Another Black Friday, another Cyber Monday, another week of emails screaming “LAST CHANCE!” like the world will implode if you don’t buy a fourth air fryer. The internet turns into a digital Hunger Games arena, and suddenly we’re adding things to our carts we didn’t even know existed 48 hours ago.

Hyper-consumerism is basically the Olympics of “do I need this or am I just bored?”
And honestly? It’s wrecking our brains, our wallets, and our planet.

Before you clutch your canvas tote, this is not an anti-shopping rant. I’m not telling you to stop shopping. I’m saying: Shop with intention. Shop like you’ve got a brain cell left. Shop because you want something before a marketing intern used the word “doorbuster.”

The Black Friday Brain Rot

Here’s the thing about overconsumption: it sneaks up on you. One minute you’re checking your email, the next minute you’re justifying why you need a neon mini waffle maker shaped like a snowman because it was 40% off, or in my case, another organic cotton dress on sale for $200 — which looks like the other 10 dresses in your closet.

We’re conditioned to chase the “deal,” not the value.
The sale simply becomes the justification, while the price drop becomes the permission slip.

But let’s be really honest:
If something isn’t your vibe full price, it’s not your vibe on sale.

What I Actually Bought This Black Friday

I did shop. I like nice things, let’s be real. I also like my serotonin. But I practice intentional buying in order to keep my space calm, my brain uncluttered, and my bank account not crying for help.

So what made the cut this year?

• Skincare (because that is a necessity for me)
• Hair tools — yes, I finally snagged a Dyson brand new at half price, and I have zero regrets

I kept my list short, thoughtful, and aligned with things I actually use.

Intentional shopping isn’t about deprivation, it’s about clarity.

Most Sales Aren’t Even Sales Anymore

This isn’t your mom’s Black Friday. Black Friday isn’t what it used to be. Half the “deals” are:

• The same prices as three months ago
• Marginal discounts disguised as miracles
• “Up to 70% off!” (translation: the one ugly item nobody wants is 70% off, the good stuff is 10% off)

Marketers play mind games. We fall for them. And then we’re stuck with a bunch of mediocre crap we didn’t want but felt compelled to buy because “everyone shops on Black Friday.”

The Real Cost of Overconsumption

We joke about impulse buying, but hyper-consumerism has consequences:

• Our brains: fried by decision fatigue, endless ads, comparison culture
• Our wallets: leaking money on things we don’t need and won’t use
• Our planet: LITERALLY DROWNING in waste, fast fashion, and landfill-bound trends

We don’t need to eliminate purchasing, we need to eliminate mindless purchasing.

How to Shop Intentionally (Without Killing the Vibe)

1. Make a list before the sales start
If it’s not on the list, it’s not coming home.

2. Ask yourself: would I want this at full price?
If the answer is no, close the tab.

3. Buy better, not more
Prioritize quality over clutter.

4. Ignore fake urgency
If the world truly ends because you missed a flash sale, let’s be honest, you weren’t going to survive anyway.

5. Shop for your actual life, not your fantasy life
If you don’t bake now, a 12-piece baking set won’t magically change things.

6. Consider the planet, your space, and your future self
Everything you buy has to be stored, cleaned, maintained, and eventually disposed of. Make sure it’s worth it.

Intention Over Impulse

Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be fun. Savings are great. Investing in things that make your life smoother, softer, or more joyful? Absolutely.

But don’t let marketing pressure trick you into acting like Amazon owns your soul.

Buy what you love.
Buy what you’ll use.
Buy what aligns with your values, not your momentary dopamine spike.

Your brain will thank you.
Your bank account will thank you.
And honestly?
The planet will thank you too.