Let’s Sort It Out!
Christmas shopping and the season of goodwill… and absolutely on the brink of full-blown chaos. Whether you’re elbowing your way through a packed shopping center, stuck in a car park also known as the A-Road that leads to a shopping centre, or drowning in a sea of online tabs, it’s easy to feel completely overwhelmed.
Stop, dear reader, there is good news, we can do some psychological ju-jitsu here.
Let’s talk about why your brain is more fried than the oil in your local chippie and how you can make it through the gift-buying marathon without losing your festive cheer, or your mind, for that matter. With a bit of science (of the neuroscience variety), some practical coaching tips, and a sprinkle of humour, you’ll get back to feeling like you’re in charge instead of drowning in wrapping paper.
Why does Christmas Shopping Feel Like a Brain Workout
Here’s what’s going on in your head:
Decision Fatigue: Your brain, specifically the part called the prefrontal cortex, has to make about a thousand decisions during Christmas shopping. Should Mum get the scarf or the handbag? Is this toy cool enough for your niece? How much should you spend on Secret Santa without looking like a cheapskate? After a while, your brain just checks out, leaving your head scrambled.
Stress Response: Crowds, deadlines, and “perfect gifts” activate your brain’s fight-or-flight system, thanks to a little part called the amygdala. Suddenly, buying presents feels like a 'Mission Impossible 24' with Tom Cruise nowhere in sight. That might have made it worthwhile. Anywoo, cortisol (the stress hormone) has you either running for the hills or snapping at the cashier.
Dopamine Overload: Holiday sales and gift ideas create a dopamine spike, your brain’s reward chemical. It’s what gets you excited for a “limited-time deal,” but after you’re left exhausted and questioning why you even care about half the gifts you’ve added to your basket.
6 Simple Tips to Stay Sane While Shopping
1. Don’t Shop Hangry. When was the last time you made a good decision while hungry?
Why this works: Your brain needs stable blood sugar to focus. When it drops, cortisol spikes, and suddenly you’re panic-buying a random gift for Dad because your brain is running on fumes.
What to do: Before heading out (or online), eat something with protein or healthy fats. Nuts, seeds, or even some avocado on toast will keep your brain fuelled and focused.
2. “Patience, you must have my young Padawan.” — Yoda. Breathe, You’ve Got This. Breathe.
Why this works: Deep breathing calms your nervous system and tells your brain it’s not the end of the world (even if it feels like it).
What to do: Use the 4-7-8 technique: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Bonus: You’ll look calm and composed, even if your internal neurotic self is screaming, “Just ******* MOVE!”
3. Make a Plan and Stick to It
A little organisation goes a long way. Have a plan A, B and C, maybe even a D.
Why this works: Your brain loves clarity. A clear shopping list reduces mental chaos and helps you focus on the people (and gifts) that actually matter.
What to do: Write down your list: who you’re buying for, what you’re getting, and how much you want to spend. Start with the essentials and avoid the flashy “buy three, and get some extra 'none useful' ones free” sales distractions.
4. Ditch the Perfectionism - it really is not worth it
Spoiler alert: No one’s Christmas is ruined because their stocking has chocolate coins instead of artisan truffles.
Why this works: Perfectionism is exhausting. Your brain doesn’t need the pressure of finding the “perfect” gift; it just needs to get the job done.
What to do: Shift your mindset. “This gift is thoughtful and meaningful, and that’s what counts.” If aunty ji, Deepa, doesn’t appreciate your effort, that’s her problem.
5. Celebrate Good Times C’Mon... okay let’s start by celebrating the small wins
Ticking off your list? That’s a win. Finding a parking spot? Another win!
Why this works: Every small win gives your brain a dopamine boost, keeping you motivated, and we all love a dopamine rush.
What to do: Break your shopping list into bite-sized tasks. Each gift bought is a win. Treat yourself to a cup of herbal tea or a moment to stretch after a big task or maybe even 20, we mean 10, we mean 5 press-ups, it makes all the difference.
6. As Maya Angelo said ‘ giving liberates the soul of the giver’
Pause for a moment and think about why you’re doing this.
Why this works: The neurotransmitter oxytocin is released when you give, not when you receive
What to do: When the overwhelm creeps in, ask yourself:
“How amazing is it to share love through these gifts?”
“How can I make this whole shopping malarkey more fun? Maybe even ask a friend or a family member to go shopping with you. Treat it like a social event, and remember, HANGRY is easier avoided with a friend to dine with!
Even if Uncle Bob asks for socks every year, your effort shows you care, and that’s the real gift. If he’s really lucky, he will get some Bob the Builder socks.
What Really Matters
Here’s the thing: No one remembers the little details about Christmas shopping. What they’ll remember is the love and effort you’ve put in—not whether the wrapping paper matched or if you used brown paper instead.
If the shopping still feels like too much, ask yourself:
“What’s one thing I can simplify right now?”
“Does this gift reflect the thought I want to give?”
It’s all about intention
Sometimes, the answer is stepping back, having a mince pie, and calling it a day. And honestly? That’s perfectly okay.
Final Thoughts
What is Christmas really about? It’s not about the stuff.
We can’t tell you, but you know what’s important, you know who’s important, and you know how to share how you feel about them in your own way (as long as you are not breaking any laws ;)
To Health and Wholeness!
From the team at the New School Of Nutritional Medicine
Learn about the Founder & Principal of the New School of Nutritional Medicine, Dr Khush Mark PhD HERE.