Coping with Sensory Overload in Crowded Places

I wear my noise cancelling headphones and sunglasses. I can still hear people speaking directly to me and see just fine but it lessens the impact of how much is going on. I also have a fidget ring that I use to stim with and deep breathing. Also finding any less crowded spaces is ideal so I understand wanting to just run to it but good on you for remembering to pay first! I’ve personally left stores mindlessly just trying to get away and forgot I was holding things