Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping days of the year, with countless deals and discounts tempting us to spend our hard-earned money. Yet, it can feel a bit ironic after we all just spent an entire day giving thanks for what we already have.
With the level of consumerism surrounding Black Friday and the holidays in general, it’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy of buying and forget about the true spirit of the season. It can also take a toll on our mental health and bank accounts simultaneously.
Instead of participating in the consumerism-driven chaos, here are 8 things you can do today to take a break from Black Friday shopping and focus on what truly matters.
1. Volunteer at a Local Charity
Instead of spending money on material possessions, use your time and energy to give back to those in need. Look for local charities or non-profit organizations that could use extra help during the holiday season. Whether it’s serving meals at a soup kitchen or organizing donations at a shelter, volunteering is a fulfilling way to spread kindness and make a positive impact in your community.
2. Spend Quality Time with Friends and Family
The holiday season is the perfect time to reconnect with loved ones and create lasting memories. Instead of spending hours browsing through stores, use that time to catch up with friends and family over a cup of coffee or a home-cooked meal. You could also plan a fun activity together, such as going ice skating or watching a holiday movie marathon.
3. Get Outside and Enjoy Nature
After being cooped up inside all day on Thanksgiving (so much cooking and nap time!), take advantage of the fresh air and go for a hike or bike ride. Spending time in nature has numerous benefits for our mental and physical health, including reducing stress and boosting mood. Plus, it’s completely free!
4. Practice Self-Care
With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to neglect self-care. Take today as an opportunity to slow down and prioritize your well-being. Whether it’s taking a long bath, reading a book, or getting a massage, do something that makes you feel relaxed and rejuvenated, especially if you have the day off for a precious 4-day weekend.
5. Declutter and Donate
While everyone else is out buying more stuff, take some time to declutter your space and donate any items you no longer need. Not only will this help clear your mind and physical space, but it also allows others to benefit from items that may have just been collecting dust in your home.
6. Explore Your City
Instead of fighting crowds at the mall, use today to explore your city or town. Visit a new neighborhood, try a new coffee shop or restaurant, and discover hidden gems in your own backyard. You may be surprised by what you find and have a memorable experience without spending any money.
7. Plan for the Upcoming Year
As we near the end of the year, it’s a great time to reflect on our goals and plan for the upcoming year. Use today to brainstorm ideas and set intentions for what you want to achieve in the next months. This could include personal, professional, or even travel goals.
8. Support Small Businesses
If you still want to do some shopping today, consider supporting small businesses instead of large corporations. Small businesses often struggle to compete with big retail chains during this time of year, so your purchase could make a significant impact on their success.
It can feel good to spend money where it is truly appreciated rather than lining the pockets of big corporations.
Ultimately, there are plenty of fulfilling and meaningful activities that you can do instead of participating in Black Friday or Cyber Monday shopping. Use this day to focus on what truly matters, whether it’s giving back to others, spending quality time with loved ones, or taking care of yourself.
Remember, the best things in life are not things despite what targeted ads and flashy deals may tell us.
JayDee Vykoukal is a writer, author, mom, and Doctor of Physical Therapy. She has been writing about everything motherhood and health-related since 2018 when her first daughter was born, and she wanted to stay home. She loves to research new topics and fun facts with her kids to teach them about the world.
