, wear a fanny pack instead of carrying a purse. A purse can weigh you down overtiring your shoulders and arms. A fanny pack can easily hold your wallet with your credit cards as well as the essentials like tissues, lip balm and a comb.
If possible, carry a bottle of water to drink with you at all times. Marathon shopping will involve a lot of standing on your feet and walking so you don’t want to get dehydrated. Drinking sodas will give you that caffeine and sugar kick for a while, but once they start to wear off, you will start feeling lethargic and tired. By the same token, bring yourself a light snack or at least order something somewhat healthy in the food court or a restaurant. By keeping your energy levels up, you will be able to get through your day with plenty of energy to spare.
Finally, employ safety practices when going to and from your car. If you are loaded down with bags, ask the mall’s or store’s customer service department for a security escort to your car for safety reasons. You don’t want to get mugged. In addition, be sure to keep all your purchases out of sight in your car trunk or at least hidden within your car. The lack of goodies in plain sight will deter thieves.
You never knew what all is involved in preparation for a marathon shopping day, did you? It takes careful planning of your day in order to maximize the most of your time. By following some of the advice above, you can enjoy your shopping experience feeling comfortable and relaxed.
