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One afternoon at my job a couple of years back, an notification hit on my phone: 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 when payday arrived: I launched every shopping app on my phone. From Amazon to Zara, the list was endless. In under 60 minutes, I had parted with £90 on apparel, decorative items and a totally useless weighted blanket that never touched.

A short while after, I went online again and bought a hairdryer. I already had one, but reasoned another couldn't hurt. Then I added LED strip lights and two shoes that didn't even fit me. This wasn't a new pattern. In fact, I’d been notorious for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

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

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

A Revolutionary Approach

In the end, I decided to try a novel idea. Before acquiring any item, I’d put it in my digital cart, delay for 24 hours, then make a choice whether to check out. The greatest advantage of this method was that it gave me space to reflect – an action I’d never done before. For the first time since adulthood, I started questioning: “Do I actually need this? Can I afford it?” More often than not, the answer was no.

If I opened Amazon, Depop or Zara and found items lingering in my cart, I’d remove them and begin anew. Using this method, I ceased acquiring things that I knew deep down I would never use. I once wanted to buy three board games, but after waiting before going to the shop, I understood I never actually play board games.

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

The Enduring Benefits

It additionally means I am more selective about the items I do purchase, and I can finally review my bank statements without experiencing shame or discomfort.

Naturally, there have been times I’ve relapsed into previous habits – it’s only natural. The difference now is that I can recognise the signs early, particularly when I’m rushing into a purchase. I’ve come to understand ennui is a strong trigger. It’s perhaps the primary driver of my impulsive spending.

Consumer culture preys on this boredom and our desire for instant gratification. That’s the reason, looking back, compelling 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 expend my diligently earned money on unnecessary goods feels as revolutionary as it is straightforward.