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One afternoon at my job two years ago, an alert popped up on my phone: my paycheck had come through. It was a decent sum for a student, so I proceeded with my what I always did payday ritual: I opened every shopping app on my device. From Amazon to Zara, you name it. Within the space of an hour, I had spent £90 on clothes, home decor and a totally unused heavy blanket that I never used.

A few days later, I went online again and bought a blow dryer. I already owned one, but thought an extra one wouldn't be a problem. Then I included light strips and two pairs of shoes that weren’t even my size. This wasn't a new pattern. In fact, I’d been infamous for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

Whenever I felt stressed, exhausted or bored, I would mindlessly scroll until it inevitably culminated in an unplanned shopping binge. My justification was constantly: “It's only £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and so on.

I was never completely certain about the reason. Maybe it was because my upbringing in a low-income family, where we’d go months without buying new outfits or anything to brighten up the home. So any moment I had extra money, there was always a hidden yearning for novel and thrilling things. Or possibly, and almost certainly, I was just bad with money and gave in readily to the lure of consumerism.

A Revolutionary Approach

Eventually, I decided to try something new. Before buying any item, I’d place it in my basket, delay for 24 hours, then make a choice whether to check out. The best part of this method was that it provided me space to reflect – an action I’d never done before. For the first time since I turned 18, I began asking myself: “Do I actually require this? Is it within my budget?” More often than not, the answer was negative.

If I opened my shopping apps and discovered products lingering in my cart, I’d clear them out and begin anew. Using this system, I ceased acquiring goods that I knew deep down I would never utilize. I once considered purchasing three board games, but after a waiting period before going to the store, I understood I never actually engage with board games.

I also contemplated buy a single-use camera for my first trip to the coast. After pausing I recalled I possessed a smartphone, similar to everybody else, that features a perfectly adequate camera, and therefore did not need to acquire a dedicated device.

The Lasting Impact

It additionally means I am more discerning about the items I do purchase, and I can finally review my bank statements devoid of feeling guilt or discomfort.

Naturally, there have been times I’ve relapsed into old habits – it’s only natural. The key change is that I can identify the signs sooner, especially when I’m hastening into a transaction. I’ve realised ennui is a strong trigger. It’s perhaps the primary driver of my impulsive spending.

Modern culture preys on this idleness and our need for immediate satisfaction. That’s why, looking back, compelling myself to halt before buying has felt unexpectedly freeing. To be able to have command over my urges and reaffirming that I don’t need to spend my hard-earned money on unnecessary products feels as radical as it is simple.