It has been a few weeks since I joined NoFap and have not PMO’d. I did have a wet dream but that doesn’t count. Anyhow, the urges lately are so crazy strong. I have not relapsed, but afraid I might give into them and somehow justify it. Usually I convince myself it’s healthy, helps me sleep, or it’s only a one thing — not really an addiction. Anyhow, is it normal for one to have a surge of urges after a few weeks of abstaining ? When will they stop ?
Yeah, it's normal.. It helped and still helps me a lot, when i really have strong urges, to make a mantra of all the reasons why I don’t want to do it. And, as a craving for drugs, alcohol or a porn related thought or image comes up to my mind I count from 1 to 6 and backward and visualizing the numbers. I just count and visualize as long as I need to get rid of the porn images or thoughts. This does two things.. Namely, it get's your mind of the urge when you do it consistently and... it helps your brain make need pathways not related to substance abuse (rewiring). I really noticed that after 3 weeks of consistently doing this, the cravings began to weaken... And afterward, when the cravings are gone, i do full the mantra 6 times.. And if that not helps, and i'm at home, i jump under the ice cold shower. It's such a shock to the body and mind that in 90 percent of the time i cant even think about it haha.. And if even that dont help me, i will go run as long as i need. Last time i needed to run i kept on going for 25 kilometer hahaha. So the other things i do to deal with the urges are.. Intermittent fasting. I only allow myself to eat from 05:00 to 07:00 in the evening. It makes my willpower grow, i dont have a lot of food cravings anymore. I also fast 4 days a month only on water. So i dont eat, but only drink water for 4 days. It helps me A LOT to have a clear mind and it's fucking good for upregulating the dopamine receptors. I've noticed that in the beginning it's quit hard.. But you have a choice. I have gained so much more willpower and discipline by doing intermittent fasting and the water fasting ritual. Ow, and fasting helps to restore dopamine receptors!! Just read this... https://www.nofap.com/forum/index.php?threads/the-benefits-of-fasting-on-the-reboot.64894/ https://vitals.lifehacker.com/how-to-free-yourself-from-food-cravings-with-intermitte-1702108722 i meditate a lot. It helps me SO SO SO SO fucking much in controlling my mind. Read this https://www.nofap.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-meditate-for-mindblowing-state.28105/ https://www.reddit.com/r/NoFap/comments/5udawq/meditation_is_extremely_important_to_succeed_with/ It's also FUCKING good for getting new dopamine receptors... I only take ice cold showers.. It helps me a lot with increasing my willpower. We, addicts, have the habit of always choose the most comfortable path.. So if you're able to really go uncomfortable, it makes your will power go though the roof. and it's pretty good for your body.. https://www.nofap.com/forum/index.php?threads/cold-showers-are-the-bomb.33956/ https://gettingstronger.org/2010/05/opponent-process-theory/ Hard Solutions, Easy Life - Easy Solutions - Hard Life
Thanks so much ... I plan to incorporate some of your suggestions. I plan on beating this addiction...
I suppose the urges will be with me for a long time, but recognizing that I can just walk away or take a cold shower/meditate etc. are just ways to take back control. Appreciate the support and congrats on 300+ days.