Gift Giving Help for the Sensitive Brain
This year's holidays are different for everyone with new rules and changes with Covid 19 among us, but that doesn't mean you won't be giving. The idea of getting gifts for everyone on your list may seem daunting, especially when dealing with your post-concussion symptoms! So please read on to get some tips for shopping this holiday season.
Keep It Simple
Is there one gift you could give to more than one person? Not every gift needs to be unique individually; maybe your whole family would benefit from one thing. Such as a sweater from a local place in town or warm compresses for sore muscles, or maybe you don't know what to buy them, so instead, you donate on behalf of everyone with their names for a cause you or they are passionate about. Holiday shopping doesn't need to stress you out!
Shopping in Store
If you are able to go into stores, avoid peak hours if you can, stores tend to be busiest from Friday to Sunday. If department stores and their bright lights are too much, but you need to go try:
To plan ahead to make shopping as efficient as possible.
Wearing a hat to make you feel less exposed, a baseball cap may even help with the lights.
Ear Peaces if the noise is too much, you can still have a normal conversation with them in, and you can avoid specific high frequencies that may be overwhelming.
Going with a friend, a buddy can help lower anxiety from being around lots of people.
To not strain yourself, don't push yourself to be exhausted or exasperate your symptoms you can always try again another day.
If you think large stores may be too much for you, look into some of your local shops, they often are smaller, less crowded, have dimmer lights and a quieter environment.
If Stores don't work for you, Shop Online!
Avoid stores and people altogether by simply shopping from home. Still, be sure to plan ahead to lower the amount of time you may be spending on a screen if it may increase your symptoms. Buy a variety of gifts from one place by using websites like Amazon or consider looking into your local stores. Due to the changes from Covid 19, most small retailers now have an online store available. If you need an idea for any children in your life that you can purchase from home, I strongly recommend Wonderbly! I have bought many of these books for all the kids in my life as they are customizable to make them even more special.
Could you Make Something?
Have any special skills with crafting or a hobby that you could create some gifts with? If it helps relax your brain, it may be the best choice for you! Some ideas may be baking, crochet/knitting, painting, handwritten notes, jewelry, wood burning, and anything else you could come up with.
Remember when shopping this holiday season it isn't all about the presents so do not feel obligated to get anyone anything. Make sure to put your health first!
One day at a time,
Bella
