It is almost halfway through November, which means two things: Thanksgiving and Black Friday are right around the corner. Thanksgiving is a great holiday for every American: the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, family, and friends are just a few of the many wonderful things about Thanksgiving. However, even though I do not condone shopping on Thanksgiving, I do look forward to waking up before the sun rises and going shopping on Black Friday. Let me tell you though, Black Friday shopping is more exhausting than leg day at the gym. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that you are prepared to brave the Black Friday madness:

Pick up a few extra shifts at work:

Even though Black Friday is known for sales, those sales add up fast and your wallet will be crying. Before you know it, you will hardly have enough cash for lunch at Chipotle (trust me, after hours of shopping, you will be hungry). Try asking your boss if he could give you some extra hours in the days leading up to Black Friday. If you don’t have a job, I highly suggest getting one.

Start exercising:

I’m not saying go out and buy a gym membership (you’ll need that money for Black Friday), but maybe brush up some on arm workouts, and possibly cardio too. Not only will this make up for the ungodly amount of calories you will consume on Thanksgiving, but getting into “Black Friday shape” will also help you carry those heavy shopping bags around the mall, while also being able to keep up with the fast moving crowds.

Get a good night sleep:

You may want to consider leaving your relative’s house slightly earlier this year to make sure you get that full eight hours of sleep. Being fully rested is essential for surviving a full say of shopping.

Wear comfortable shoes:

As you are still half asleep while getting ready for Black Friday (because you did not get those eight hours) make sure to put on a pair of comfortable shoes. Uggs or a pair of converse will be just fine. Warning: today is not the day to break in a new pair of Sperrys.

Coffee. Drink lots of coffee:

You’ll thank me (and Starbucks) later when mid-day comes around and the few hours of sleep you got still is not hitting you.

Patience is key:

Almost every store in the mall will have some sort of Black Friday sale, which means that there will be lines. Don’t get discouraged though, wait in line with a coffee in hand and talk with the people around you. By the end of the day, you will have many new friends just by talking to other people who are waiting in the same line as you.

Do not get into a fight:

Just remember, none of the Black Friday sales are truly worth fighting over. Even though it is funny to see Black Friday shoppers get into fights over the last Xbox, you do not want to get arrested or be featured on the local news.

If you miss out on the Black Friday sales, or simply are not brave enough to endure the madness, don’t worry because Cyber Monday is just three days away!

Let the sales be ever in your favor!