Stress-free Black Friday: 2020 edition
It’s that time of year. Sales, deals and gift guides! Black Friday sales seem to start earlier and last longer every year. Even so, I know what I want this year. My desire is to go into Black Friday and holiday shopping mindfully, with ease and a clear intention. I will spend my money in places that align with my values and on things that will add joy to my life. Once you decide you are done with the overwhelm and franticness of the holidays, read on for a few tips to melt the stress away.
- Spend some quiet time away from your phone or laptop. Take some deep breaths, observe your body. Then ask the question, “What do I desire from Black Friday, if anything?” It’s really important that you do this without the distraction of your phone. See what items organically pop into your mind. Imagine yourself actually possessing the item in your hands.
- How does it make you feel?
- Is it how you imagined it would be?
- Can you see yourself actually using it?
This year especially, let’s take a mindful approach to Black Friday. We started this year in lockdown and many places in the country are going back to lockdowns before the holidays. There are so many emotions buzzing around and so much we are experiencing. We can be tender and caring with ourselves without feeling the need to overspend for the holidays.
- If you’re like me, you’re coming across many holiday gift guides and Black Friday deal guides on social media and all over the internet. I really enjoy these guides and have found some great things over the years through them. I appreciate how curated and focused they can be. At the same time, I also know how easy it is to get overwhelmed and order items in excess of what I truly need. I suggest creating a list on your phone of items that grab your attention through the next week or so. By the time next week rolls around, pull your list open and go through each item. Does your desire for it still ring true? Ask the above three questions to examine if it’s the right time to purchase these items one by one. Yes, it takes some time but I promise you’ll feel calmer and more in control!
- Understand the industry trends. As consumers, we often think solely about deals, sales and FOMO! On the flip side, retailers think about how to easily and efficiently appeal to your senses to make a sale. Of course there is value in a product but during Black Friday, the actual value of a product can become obscure. On Black Friday, consumers become hyper-focused on scoring as many of the best deals as possible. Retailers understand this and often sell outdated products, older models or lower the value of products in order to lower the price. Basically, we think we’re scoring a great deal when there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes.
- Sustainability. Remember that we as consumers have the power here. We choose which businesses will receive our dollar and we choose how to spend it. You might think “Oh, I don’t have enough money to make a difference for the planet!” But you do. Every dollar counts and every dollar matters. How much do you understand about your retailers manufacturing guidelines, shipping process and whether they set environmental targets? Do some research into your favorite brands and their sustainability efforts. Check out if their actions align with your values. You have the power to spend your dollars at brands that align with your values and the kind of planet you want to see.
- Pro-tip: Unless something is an overwhelming, full-body yes, avoid making random, impulse purchases. When I used to do this, it felt so exciting at the time. However, when the item arrived I either forgot that I had ordered it or the excitement wore off that I was no longer interested to use it.
- I saved the best for last. The most powerful feeling of all — gratitude. When we express gratitude, we close the gap or division between ourselves and Source/Universe/God. We may even feel the oneness or singularity that exists in the universe. This makes us feel whole and completely taken care of. When you’re in this feeling, you are less likely to spend frivolously and more likely to call in higher levels of abundance!
I’ve developed a consistent and deep gratitude practice. I find that being in a state of gratitude makes me feel satisfied and spontaneously happy! This doesn’t mean I don’t spend money. It means I spend mindfully and wholeheartedly. I put my whole self into my spending decisions, I am confident about them and I know they will help me create even more abundance in my life. I understand that what I put out into the universe will come back to me multiplied. That’s why it’s so important to me to put my money in people and places that align with my values because I am literally creating more of it when I give my money to those places.
I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving and a very mindful Black Friday! Let me know if you experience more ease from these tips.
xoxo,
Megha
Sources:
https://www.commonobjective.co/article/13-questions-to-ask-suppliers-about-environmental-impact
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-50359603
https://www.businessinsider.com/black-friday-insider-secrets-2017-11
