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One day at work two years ago, an alert popped up on my mobile device: my paycheck had come through. It was a fair amount for a someone still at university, so I proceeded with my usual when payday arrived: I opened every shopping app on my device. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, the list was endless. In under 60 minutes, I had parted with £90 on apparel, decorative items and a completely unused weighted blanket that I never used.

A few days later, I went online again and purchased a hairdryer. I already had one, but thought another couldn't hurt. Then I added light strips and two pairs of shoes that didn't even fit me. This wasn’t new behaviour. In reality, I’d been infamous 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 impulsive shopping spree. My excuse was constantly: “Oh well, it’s just £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and so on.

I was never entirely sure about the reason. Perhaps it was because my upbringing in a low-income family, where we’d go months without purchasing new outfits or anything to brighten up the home. So any time I had extra money, there was always a hidden desire for novel and exciting things. Or possibly, and definitely more likely, I was just financially irresponsible and gave in readily to capitalism’s demands.

A Revolutionary Approach

Eventually, I opted to try a novel idea. Prior to buying anything, I’d put it in my basket, delay for 24 hours, then decide on whether to finalize the purchase. The greatest advantage of this method was that it gave me space to reflect – an action I’d never done before. For the first occasion since adulthood, I began questioning: “Do I actually require this? Can I afford it?” Most of the time, the answer was negative.

If I accessed my shopping apps and found items lingering in my basket, I’d remove them and start fresh. Using this method, I ceased buying things that I knew deep down I would never use. I once considered buy a trio of games, but after waiting before going to the store, I understood I never actually play board games.

I also contemplated buying a disposable film camera for my first holiday to Croatia. After pausing I remembered I had a phone, similar to everybody else, that has a perfectly adequate camera, and thus had no requirement to buy a dedicated camera.

The Lasting Impact

It additionally means I am more selective about the things I do buy, and I can finally review my financial records devoid of feeling shame or discomfort.

Of course, there have been times I’ve relapsed into previous habits – it's human nature. The difference now is that I can recognise the warning signs early, especially when I’m hastening into a transaction. I’ve come to understand ennui is a powerful catalyst. It’s perhaps the biggest motivator of my reckless expenditure.

Consumer culture exploits this boredom and our need for immediate satisfaction. That’s the reason, looking back, compelling myself to halt before buying has felt unexpectedly liberating. To be able to have command over my impulses and reaffirming that I don't have to expend my hard-earned money on unnecessary products feels as revolutionary as it is straightforward.