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One afternoon at my job two years ago, an notification hit on my mobile device: my paycheck had been deposited. It was a fair amount for a someone still at university, so I proceeded with my what I always did payday ritual: I opened every shopping app on my device. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, you name it. In under 60 minutes, I had parted with £90 on clothes, home decor and a completely unused heavy blanket that never touched.

A short while after, I went online again and purchased a blow dryer. I already owned one, but thought an extra one couldn't hurt. Then I added LED strip lights and two pairs of shoes that didn't even fit me. This wasn’t new behaviour. In reality, I’d been notorious for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

Whenever I felt anxious, tired or uninterested, I would doomscroll until it inevitably culminated in an impulsive shopping spree. My justification was always: “It's only £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and so on.

I was never completely sure about the reason. Perhaps it was due to I grew up in a low-income family, where we’d go months without purchasing new outfits or anything to decorate the home. So any time I had extra money, there was always a hidden desire for new and thrilling things. Or maybe, and almost certainly, I was just financially irresponsible and succumbed easily to capitalism’s demands.

The Game-Changing Strategy

In the end, I opted to try something new. Before buying anything, I’d put it in my basket, wait 24 hours, then decide on whether to finalize the purchase. The greatest advantage of this technique was that it gave me space to reflect – something I’d never done before. For the first time since adulthood, I started asking myself: “Do I actually require this? Is it within my budget?” Most of the time, the response was no.

If I accessed Amazon, Depop or Zara and discovered products sitting in my cart, I’d clear them out and start fresh. By employing this method, I ceased buying goods that I knew deep down I would never use. I once considered purchasing a trio of games, but after waiting before going to the shop, I understood I never actually engage with tabletop games.

I also wanted to buy a disposable film camera for my first trip to the coast. After pausing I recalled I had a smartphone, like most people, that features a perfectly good camera, and therefore did not need to buy a dedicated camera.

The Enduring Benefits

It additionally signifies I am more discerning about the items I do purchase, and I can at last look at my financial records devoid of experiencing shame or embarrassment.

Of course, there have been occasions I’ve slipped back into previous patterns – it’s only natural. The difference now is that I can recognise the signs sooner, especially when I’m hastening into a transaction. I’ve realised ennui is a strong catalyst. It’s perhaps the biggest motivator of my impulsive expenditure.

Consumer culture preys on this boredom and our need for instant gratification. That’s why, looking back, forcing myself to halt before purchasing has felt unexpectedly freeing. To be able to have control over my urges and remind myself that I don’t need to spend my hard-earned money on non-essential goods feels as radical as it is simple.