Are random activities okay to engage in if one is unable to focus on work?

The only approach is to acquire that known as self-control. When you understand your issues enough, all it takes to not look at this stuff is self-control.

I cannot say whether you should take time off work. That is a pretty serious thing to do, I mean it implies this is a real problem for you. If you have the ability to take time off and keep your job I guess it is ok. But the p-subs will be there when you get back.

Willpower and self-control. Self-discipline. These things are the key to refraining from unwholesome behavior like viewing pixels for sexual arousal. Sometimes developing understanding can help one see through the behavior altogether and simply no longer have the slightest interest in engaging in it.

 

Thanks for making the distinction. I think psubs are typically those things you can use in place of porn (thus the name) and are usually sort of a porn lite. So edging to YouTube videos, Reddit/Instagram/FB photos, etc. are typical psubs.

Instead, what I think you might be doing is substituting one habit for another. It is a better option than the porn, as it will begin to help you focus on what is most important (connecting with real people rather than pixels), but be careful with how far down that rabbit hole you go. Many people can become addicted to a second thing while killing off the first. As an example, people who quit smoking often find they gain a lot of weight because they substitute food for nicotine.

So while it's good that you are finding something to replace porn, what you really want to do is make a written list of things that are PRODUCTIVE in your fight that you can turn to. Some things can be light and quick, others more time-consuming and serious. It's all about creating NEW habits which are POSITIVE.

Here are some ideas: learn a new language, take out the trash, organize your desktop, practice yoga (in an office/at home/in a studio), meditate (same), learn an instrument, write a poem/short story (it doesn't have to be good... just let your creative juices go nuts), make your bed, exercise, read a book, etc..... Even make a chart where you can check off each of these activities each day.

You're on the right track with finding your own porn substitutions. Now just make them healthy things you do to improve the rest of your life.