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One day at work a couple of years back, an alert popped up on my mobile device: my paycheck had been deposited. It was a decent sum for a someone still at university, so I proceeded with my what I always did when payday arrived: I opened every single shopping app on my device. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, you name it. In under 60 minutes, I had spent £90 on apparel, decorative items and a completely useless weighted blanket that never touched.

A few days later, I went online again and purchased a hairdryer. I already had one, but thought another wouldn't be a problem. Then I added LED strip lights and two pairs of shoes that didn't even fit me. This wasn't a new pattern. In reality, I’d been infamous for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

Whenever I felt anxious, tired or uninterested, I would doomscroll until it always culminated in an unplanned shopping binge. My excuse was always: “It's only £5.” But £5 turned into £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never completely certain about the reason. Maybe it was because I grew up in a poor family, where we’d experience months without purchasing new clothes or anything to brighten up the home. So any time I had extra money, there was always a hidden desire for new and exciting things. Or possibly, and almost certainly, I was just financially irresponsible and succumbed easily to capitalism’s demands.

A Revolutionary Approach

In the end, I opted to try a novel idea. Prior to buying any item, I’d put 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 gave me space to think – something I’d never taken. For the first time since I turned 18, I started questioning: “Do I truly need this? Can I afford it?” More often than not, the answer was negative.

If I accessed my shopping apps and discovered products lingering in my basket, I’d remove them and start fresh. Using this method, I stopped buying goods that I knew deep down I would never utilize. I once wanted to buy a trio of games, but after a waiting period before visiting the shop, I realised I never actually engage with board games.

I also contemplated buying a single-use camera for my first holiday to Croatia. After pausing I recalled I had a smartphone, similar to everybody else, that features a perfectly adequate camera, and therefore did not need to buy a dedicated device.

The Enduring Benefits

It also means I am more discerning about the items I do buy, and I can finally review my financial records devoid of experiencing shame or embarrassment.

Of course, there have been occasions I’ve relapsed into previous patterns – it's human nature. The key change is that I can recognise the signs early, particularly when I’m rushing into a purchase. I’ve realised ennui is a strong catalyst. It’s probably the biggest driver of my reckless expenditure.

Consumer culture preys on this idleness and our need for immediate satisfaction. That’s the reason, looking back, forcing myself to halt before purchasing has felt strangely liberating. Gaining control over my impulses and remind myself that I don't have to spend my diligently earned money on non-essential products feels as radical as it is simple.