Consumption Detox

It’s almost January. I’m staring at my bank account, wincing at the long list of transactions: the mountain of presents I bought, the trips I booked, the dinners I hosted in December. The joy of the holidays lingers, but so does an uncomfortable, sinking feeling—what I call the "consumption hangover." Where did all my plans for savings go? The cash stash I wanted to set aside to open a savings account for my baby went “poof” and turned into a pumpkin, like Cinderella’s carriage after midnight, lost amid the endless madness of holiday spending. To be honest, I barely bought anything for myself this holiday season, but having a big family in two different countries comes with its consequences.

What Is a Consumption Hangover?

We often hear about overindulgence in food and drink during the holidays, but overindulgence in spending can leave us feeling just as drained. The thrill of finding the perfect gift or scoring a deal often gives way to regret, stress, and the realization that we’ve consumed far more than we intended. This post-holiday consumption hangover isn’t just about financial strain; it can quickly become a psychological burden as we realize that our spending habits clash with our long-term goals for well-being and sustainability.

As usual, I’ve decided that diving into research is my best coping strategy for dealing with uncertainties. This time, I focused on studies of anti-consumption behaviors—the intentional decision to reduce, reject, or rethink our buying habits. In contrast with common stereotypes, these actions aren’t always about deprivation; they are about making thoughtful, meaningful choices that improve well-being and align with our values. Research shows that reducing consumption can enhance financial stability and even boost happiness by minimizing clutter and decision fatigue.

But how do we actually implement these ideas in real life? Apparently, one effective approach is to make our decisions public. As social creatures, we welcome the idea of conspicuous anti-consumption—making sustainable choices visible to others, like carrying a reusable water bottle or sharing our efforts on social media. Research suggests that these small, public actions go beyond simply reducing waste; they can elevate social status and inspire others to follow suit.

Equipped with this knowledge, I’ve created a list of practical tips to help detox from the holiday consumption hangover. These strategies, inspired by research, are ones I’ll be committing to this January. Let’s dive in.

Practical Tips for a Consumption Detox

1. Start With a Spending Audit
Take a moment to review your holiday expenses. What purchases brought joy, and what felt unnecessary? Is there anything you can return? Identify your expense patterns to plan better for future holidays and curb impulse spending.

2. Breathe Before You Buy
Every time you want to push that “buy now” button, close your eyes and count to 20. Do you still want that Mickey Mouse-shaped egg holder, or can it wait until better times?

3. Disconnect Your Card From One-Click Purchases
To curb impulse spending, make it harder to complete a purchase. By the time you retrieve your card or enter its details, you might get distracted or change your mind. If the purchase is truly important, you’ll remember to complete it.

4. Focus on Meaningful Purchases
Choose items that align with your values and serve a long-term purpose. It doesn't need to be about switching to more expensive “premium” sustainable brands; it’s about considering whether you already own something that can be repurposed or choosing versatile items that integrate well with your existing wardrobe.

5. Try Collaborative Consumption
Explore alternatives to ownership, like borrowing or sharing resources. For example, join a library to borrow books instead of buying new ones, or participate in a few WhatsApp groups for moms where you can exchange old baby clothes. This way, I’ve been able to help other moms with our old clothes and toys. We also often get clothes for my daughter from family members whose kids are a bit older, and then when she grows out of these clothes, we pass them down to younger kids in our extended family.

6. Repurpose and Repair
Repair what you already have or repurpose old items. For instance, turn leftover gift wrap into decorative crafts or upcycle unused household items into something new and functional.

7. Engage in Conspicuous Anti-Consumption
Make your commitment to reducing consumption visible. Talk to family and friends about your consumption detox, or (if it is your cup of tea) even consider sharing your journey on social media. These public actions can communicate your values and inspire others to join you.

Consumer Behavior Essential Reads

Disabling Smartphone Notifications and Digital Well-Being

You Might Be Wrong About What Makes You Happy

8. Limit Exposure to Advertising
Break the cycle of consumerism by unsubscribing from promotional emails, using ad blockers, or setting boundaries around online shopping. Bye-bye clickbait! See you never again.

A New Year’s Resolution

This year, I’m making a resolution to spend less and stop falling for clickbait deals. The holidays reminded me that joy doesn’t come from things; it comes from meaningful experiences and connections. Seeing my loved ones brings me the most happiness—not the things I buy.

This January, I am going on a consumption detox with the goal of doing more than just resetting my budget—I want to reclaim my time, energy, and peace of mind. And who knows? Maybe this small step will inspire others to do the same. Let’s make this January about intentional living and meaningful choices. Stay strong, and don’t fall into the endless marketing traps surrounding us. If we don’t take care of ourselves, who will?