We have one week to go and shopping is in full sway across the North Hills of Pittsburgh and you are probably stressed out. Don't worry. You are not alone. 

First of all, if you are stressed. Know one thing: 'Tis the season to be stressed!

The holiday shopping season can be a daunting time for shoppers. With long lines, crowds of people, and endless aisles of merchandise, it's easy to become overwhelmed. Luckily, we're here to help. In this blog post, we will provide 10 tips to help you survive the holiday shopping season!

1. Plan Ahead: Planning ahead is key when it comes to surviving the holiday shopping season. Make a list of what you need, and do your research online for prices before heading out to the mall or store. This will help you save time and money!
2. Shop Early: Shopping early has many advantages, such as avoiding crowds and being able to find what you need. Shopping early can also help you budget your money better, as you won’t be scrambling for last-minute gifts at the end of the season.
3. Take Breaks: Don’t forget to take breaks! Shopping during the holiday season can be exhausting, so make sure to take regular breaks for snacks, drinks, and even a quick nap.
4. Give Yourself Time: Shopping during this season can be stressful, so make sure to give yourself enough time to finish all your shopping needs. Don’t feel rushed while browsing; instead, take your time and enjoy the experience.
5. Make Shopping Fun: Shopping doesn’t have to be a chore! Try to make it an enjoyable experience by looking for unique and interesting gifts, or even just window-shopping for ideas.
6. Avoid the Malls: If you can, try to avoid shopping at malls during this season. Shopping centers tend to be crowded, noisy, and overwhelming. Shopping online or at smaller stores can help you save time and energy.
7. Price Compare: Shopping around for the best deal is a great way to stretch your dollar during the holiday season. Make sure to compare prices between different stores, as well as take advantage of discounts and deals.
8. Set a Budget: Shopping during the holiday season can add up quickly, so it's important to set and stick to a budget. Make sure to factor in taxes, shipping costs, and any other fees that might come up.
9. Stay Organized: Shopping for gifts for several different people can be confusing, so make sure to keep track of who you’ve bought for and what gifts you’ve purchased. A gift list can be very helpful!
10. Take Advantage of Shopping Apps: Shopping apps are a great way to save time, money, and energy during the holiday season. Apps like Ibotta or RetailMeNot provide discounts and deals that you can use while you shop.

What if you need more than shopping tips to survive Christmas? 

When it comes to dealing with Christmas stress, there are lots of tips out there for tackling holiday shopping. But sometimes the anxiety and stress that come along with the season can be too much to handle.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed this time of year, don't hesitate to reach out for behavioral health or mental health services from a licensed professional. With a little help, you can get through the holidays without feeling anxious or stressed. Remember that taking care of your mental well-being is always important, especially during the festive period!

Look for someone who specializes in behavioral health or stress management and make an appointment. They can help you identify the source of your anxiety and create an actionable plan to address the root of the problem. Additionally, they can provide coping mechanisms such as relaxation techniques to help you deal with stressful situations in a healthier way.

Local Behavioral Health Services Across The North Hills of Pittsburgh

Editor's Note: Our mental health directory is just getting started. Google for a more comprehensive list of mental health service providers. You will find a lot more, but we hope to have all the mental health services providers across the North Hills repressed in our Healthcare Guide soon. 

The holiday season is meant to be a joyous time of year, so don't let stress keep you from enjoying it! If shopping tips aren't enough and you're looking for more ways to manage Christmas stress, consider talking to a mental health professional. With their help, you can learn healthier ways to cope and make sure you have a stress-free holiday season.

We hope these tips will help make your holiday shopping more enjoyable and stress-free! 

Happy Shopping!

Matt De Reno is the publisher of Across North Hills and is a writer based in the Ross Township community of the North Hills of Pittsburgh.