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One afternoon at my job two years ago, an alert popped up on my phone: my paycheck had been deposited. It was a fair amount for a someone still at university, so I did my what I always did payday ritual: I opened every single retail application on my phone. From Amazon to Zara, the list was endless. Within the space of an hour, I had spent £90 on clothes, home decor and a completely unused heavy blanket that I never used.

A few days later, I went online again and purchased a hairdryer. I already owned one, but reasoned another wouldn't be a problem. Then I added LED strip lights and two shoes that weren’t even my size. 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 anxious, tired or bored, I would mindlessly scroll until it inevitably culminated in an unplanned shopping spree. My excuse was constantly: “It's only £5.” But £5 turned into £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never completely certain why I did this. Maybe it was due to I grew up in a low-income family, where we’d experience months without purchasing new clothes or anything to brighten up the house. So any moment I had some disposable income, there was always a hidden desire for novel and exciting things. Or possibly, and definitely more likely, I was just bad with money and gave in readily to the lure of consumerism.

A Revolutionary Approach

Eventually, I opted to experiment with a novel idea. Before buying anything, I’d put it in my basket, delay for 24 hours, then make a choice on whether to finalize the purchase. The greatest advantage of this technique was that it provided me space to reflect – an action I’d never done before. For the first time since adulthood, I started questioning: “Do I truly need this? Can I afford it?” Most of the time, the response was negative.

If I accessed Amazon, Depop or Zara and found products lingering 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 wanted to purchasing three board games, but after a waiting period before visiting the shop, I understood I never actually engage with board games.

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

The Enduring Benefits

It also means I am more selective about the items I do purchase, and I can at last review my bank statements without feeling guilt or discomfort.

Naturally, there have been occasions I’ve slipped back into old patterns – it’s only natural. The key change is that I can recognise the signs early, particularly when I’m hastening into a purchase. I’ve realised ennui is a strong trigger. It’s probably the primary motivator of my impulsive spending.

Consumer culture exploits this idleness and our desire for immediate gratification. That’s why, looking back, forcing myself to pause before purchasing has felt strangely freeing. Gaining control over my impulses and remind myself that I don't have to spend my diligently earned money on unnecessary products feels as revolutionary as it is straightforward.