Holiday Shopping Survival Tool Kit

I have received information and materials from Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc., McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division. The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post. This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WinOverWinter #CollectiveBias

Shopping during the holidays can be really hard on your body. Standing on hard floors all day, carrying piles of gifts, and lugging bags back and forth to the car can really take their toll. But you don't have to go through the holidays with aches and pains. We've put together a holiday shopping survival tool kit to help you survive the holiday shopping rush without becoming a grumpy ole Scrooge.

We went shopping on Thanksgiving night, right after dinner. The place was PACKED!! Good thing we had our survival kit so we were happy and relaxed while shopping and when we got home. Here's what you need to make your holiday shopping trips even BETTER:

Stock an Anti-Inflammatory like MOTRIN® IB

Always follow a doctor's advice before taking any medication. I take an anti-inflammatory like MOTRIN® IB right when I feel pain coming on. MOTRIN® IB provides effective long-lasting pain relief, especially for achy muscles, headaches, and other aches and pains of the holiday season. I always keep a bottle in my purse so that I can take it as soon as I feel the pain in my back or feet start. There's no reason to miss out on shopping and family fun just because of a few aches and pains!

Throughout the holidays and beyond, count on MOTRIN® IB to relieve tough pain. Find MOTRIN® IB in the Pharmacy or medication section of your local Target store:

Elevate your feet with a Foot Rest

Whether it's a pile of pillows, an ottoman, or a coffee table, putting your feet up to rest can help them feel better after standing line for hours. Even if you're in the store, pop your feet up on a bench for a few minutes to help relieve swelling that can happen from standing for long periods of time. If you have a recliner, put the foot part outward to help elevate your feet after a long day of shopping or visiting family. I use a bench in front of our couch to prop my feet up while watching TV.

Make an Epson Salt Foot Bath

We always keep Epson salt in a jar in the bathroom for Epson salt baths and foot soaks. You can find Epson salt in bags in the healthcare section of Target, near the Pharmacy.

How to make an Epson salt foot bath:

Place a towel on the ground and fill a plastic basin with warm water. The water should be a comfortable temperature for putting your feet in it. Place the water-filled basin on the towel. Add about 1 cup of Epson salt to the water.

Put your feet in and move them around to get the salt to dissolve into the water. Soak as comfortable.

You can also take a bath in Epson salt if you're feeling sore all over. Fill a bath with warm water and add 2 cups of Epson salt. Soak in the tub as long as desired!

Get a Moist Heating Pad

For aches pains try using a heating pad on sore muscles. We got moist heating pads from the VA for our aches and pains but you can find these at Target as well. Moist heat applied for 15-20 minutes can help relieve back pain. Cuddle up with a blanket and place the heating pad on your back for relief.

Get a pad with a trigger that automatically turns itself off. Our heating pad has a hand-held lever that turns the heat on only when you are holding it down. It lights up to indicate that it is ON. If you fall asleep, you'll let go on the trigger and the pad will automatically turn off as a safety feature. Be sure to read all safety instructions when using heating pads and do not use them near water.

Relax with a Cup of Tea

Make a cup of hot tea to help yourself relax. Choose a variety like Chamomile that is known for it's relaxing properties. Black tea may even boost the immune system. If you do get sick while running around shopping, try our old family recipe for canela, a Mexican cinnamon tea, to help relieve a sore throat.

Canela Tea Recipe

• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 6 cups of water
• honey
• lemon juice

Boil the cinnamon sticks in the water until the water is a reddish brown color. Strain the cinnamon sticks from the liquid and pour into cups. Add lemon and honey to taste. Drink while warm.

Do you have any great holiday survival tips?

No matter your holiday routine, be sure to pick up MOTRIN® IB at your local Target:

• Target on Facebook
• @Target on Instagram
• @Target on twitter

What do you think about the items I included in this holiday survival kit? Share in the comments section!

I have received information and materials from Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc., McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division. The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post. This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WinOverWinter #CollectiveBias