Hi
@Sam78 sure thing! It´s a great question and also helps me refocus on the goal and why the effort is so worth it.
Definitely, usually I feel the benefits kicking in as soon as 4-5 days after starting a clean strike. The first couple of days are usually still so much focus and effort, as well as some withdrawal symptoms.
Clarity: I see the difference very clear when I relapse. It´s for me like someone has spun me in a washing machine and I got water in my ears. I wasn´t too aware as the clarity comes step by step for me, but when I fall, the contrast is huge.
Energy: I can fairly compare this, as I´m playing padel right now. When I´m sober, I have more energy, I run faster, need less motivation, and play better. So i can see this "fact" based evidence how my energy deteriorates with fapping and this extends further also into the view on life. When I´m off like 2-3 week I start making plans, I got so many ideas what I would like to do and it is like fapping does not allow me to gain perspective of my life. As if p* would be the only interest I could have in the world for my entire life.
On a side note: What I find also worth mentioning is resilience and mood. Especially with my kids I feel the up and downs a lot. When I have a couple of week in a strike, I become much calmer, I feel more peaceful and can also withstand better stress. This in turn helps my sleep better, which I usually have issues with.
Other effects I can confirm: Social abilities are increased, I engage more confidently with people, feeling secure. At the same time I don´t run away and can confront better difficult situations. Clearer skin, not sure what hormones play into that, but rehab makes my skin look way better.
This said, today I start from 0 again
