It’s the middle of the month and you’ve already splurged on plenty of items from your favorite online store. While you have no regrets, your virtual wallet is already feeling the pain. It’s hard to control impulse shopping when everything can be bought in one click, but don’t worry. This weekend, you can still have fun without spending any more.

Here are activities to try when you feel the urge to fill your cart

Catch up on sleep

You wouldn’t be spending money if you’re unconscious and repaying your sleep debt instead. A few more minutes in bed will do your sleep-deprived brain some good. However, if you’re not a late riser, an alternative is to take a nap in the afternoon. After you’ve had a hectic morning, usually, in the afternoon you feel like rewarding yourself. Rather than that reward coming in the form of buying more things, use the time to be nice to yourself without spending money.

Enjoy your purchases

There’s no need to be guilty about things you’ve already bought. The money has already been spent. It will only be a waste if you don’t end up using it. So, go ahead and pamper yourself with the Korean face mask you bought last weekend, and next weekend you can replenish your stocks. This way, you are establishing more control over your purchases. They are items you need, but you are not mindlessly buying them every chance you get. The same is true for food. If you’re buying your groceries for the week and adding expensive snacks, be aware of how this affects your food budget, but do enjoy what you have already paid for. Then, next week, be more intentional in your purchases.

Compute for the actual damage

 The amount you’ve spent may not be that bad, or it could be worse than what you initially thought. What’s important is that you know what you are dealing with. Gather all the receipts from your purchases for the month and categorize them as essentials or luxury purchases. Be honest with your categories. If you needed an item you bought, even if it was expensive, then it is an essential. However, if you are only coming up with excuses to say that you need them, they might just be an unnecessary purchase. It might be better if you present the breakdown in a chart, so that you can have a visual representation of how much of your spending went to unnecessary expenses.

Make a priority list

 Even if you plan not to spend money this weekend, that doesn’t mean you can’t window shop. Of course, you’ll want to be firm in not actually buying anything. To curb the urge, write down everything you felt like buying impulsively, then review the list at a later date. There’s nothing wrong in daydreaming about your purchases, but as you spend time away from them, you will find it easier to disengage.

Spending money is a lesson in restraint. After you have already spent your hard-earned money, make sure you learn the lessons that will help you be better in managing your finances.