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One afternoon at my job a couple of years back, an notification hit on my mobile device: my paycheck had been deposited. It was a fair amount for a student, so I did my what I always did when payday arrived: I launched every shopping app on my device. From Amazon to Zara, the list was endless. Within the space of an hour, I had parted with £90 on apparel, decorative items and a completely useless heavy blanket that never touched.

A few days later, I returned to the internet and bought a hairdryer. I already owned 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 new behaviour. In fact, I’d been infamous for it since I started earning.

Whenever I felt anxious, tired or bored, I would doomscroll until it inevitably ended in an impulsive shopping spree. My excuse was constantly: “It's only £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never entirely certain about the reason. Maybe it was because I grew up in a low-income 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 subconscious desire for new and exciting things. Or maybe, and definitely more likely, I was just financially irresponsible and gave in easily to capitalism’s demands.

The Game-Changing Strategy

In the end, I decided to try something new. Prior to acquiring anything, I’d place it in my basket, wait 24 hours, then decide on whether to check out. The greatest advantage of this method was that it gave me time to think – an action I’d never done before. For the first time since adulthood, I started asking myself: “Do I truly require this? Can I afford it?” Most of the time, the response was negative.

If I accessed Amazon, Depop or Zara and discovered items sitting in my basket, I’d remove them and start fresh. Using this method, I ceased buying goods that I intuitively knew I would never utilize. I once considered buy a trio of games, but after a waiting period before visiting the store, I understood I never actually play tabletop games.

I also wanted to buying a disposable film camera for my first holiday to Croatia. After waiting I recalled I possessed a smartphone, like most people, that has a perfectly adequate lens, and therefore did not need to acquire a dedicated device.

The Enduring Benefits

It additionally means I am more discerning 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 relapsed into old patterns – it's human nature. The key change is that I can recognise the signs sooner, especially when I’m rushing into a purchase. I’ve realised boredom is a strong trigger. It’s perhaps the biggest driver of my impulsive expenditure.

Modern culture exploits this boredom and our need for immediate satisfaction. That’s why, in hindsight, forcing myself to halt before buying has felt strangely freeing. Gaining control over my urges and reaffirming that I don't have to expend my diligently earned money on unnecessary goods feels as revolutionary as it is straightforward.