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One afternoon at my job a couple of years back, an notification hit on my phone: my paycheck had come through. 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 single retail application on my device. From Amazon to Zara, the list was endless. In under 60 minutes, I had parted with £90 on clothes, home decor and a totally unused heavy blanket that I never used.

A short while after, I returned to the internet and purchased a hairdryer. I already had one, but reasoned another wouldn't be a problem. 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 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 ended in an unplanned shopping binge. My excuse was always: “Oh well, it’s just £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never completely certain about the reason. Maybe it was because I grew up in a low-income family, where we’d go months without buying new outfits or anything to decorate the house. So any time I had some disposable income, there was always a subconscious desire for new and exciting things. Or maybe, and definitely more likely, I was just bad with money and gave in readily to the lure of demands.

A Revolutionary Approach

In the end, I decided to try a novel idea. Before acquiring anything, I’d place it in my basket, delay for 24 hours, then make a choice whether to finalize the purchase. The best part of this technique was that it provided me space to think – something I’d never taken. For the first time since I turned 18, I started asking myself: “Do I truly need this? Is it within my budget?” Most of the time, the response was no.

If I opened my shopping apps and discovered items lingering in my basket, I’d remove them and start fresh. Using this system, I ceased buying things that I intuitively knew I would never use. I once wanted to purchasing three board games, but after a waiting period before going to the shop, I understood I never actually engage with board games.

I also contemplated buy a single-use camera for my first trip to the coast. After pausing I recalled I had a phone, similar to most people, that features a perfectly good camera, and thus had no requirement to acquire a separate device.

The Enduring Benefits

It additionally means I am more selective about the items I do buy, and I can finally look at my bank statements devoid of feeling guilt or discomfort.

Naturally, there have been times I’ve slipped back into old patterns – it's human nature. The key change is that I can identify the warning signs sooner, particularly when I’m hastening into a purchase. I’ve realised ennui is a strong trigger. It’s probably the biggest motivator of my reckless spending.

Consumer culture exploits this boredom and our desire for instant satisfaction. That’s why, looking back, compelling myself to pause before purchasing has felt unexpectedly liberating. To be able to have command over my impulses and remind myself that I don't have to expend my hard-earned money on non-essential goods feels as radical as it is straightforward.