And so, as night-time online shopping becomes the norm, how do we ensure we shop smarter? First up, shop thoughtfully. Sustainable products are a rapidly growing industry, but it’s not just about the things we buy, it’s about not buying things we don’t need or love or that don’t make us really, really happy. Taking that checklist and applying it to everything that’s in your virtual basket is a pretty good first step.
The next is going old school. “Take a notepad and write what you want on it,” says Jansson- Boyd. “Pick a day and a time when you’re not tired or stressed or short on time and write down the things you genuinely need to buy. Then set about buying only the things on your list at a time when, again, you’re not tired or stressed.”
Reality bites
Another useful tool is to have your bank balance where you can see it while you shop online. Many of us forget we’re spending real money when it’s virtual shopping baskets at play, so seeing the reality of what’s in your account may make you more mindful.
