The holidays are upon us (whether we’re ready for them or not). You’re surely looking forward to celebrating with the fabulous four Fs: food, fun, family time and Friday – Black Friday, that is. But a holiday shopping trip with chronic pain can be challenging. All the added stress, fuss and excitement of the crowds and loved ones’ expectations and questions can make you feel like a successful trip is nearly impossible. Let’s look at a few tips to help you have a merry little holiday shopping trip.
Make a list and check it twice
Enjoying a holiday shopping trip with chronic pain means coming prepared. Organize yourself ahead of time. Make a list of the gifts you want to buy for people. Walking up and down aisles and wandering through stores could increase your pain level and fatigue. Be thorough in your list. Note sizes for clothing, colors your loved ones like, ages for toys and any other important information.
Write down the person’s name next to the gift on your list, too. This way you’ll be able to refer to the list after shopping when you’re wrapping presents.
I’ll be home for shopping
Skip the store altogether and shop online. You can sit comfortably on your couch and enjoy a holiday shopping trip with chronic pain with your feet up and buy the ideal gifts from your home. You won’t have to stand in line, walk through the store or be stuck in holiday crowds either.
Often, stores offer special deals on shipping or online-only deals during the holiday season. Check the stores’ information to see what kinds of deals they may be running.
Holly jolly gift cards
While giving everyone on your list gift cards may not work, there are likely some people on your list who have asked for them. Don’t sweat it if you can’t find a tangible item for someone. Consider a gift card. It’ll be one more gift checked off your list and one less worry over how to enjoy a holiday shopping trip with chronic pain.
It’s beginning to look a lot like comfortable clothes
If you have to get out and go to the stores, you’ll have to do some walking. Make sure you’re comfortable. Wear comfy shoes and clothes. If you put something on and it feels a tad uncomfortable, change into something else. That way you won’t have to worry about feeling more uncomfortable after a couple of hours of facing the crowds. Just because you’re shopping for others doesn’t mean you can’t prioritize your own comfort.
Jingle bell mobility aids
If your pain sometimes causes you to need to use a cane, walker, wheelchair or other mobility aids, feel comfortable bringing with you despite the crowds. If you don’t have your own, ask employees where you can find one in the store. After a couple hours of shopping or standing in line, you may need some help getting around. Managing a holiday shopping trip with chronic pain means being able to get around with as much ease as possible. Many stores have motorized wheelchairs with baskets on them to help you and to provide convenience.
All I want for Christmas is help
When you’re at the store and can’t find something, feel free to ask for help. Store employees will be on hand to help you find exactly what you’re looking for, so you won’t have to waste your time and energy. It’s a simple way you can better manage your holiday shopping trip with chronic pain.
If they don’t have the item in stock, ask them if they can order it for you. Many stores will order items for you that can be shipped to the store or directly to your home.
Hark! the herald loved ones help you lift
Lifting something heavy may increase your pain. If you know there’s something on your list that’s heavy, consider asking a friend to go with you to do the lifting. You can also ask one of the store’s employees to help you carry the item to your car. Once you’re home, ask for help from a friend of family member, too.
Do they know it’s time for a break?
You don’t have to be in a rush. Take your time and go at your own pace. Managing a holiday shopping trip with chronic pain means stopping to rest when you need to. If it’s overwhelming to do all of your shopping at once, break it up into 2 or 3 trips. The most important thing is staying as pain-free as possible.
Navigating a holiday shopping trip with chronic pain doesn’t have to wear you out completely. With these steps, you’ll be finished with your shopping in no time and ready to enjoy food, fun, family and friends.
What are your best tips for managing chronic pain during holiday shopping trips?
Let us know in the comments section.
What topics related to managing chronic pain during the holidays would you like to see us research?
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