What I've Learned From a No-Spend Summer
I'm in a season of stillness: here's what I'm learning.
I did not intend to have a no-spend summer.
In fact, it was only a few days ago, while browsing the internet, that I came across this “no-spend trend” and realized… I’ve actually had a no-spend 4 months!
Here’s the truth:
Truth #1: I have been nearly broke this summer and wasn’t working. Rather than borrow money or go into debt, I put myself on a spending freeze.
Truth #2: I have been living out of 1.5 suitcases. The rest of my belongings are packed half-hazardly in a damp stone garage in France, but that’s another story….
So, I’ve had a very limited wardrobe AND I’ve been on a spending freeze.
Truth #3: My experience wasn’t about saving money or paying off debt or making different financial investments or some kind of “finance-gym” TikTok trend. I had no money coming in. I minimized money going out.
This summer has been an incredibly uncomfortable, confronting and transformative few months for me. There has simply been no way to escape. It’s been illuminating, revealing and liberating.
By going on a spending-freeze, I’ve noticed mindless, habitual patterns - like when I impulsively desire to “just get a sweet treat,” or how much mental fog I accumulate by mindlessly scrolling through online retail websites “just for inspiration.”
I’ve noticed an unexpected expansion in my creativity and feel more clear than ever on my personal style.
I’ve faced - and reckoned with - what that itch to spend has actually been distracting me from.
I’ve realised how much anxiety the old-me had stored in her bathroom cabinets full of products and samples, how little I care about fast fashion, how to entertain myself on a budget, how to get resourceful and where my identity has been un-healthily intertwined with unnecessary things.
… it’s been ripe ground for self reflection!
So, lets dive in.
**At the same time that I froze my spending, I also went off social media. I fully believe that this social-media-detox has been crucial to this no-spend summer. It made it easier (social media is one long advertisement) as well as more confronting — fewer distractions.
**Thank you to my mom and sister for letting me borrow items as needed, like hiking backpacks and warm clothes
Mental Clutter & Personal Style
I used to consistently feel like I didn’t know “my style.” I subconsciously gathered and stored - rent free, I’ll add - information and reference points from social media influencers, brand names and fast-moving fashion trends. Even though I didn’t run to Zara to buy the latest drop, I felt my mind was swayed easily and I often second-guessed my style.
I would look in my wardrobe and feel confused. My mind would loop through images and brand names and ideas and permutations of what I “could buy” to bring my style together. This mental loop was constant. I even hired a wardrobe service to help me “put together outfits” from my closet - it was entirely unnecessary and simply another thing (product/service) to buy in an attempt to make me feel better.
I know myself… why am I second guessing?
What I’ve noticed is that my style has actually revealed itself through having so few items. Wild!
I have two tank tops and that’s it. They are my “style” because I style them to be me. I have 2 pairs of jeans. I take care of my clothes because they’re all I have. I hang them, because there’s room in my closet. Everything has space to breathe.
I’m no longer looping through what I should / could / maybe will / if only bought and how it will fit in my existing closet and is it “me…”
I have so much more space in my brain.
Creativity
I used to confuse creativity with newness.
I want something FUN to wear to this event! I want to feel inspired, sexy, expressed. I would spend days thinking about what new thing to buy for a date…
What I’ve noticed is that by having fewer options - and not even allowing myself to consider shopping - I’ve actually stretched my creativity, not stifled it.
I’ve noticed the subtlety that simply switching out a belt brings to an outfit - same shorts, same shirt, but it looks totally different.
If I do my hair differently, this dress can feel more relaxed-cool-girl or more polished.
I switch out jewellery and accessories…
I actually don’t feel like I’m wearing the same thing every day. The outfits that I am repeating, I like. I’ve curated them to feel good.
It not only feels really creative, it feels more and more ME.
And I’m so grateful for the extra space in my brain that is no longer running through potential purchases. My creativity is honed into what’s in front of me - presence.
Beauty Products
I’ll say it — I love love love having so few bathroom items!
I used to browse stores like Credo when I was in the neighbourhood, always walking away with something. Always convinced I needed to try this new deodorant - finally a natural deodorant that actually works! (it never did). A new lipstick colour or eye serum would put a temporary pep in my step.
I would get gifted things through work in the wellness industry - it’s free, sure!
But they would just stack up in my already limited Brooklyn apartment cupboards.
