One of my biggest issues is that I have a lot of anxiety, especially social anxiety. Does anyone have any advice on how best to deal with that? And, do you think that nofap can actually help cut down on it a lot?
It would be incorrect to sat that NoFap will improve everything in your life. But masturbating to porn it is quite likely the source of the social anxiety. It is very hard to feel comfortable in your own skin, look people in the eye and relax around them when you are doing this. It drains our confidence. We feel ashamed and guilty about what we are doing and we get anxious in social situations. So, when you start going for a few weeks with no porn, no masturbation and no orgasm (PMO), then you will feel much, much better. Let that be your incentive to avoid relapses.
Nofap helps take the edge off for me but the anxiety is still there. Eating better, working out harder, meditating, sleeping better, reading, organizing, cleaning etc. have all helped a bit.
Join a local Toastmasters club, it will cure your social anxiety, improve your life and enhance your career. Just call them up and let them know what your situation is and they will help you. Note that you don't have to actually speak at a meeting until you are ready to do so, so you have nothing to worry about.
Yes -nf can help Try this app, and read the book https://www.unwindinganxiety.com/ but you have to practice the techniques... you can sign up for a couple of months to burn it in. Also 10 Days to Self Esteem (david burns) can help. Also studying stoic philosophy - which may seem weird but its' the basis of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and can help you shift your perspective (public speaking =I worry what people think of me)
I have found that meditating/centering for 10-15 minutes makes a huge difference. My goal is to transform the anxiety into excitement. If I am uncormfortable it means I am challenging myself and making progress. That's a good thing. I anticipate new and difficult things instead of dreading them.
I think nofap increases stress and a feeling of unease. I don't have as much anxiety as i used to anymore, my main trouble is depressive tendencies and negativity.
