How to deal with triggers that lead to relapse

[silop]

How do you cope with stress and boredom? These are probably the biggest triggers for my relapses. About a month ago the combination of stress (caused by work and my personal programming projects after the work) and without recovering from that stress. Being tired and unable to do anything led to peeking at pictures from reddit and about after a week I MO'd. After this relapse I've masturbated many times per week and every time to pretty disgusting stuff, like I used to before the long streak. What are your biggest triggers that usually lead to relapse and how you cope with them?

 

[The Friendly homie]

Hello there! At the start of my journey I had the same problem. Stress, boredom, being unable to sleep, friends sending me certain pictures and being home alone were all big triggers for me. Every time something like that happens the thought of masturbation shot trough my head. Often this is what lead me to relapse but one night, after relapsing I realized something. Is it really me who made me relapse? Is it really me who went looking for something I regret fapping to later? I realized that this addiction created some sort of demon inside me, like the devil on your shoulder. That voice saying you should just give up. It might be loud at the start but will quiet down the further you get into challenges like this one. I really advise you to start meditating. It helps you out with your stress and it’s a good activity to get rid of that boredom. Good luck and stay strong my friend. Don’t let the voice tell you what to do. You are stronger than that.

-The Friendly homie

 

[Deleted Account]

You need a plan to cope with them. First of all, make your surrounding less private. Like, put your computer in front of a window, open all the curtains or leave the door open. Secondly, have a list of things you can do quickly, if you feel the urge to watch p. I always carry a good book with me. But making tea works well too. Or take a short walk around the block. Do a 7-minute workout. Doodle. Just something you like that gets you away from your screen.
You can also make a long term plan like joining a club or gym or doing something creative. Anything that get you among a diverse group of people, out of the house. It does not have to be your life's purpose, just something nice to do.

After a few months you feel you don't need the list that often any more. But beware of triggers, always.