In order to fight the battle with pornography, you need to stop looking at it. We need to rewire the pathways in our brain. Your brain has become hardwired to go down the path of pornography and we need to set up roadblocks and exit ramps that allow our brain to grow a new path. A Proven Path! While this can be hard, there are plenty of useful things you can do to keep yourself focused. The next time you feel the urge to look at porn, try one of these ten ideas instead.
1. Do a home workout.
You can find free workout videos on YouTube, or develop your own routine. With porn use, your brain craves dopamine. So, the most effective way to hack your habit loop is to replace it with a healthy alternative. Exercising is a healthy way to get a dopamine hit, and can have many other long term benefits.
“Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live.” – Jim Rohn
2. Read a book or newspaper.
Get off the computer and read something printed on paper! Put away your phone and focus on the text in front of you. Not only will your brain be stimulated, but it is a great way to learn something new or stay up to date on current events.
“Reading is to the mind, what exercise is to the body. As by the one, health is preserved, strengthened, and invigorated: by the other, virtue (which is the health of the mind) is kept alive, cherished, and confirmed.” – Joseph Addison
3. Complete a puzzle.
If you want to keep your mind and hands busy, consider completing a puzzle. This can be a jigsaw puzzle, word puzzle, number puzzle, Rubik’s cube, or any other type of puzzle you find interesting. The goal is to set up safeguard techniques for yourself. So, make sure to choose a puzzle you will be interested in.
“A good puzzle, it’s a fair thing. Nobody is lying. It’s very clear, and the problem depends just on you.” – Erno Rubik
4. Tidy your house.
Chances are you have a few dishes in the sink, clothes on the floor, or something that needs to be cleaned. Make a good use of your time by completing the tasks you have put off. You’ll thank yourself in the long run. Make it even more fun by putting on some music while you work.
“The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment.” – Marie Kondo
5. Plan a vacation.
If you have ever thought of backpacking through Europe or taking a road trip across the country, start planning. Even if you aren’t able to take the trip right now, you’ll get a headstart on your research. Also, it will give you a positive focus for the future.
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
6. Download and listen to podcasts.
Podcasts are a great way to stay up to date with the world, and to stay plugged into things that matter to you. Search around for some that interest you and listen to them. You’ll expand your mind while keeping yourself busy.
“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” – Henry Ford
7. Create something.
Draw, paint, sculpt, build, or invent something new. Follow a DIY tutorial on the internet. Many communities have spaces that allow you to come and work on projects, similar to a gym membership.
“It is important to express oneself…provided the feelings are real and are taken from you own experience.” – Berthe Morisot
8. Take a class.
The internet is full of certifications and classes you can take, both free and paid. Some of them can help you further your career, and some of them can be taken for fun. Pick a topic you are interested in and sign up for one. Not only will you stay busy, but you’ll learn a new skill as well.
“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could … Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”~Ralph Waldo Emerson
9. Learn a new recipe.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn to cook, find a recipe you’d like to try and make it. You may surprise yourself with how easy it is, and discover a new hobby in the process. If your attempt turns into a #Pinterestfail, at least you’ll have a good story to tell.
“A recipe is a story that ends with a good meal.” – Pat Conroy
10. Spend time in the Word.
You will not succeed in your battle without help from God. Spend time digging into his Word and praying, and digging to the root of your issue. You cannot fight your addiction on your own.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”- Psalm 51:10
No matter how you choose to stay busy, you are still accomplishing a victory in your struggle with sexual integrity. If you need more help or someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Proven Men staff.