What I’ve noticed is I really hate having a lot of products laying around. I know what I like - and I’m not actually interested in trying new ones. My routines - morning and evening - are simple and absolutely perfect for me. I kept excess products out of obligation and not wanting to waste anything… taking them with me between apartments, even countries. It always felt heavy. Extra options did not make me feel powerful - they made me feel cluttered.
“Back ups” aren’t necessary. There’s no need to buy the next one before you’ve finished the first.
I know what I like and no, I don’t want to try your sample.
Entertainment
I used to spend a lot of time in and out of yoga and pilates studios during the day, drinks or dinner with friends at night, dance classes, weekend workshops…
Part of this was my job - I was a yoga teacher.
However, I’m realising, through this no-spend summer, that part of this was also a distraction.
What I’ve noticed is that I used going to classes and weekend workshops as a scapegoat for uncomfortable feelings and for staying focused on my longterm goals. I added a lot of activity in my days and weeks that kept me feeling busy… but “busy” is not always productive.
What I’ve noticed, is that I have a lot more space in my day * important * and I’m more resourceful. I’ve slowed down considerably.
I practice yoga at home or do an occasional online pilates class on YouTube.
I attend a weekly online meditation group.
I go for walks every day.
I go hiking at least once a week. I’m currently living outside of Mt. Rainier National Park and I’m trying to take as much advantage as possible.
I read - a lot.
I go to the library often - it’s free! I check out books and other media materials.
In short, I’ve stopped being so busy, and in that spaciousness I’ve done some much needed self reflection. I’ve gotten resourceful in ways I wasn’t otherwise challenged to be, and I’ve spent lots of time outdoors.
I realize that if I was back in my big-city life, some of these “no spend” activities would be different. But let’s not get caught in the details — there is so much on offer in cities that is free. You just need to get creative - and isn’t that fun?!
A Sweet Treat
Aaah, a sweet treat.
I used to love to find a reason to just “step out.” The tingle of a craving we didn’t know we had in response to - oh, who cares! (It’s stress - or a difficult feeling - that we don’t want to face.)
So, we step out for a dopamine-hit of the outside world and a dopamine-hit of that delectable little treat… a slice of banana bread, a bubble tea, or a naughty draft latte from La Colombe.
But, it’s never just a sweet treat. Now we’re on a different adventure, we get swept up by other inspirations, other errands to run, oh I’ll just pop into this store…
What I’ve noticed is that the sweet treat and the mini-adventure that ensues is a textbook response to avoidance and *yet again: distraction*.
I’ve noticed that when I crave a “sweet treat” I’m really just craving is a deep breath, a change of scenery or a change in activity. Maybe a walk, some fresh air — no treat necessary. I go to the library. I get a glass of water.
This isn’t about diet culture or restriction… this is simply an opportunity to notice where dopamine comes from and what it’s trying to distract us from. That awareness opens space for you to choose differently.
Distraction, Boredom and Focus
I’ve been forced into stillness - quite unwillingly, I’ll admit, but it’s been a great teacher and gift this summer. I avoided stillness like the plague. Now I can see.
I get bored - and I’m okay with it. Boredom is a necessary state for creativity, and I’m realizing how much my previous patterns came from a desire to distract myself, and how easily I got swept into the distraction.
I’ve been forced to stop consuming, stop distracting, and to stop looking outside of myself.
As a result, I’ve had the opportunity to really see.
I’ve become more creative and resourceful with the things I do have. It’s felt expansive, not constrictive.
I’ve become more aware of what my impulse reactions are really asking for - and what I’m maybe hiding from. I’m meeting this new version slowly… it’s a process of noticing and having self compassion.
I feel more in tune with what habits, products and rituals work for me.
I have so much more space in my brain. I’m no longer actively thinking about what to buy, I’m no longer ruminating over buying that thing, and then thinking about it again and again.
Looking Ahead
I am in a season of life that has demanded me to stop, to be still, and to be here.
I know that like all things, this season will change.
I miss the friendly faces in a yoga studio and the clean lines of the pilates reformer machines. I miss going out dancing or to the museum or a movie. I miss traveling. I would really love a new purse.
And I know I will have all of those things again.
But.
I’m so very grateful for this season of no-spending as an opportunity to take a much closer look inwards and to choose, more consciously, how I want to engage with life.
Oh, and my sweet treat? I stop at a road side gift shop on the way home from hiking around Mt. Rainier, where they are known for their home-made-ice-cream.
No distraction, just pure, raw enjoyment.
I always love to hear from you.
💭Have you ever tried a no-spend period of time?
💭What did you notice about yourself & your habits?
xx
Selena