It's American Thanksgiving, which means one thing for Canadians (and no I'm not talking about Black Friday deals): That the holiday rush will officially begin sometime this weekend; and that means one thing: that unless you're doing your shopping online you're going to be hitting the malls--along with everyone else (with the exception of those like my mother who have their shopping done by August).
Now for some, this is the most wonderful time of the year; but for others, it means a nerve-shooting cocktail of claustrophobia, agoraphobia, sensory overload, and indigestion from overdosing on food court fare.
So, in the spirit of holiday consumption, here are the essentials that will make up your shopping survival kit:
1. Layers of clothing: There's nothing worse than sweating to death in line at Lululemon because you've got your parka on. By wearing layers, you can get from your car to the mall without your heavy jacket, and then, if need be, get down to your t-shirt once the heat of the shopping begins.
2. Bottled Water: No, I'm not talking about the kind you have to line up at the food court to buy, but a Nalgene bottle brought from home. You might also want to include, if no health hazards are posed, Vega in the water, or some light juice to give you added vitamins.
3. Vitamins: Take a few vitamin C tablets and a recommended dose of Vitamin D--as a simple starter. Vitamin C is known to decrease stress, and Vitamin D is loaded with health benefits. Given that vitamin D deficiency is a result of lack of sunlight, trudging through the mall can easily leave you deficient. Including a Cal-Mag supplement, especially if you're drinking a lot of coffee to keep you in the flow.
4. Deodorant: For those long-hauls, this might be a good thing so that you don't smell like you haven't showered in several days--especially if you're meeting up with loved ones or friends for dinner.
5. Sound-Proof Headphones: If you experience what you think to be sensory overload, it may just be the case. With the incessant holiday music blasting and lights raging in hallucinogenic fashion, you need to get away. One way is to just get out of the mall and walk around outside. Another way, if this just isn't an option or something you care to do is a pair of sound-proof headphones like those you'd use on an airplane. You can find a place to sit, and chill out for a while to clear your mind and re-energize your body.
6. Mobile Device Power Cord: The last thing you want is to have to make a call to get a taxi or meet up with a friend and your phone is out of battery. Take a power cord with you and plug in when you're taking a break.
7. Eye Drops: Are your eyes strained from staring blankly at merchandise or little price tags through glass shelves and cases? Some eye drops can easily clear that up, and get you back on track.
8. Aspirin: Not only good for headaches, but also for your heart (it's a known tonic) for those moments when you add up all that you've spent and feel like you're going into cardiac arrest. Take a half tablet, and you'll be good to go. Alternatively, carrying a small bottle of Advil with you to alleviate headaches can be beneficial.
9. Sunglasses: If you find the lights too bright, you can always make like Jack Nicholson and dawn your shades. Might make you even look more important than you are and get you better deals. A simple baseball cap might do just as well as a visor for blinding lights.
10. Anti-Bacterial Hand Lotion: This is a must, for of all the thousands coming through the mall from all over North America, and the world for that matter, it's good to just keep your hands bacteria free. The smallest vile of this stuff, the better.
11. Messenger Bag: Where else are you going to put all this stuff? In your jean pockets? A small messenger bag will do the trick, and there are many out there, for guys, that look masculine enough to not be considered a man purse.
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