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One day at work two years ago, an notification hit on my mobile device: my salary had been deposited. It was a fair amount for a someone still at university, so I proceeded with my what I always did payday ritual: I launched 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 apparel, home decor and a totally useless weighted blanket that never touched.

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

Whenever I felt anxious, exhausted or bored, I would mindlessly scroll until it inevitably ended in an impulsive shopping spree. My justification was always: “It's only £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and so on.

I was never completely certain about the reason. Perhaps it was due to my upbringing in a poor family, where we’d experience months without buying new outfits or anything to brighten up the house. So any time I had some disposable income, there was always a hidden yearning for novel and thrilling things. Or maybe, and almost certainly, I was just financially irresponsible and succumbed easily to capitalism’s consumerism.

The Game-Changing Strategy

In the end, I opted to try a novel idea. Prior to acquiring any item, I’d put it in my digital cart, delay for 24 hours, then decide whether to check out. The best part of this method was that it provided 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 no.

If I accessed Amazon, Depop or Zara and found items lingering in my cart, I’d remove them and begin anew. By employing this method, I ceased buying goods that I knew deep down I would never use. I once wanted to buy a trio of games, but after a waiting period before visiting the shop, I realised I never actually play board games.

I also wanted to buy a disposable film camera for my first trip to Croatia. After waiting I remembered I had a phone, similar to most people, that has a perfectly adequate lens, and therefore did not need to acquire a separate device.

The Enduring Benefits

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

Naturally, there have been occasions I’ve relapsed into previous patterns – it’s only natural. The difference now is that I can identify the signs early, particularly when I’m hastening into a purchase. I’ve realised ennui is a strong trigger. It’s probably the biggest motivator of my impulsive spending.

Consumer culture exploits this idleness and our need for instant satisfaction. That’s why, looking back, forcing myself to pause before purchasing has felt strangely liberating. Gaining command over my urges and remind myself that I don't have to spend my diligently earned money on unnecessary goods feels as radical as it is simple.