According to a UK study, festive shopping increases blood pressure to dangerous levels. iTALK explains the connection ahead of Christmas, and tells you how to shop, minus the stress

Your wallet is not the only one to bear the brunt of festive shopping, says new research conducted by the University of East London in partnership with Moneysupermarket Shopping. The study has revealed that Christmas shopping can increase blood pressure to potentially dangerous levels. Almost half of the shoppers who took part in the study were deemed to have "at risk" blood pressure readings after just 75 minutes of shopping. This is dangerous since it can lead to hypertension, which can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems.

So, while many of us may believe that retail therapy is a good way to beat stress, a shopping exercise may actually have the reverse effect, causing anxiety and panic attacks. The bottom line: Don't let those bags of stress weigh you down. We tell you how to plan your next trip to the mall, with this quick guide to stress-free shopping.

These yoga asanas will help you beat stress

Shameem Akhtar Mid Day Yoga Expert

In yoga, stress relief is instantaneous. It takes into account that in a high-anxiety situation, it is natural for the mind to get nervous. So instead of trying to control an element that you cannot control (your mind), yoga seeks to restore stability by using the body. Part of its magic is that it uses marmic/acupressure points and reaches into the body to erase the footprint of stress. Yogic practices employ subtle pressures, applied strategically at points, where stress is experienced.

Vayu mudra (Air control hand gesture):
May be done seated or standing. Press down index finger firmly with your thumb. Do this for each hand. Hold for three minutes or so for immediate effect. In palpitations or hyper-anxiety states, you may use this mudra for longer. Caution: This mudra must be avoided by those with high kapha dosha. Also avoid it if you feel dull or lethargic.

Nadi shodhana:
Sit with your eyes shut. Hold your left hand in chin mudra, tips of index and thumb touching. In right hand, hold index finger and thumb out, to use each to shut and open left and right nostril respectively. Shut right nostril with right thumb, inhaling gently from left nostril. Then exhale from right nostril by lifting thumb off it. Then inhale from right nostril, and exhale from left. This is one round. Do up to ten rounds.

Shopping can increase blood sugar levels

Dr Anil G Ballani Consultant Physician
"Physical exertion and mental excitement while shopping can increase your heart rate and blood sugar levels, causing palpitation, sweating, anxiety and panic attacks."

Buy only what you need

Says singer Anushka Manchanda "Shoppers should check what's available, and only pick up stuff that they need. It's better to carry a big bag to hold everything in, so that you don't end up forgetting your belongings at a store, causing undue stress."

Shopping tips to avoid stress

Make a list and carry it with you. Jot down the names of stores you plan to visit, with a list of products that you want to buy from a particular store. Making a list helps save time.

Avoid last minute shopping. Pick up gifts well in advance, so that you avoid the stress and panic of not finding one.

Leave your kids at home. Kids tend to get irritated and do not have the patience needed while shopping for long hours.
 
Make a budget and stick to it.

Shop online:

a. If you don't have the time to go hunting for gifts, purchase them online. Log on to sites like Ebay, check out your options, find out about payment modes, compare prices and place an order.
b. Only shop at secure websites. Ensure that the security icon the locked padlock or unbroken key symbol — is showing at the bottom of your browser window before sending your card details. The beginning of the retailer's Internet address should also change from "http" to "https".
c. Make sure your browser is set to the highest level of security notification.
d. Check your statements. If you find a transaction on your credit card statement that you didn't make, contact your bank.