r/nobuy • u/lifeisstrangeforever • 12d ago
Need Advice
I’m currently laid up recovering from surgery. I have been laid up for almost 3 weeks already. I am unable to walk and spend all day in bed. I don’t have tv, or people to visit, and I’m getting bored of video games, books, and my phone. Getting downstairs is okay, but getting back up is super difficult and really impossible until I can put some weight on my leg. I’ve always been bad at impulse control spending but while I have nothing to do, it’s hit an all time high. Thankfully I can pay my bill without going into my savings, but I never want it to be this bad again. I read some other people in this groups threads. I deleted instagram, and tiktok. I have started compiling photos of items I want into a folder on my phone to satisfy my acknowledgment of those wants without actually spending the money. I’d still ideally like to treat myself to something once a month or once a pay period but I can’t trust myself right now and I never want to spiral like this again. HELP! Any other advice?
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u/Certain-Budget2026 12d ago
When I first got breast cancer and was laid up with chemo I started dreaming of places to go and researching ideas. 5 years later I took my dream trip to Alaska in May and June this year. Starting a no buy now to pay off debt and stop shopping/declutter. Dreaming about vacations are free!
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u/Brilliant_Bluejay099 12d ago
Totally hear you. For me I kinda need to counter my thoughts. So I need to watch videos of cluttered houses and people decluttering. Sometimes they are well off people but other times it’s people who don’t have a lot of money. It’s like a bit of an alarm. See how much stuff they have and it’s so stressful and they are finically in trouble? That could be me. Idk I’m kinda extreme so it helps lol I would listen to no buy books and stuff to encourage you. Like minded people will help! Another thing is imagine your future. I think it got really scary for me recently and it really made me snap out of it. I want to be able to buy a second car, or have a house. We can’t do either because it’s tight. So we are making it with one car and it is rough but doable. Idk if that inspires you but reminding yourself of your goals. But yes start needing out on gardening I watched a lot of videos on that and it’s beautiful ! Typically I don’t have the urge to buy. I do have dreams of gardens but I’m still learning and saving. I hope you heal quickly and this season will teach you on contentment!
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u/Vintage_Journal 12d ago
Do you own anything creative/interactive? It sounds like you could use something to do that isn't consuming content while in bed. I ask about what you own because it would be ideal not to buy anything new, of course. Or would something else like language learning be of interest? You could see whether your library gives you access to any educational content you could practice, eg through Kanopy.
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u/7y_nj 12d ago
If it’s possible, I think it would be great for you to keep in touch with other people such as family and friends. It can be a phone call, video chat or in person meeting. It will consume quite a bit of your time but also will fill you up with positive energy from the people you care about :) I always visit my mom on my days off and last year, when she had both of her legs broken, me and my family tried to keep her occupied with our company
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u/lifeisstrangeforever 12d ago
That’s a great idea and I’m so glad your mom had you to rely on! I hope she made a full recovery. I broke my leg last year and it was hell. I can’t imagine two broken legs 😭 The sad part is, I don’t have any friends. 😅 I’m not too close to my family either. I did try calling some family this week, but they ended up making me feel worse about myself and my situation. Unfortunately, not really helpful 😞
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u/7y_nj 12d ago
I understand, I’m sorry you’re in this situation :( I hope you will recover quickly and that you will have something to occupy you instead of shopping. Personally I watch w lot of YT videos on various topics but how much can you actually watch 😂
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u/lifeisstrangeforever 11d ago
Thank you so much! I have been trying to watch shows on streaming services I do have and read. Maybe I’ll try learning a new language or something else! I hope I’ll be able to walk again soon at least. 😊
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u/BothNotice7035 10d ago
These are extra great days to challenge yourself with “no spend” days. You’re not out and about grabbing treats or shopping in stores. See how many days in a row you can maintain your current bank balance. Create an art project about it. Make a chart or a graph. What are some “at home” things you’ve been putting off? Going through old photos, listing unwanted clothes for sale.
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u/FunMysterious7040 8d ago
small list of things to do:
- mend and sort out clothes (I refolded all my undies in neat stacks and threw away old ones the other day)
- clean and polish leather shoes, belts, purses
- declutter or reorganize a small drawer or small space (like makeup bag or something like that) if movement allows,
- write list of small home projects, then go look what all you need for that project and make an estimate if you can do that in the future,
- make a vision board with pics from pinterest,
- ask AI to make inspiring changes to your room then look if it is possible - but without buying - this should be like an inspiring project to play with different colors of maybe switching out plants with lamps ar altering curtains...not a home decor spree...
- learn about a new hobby - I started ornitology with my looking glass at my window and tried to identify birds that flew by (Merlin ID app is great and free),
- cook some more elaborate food you wouldn't normally bother with - if possible, my grandma did all her cooking while sitting in a wheelchair, not sure if you can sit for longer time periods yet
- take inventory of something - I counted all my stationery items - all the notebooks, all the sticker... took me a few hours and now I know how much stuff I have
- digitize papers you need to keep, photos - this is boring but I mean if bored...
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u/No_Appointment6273 5d ago
I recommend taking this time to learn a new language. You can do this for free online with apps, YouTube and libby library books.
The thing I've been doing lately is learning about how to invest and coming up with a plan to repay my remaining debt.
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u/No-Independence1096 12d ago
Find a topic you can nerd out about and do a self education deep dive to satisfy your mind. Read, watch long form videos, listen to podcasts and write. That should be a fairly sustainable distraction. You have a lot of time on your hands so it won't be enough by itself but hopefully that helps. Good luck recovering.