Black Friday Shopping: How to Keep It Healthy

Black Friday is here and if you are among the bravest of us, that means more deals than you can shake a stick at! Black Friday shopping also means crowds, close contact with lots of strangers, long lines and … well, you know the deal. Here are Gateway Hancock Health’s top tips to keep this day fun and healthy for you and your shopping crew. 

Plan to get a good amount of rest. Given that Thanksgiving is often filled with friends and relatives (who may or may not overstay their welcome) you may need to make some adjustments to your regular sleep routine. Planning to leave the house at zero-dark-thirty? Even more reason to make sure you get into bed at a reasonable hour the night before. Black Friday is going to be a long day, so fuel your body and brain with sleep. This will help you take on the challenge without feeling like you’ve been hit by a train at the end of the day. 

Nourish your body with a good breakfast before you leave home (and bring some energy-packed snacks with you). A breakfast with a combo of  protein, fiber and healthy fats (think eggs with avocado or oatmeal with fruit) will keep you satiated longer and your blood sugar stable, both of which helps you to stay focused. Pack some protein-based snacks for sustenance while you wait in long lines and move from store to store. Meat sticks, hard-boiled eggs and nuts are great options. 

Don’t forget to bring your water bottle along as well. It’s easy to get dehydrated during a long day of shopping, and then reach for sugar-filled or over-caffeinated drinks when you visit the food court. Keep your water bottle close, and you’ll feel better and be less likely to chug down sugar and calories later. 

Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer throughout the day. Most people are likely to do this after using the washroom and before eating. But it’s a good idea to also do this after touching shared surfaces (think dressing room doors, store door handles and while perusing items on racks or shelves). Keeping your hands clean is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stop the spread of germs. 

Bonus Tip: 

We are all about physical health here at Gateway Hancock Health. We also value financial wellness and know that you do, too – that’s why our prices are significantly lower than what you’ll find elsewhere in the area. Help keep your finances healthy by making a plan for your Black Friday outing, and then stay within your budget while shopping. We’ve all been tempted to scoop up every great deal we see, but it may not be worth the risk of financial stress many people find themselves facing after the holidays. 

If you are a Black Friday shopper, may the odds be ever in your favor. We wish you a fun and healthy Black Friday outing!