It all started in mid-June when I ordered a mermaid dress for an upcoming wedding, along with heels and glittering eyeshadow. Since then, I’ve been regularly ordering from Temu, even if some purchases were entirely unjustified. In November, I decided to permanently delete the app—no more scrolling, no more impulsive wishes.

Many people are turning to ultra-fast fashion retailers for their affordable offers. But does buying cheaper also mean spending less? Not at all. Think about it—we are surrounded by advertising that tells us that buying will make us happy.

After I downloaded Temu, I often found myself spending significant portions of my evenings scrolling through limited-time offers, convincing myself I might need this or that item. Interestingly, I realized that most of my purchases happened in August when I was home with little to occupy my time.

Shopping, like many behaviors, can be healthy or unhealthy. Compulsive spending is often characterized by repetitive, excessive purchasing, followed by feelings of guilt, disgust, and shame. To understand the addiction, we should look into the roots of the problem.

For me, my unusual shopping behavior stemmed from boredom. For others, compulsive spending might result from seeking pleasure or escaping stress and negative emotions—a phenomenon often referred to as ‘retail therapy.’

Psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD, from the Cleveland Clinic, explains that any type of addiction has a biological component. When you buy something, your brain releases dopamine and endorphins, which make you feel good. However, this feeling won’t last long.

By all accounts, we are living in an accelerating age of consumerism, where material possessions have become a measure of social worth. If you are struggling with compulsive buying, here is a piece of advice:

• Pause and reflect: Ask yourself if you truly need the item.
• Set a budget: Plan how much you are willing to spend.
• Make a list: Stick to a shopping list to avoid impulse buys.
• Delete shopping apps: Eliminate easy access to temptations.
• Find healthy alternatives: Anything can be substituted if you think creatively.
• Carry only a small amount of cash: Limit what you can spend.
• Restrict access to credit cards: Better not spend the money you don’t have.

Last but not least, what helped me stop buying left and right was deleting shopping apps and reducing my time on social media. Instead, I turned to painting, sports, reading, and writing, which not only replaced the urge to shop but also helped me focus on what truly matters.

Photo credits: Arina Krasnikova, senivpetro