My 5 years of nofap journey

siva99@

New Fapstronaut
My NoFap Journey: Lessons from 5 Years of Struggle

Introduction
I began my NoFap journey in 2021, and today, I have reached 150 days of a clean streak. Breaking free from my addiction has been a long and challenging road, but I'm sharing my story, strategies, and lessons in the hope that it helps others struggling as I once did.


Strategies That i employed

1. Reducing Phone Usage
Smartphones are often the biggest enablers of porn addiction. Initially, I thought that getting rid of my smartphone would solve my problem, but boredom and intrusive thoughts still found their way in.The panic of potential relapse led to overthinking, restlessness, and another cycle of addiction.

2. Keeping Busy with Work
Idle time was one of the biggest triggers. I tried to fill my schedule, but I learned that staying busy all the time isn't sustainable. One of the most vulnerable moments for relapse is when you're exhausted and have free time.

3. Normalizing Porn in My Mind
At my lowest point, I sought help from a psychiatrist. He told me: "If you focus only on quitting porn,your mind will stay obsessed with it. Instead, shift your focus to other aspects of life." This mindset didn't immediately solve everything, but it gave me hope.

4. Practicing Mindfulness
I tried using mindfulness to stop intrusive thoughts about porn and masturbation. However, I learned that repressing thoughts doesn't work. The more I tried to force them away, the stronger they became, leading to relapse.

5. Staying in Social Environments
Loneliness was a major trigger for my addiction. To counteract this, I made an effort to stay in public places. However, addiction is strong-even being in public didn't completely stop urges.

6. Having an Accountability Partner
I once thought that having a mentor or a NoFap challenge with friends would help me. But sharing my struggles often made me feel ashamed. Losing a NoFap challenge also added to my feelings of failure.

7. Restricting Access to Porn
At one point, I gave a trusted friend control over my phone's access to porn. While this reduced my access, it didn't eliminate my addiction-it just made me feel more ashamed.


Mistakes I Made

1. Being Impatient
I was too impatient for results, wondering when I would finally be free. But NoFap is a gradual process, not something you master in 90 days or in few attempts.

2. Focusing Too Much on Avoiding Porn
My biggest mistake was making "not watching porn" my only goal. This kept my full attention on porn, ironically making the addiction stronger.

3. Counting Days
Counting days made me constantly think about my urges. Instead, I marked my start date on a calendar and wrote an inspiring quote for my 90th day. But reseting my calendar made me feel more depressed

4. Spending Too Much Time Alone
Loneliness was my biggest enemy. I was spenting too much time in loneliness then I learned that going out with friends, even temporarily, helped me regain control.

5. Talking Too Much About My Progress
Sharing progress with friends made me overconfident and gave me feel of achivement and eventually led to relapse.


My 5-Year Lesson

After years of struggling and failing, I identified the biggest factors working against me:
- Loneliness
- Fear of failure
- Lack of meaningful work
- Anxiety
- Escapism (avoiding pain, depression, etc.)


The Formula That Finally Worked

It may sound simple, but it took me five years to master:

1. Accept everything without judgment.
2. Avoid being alone for long periods.
3. Break free from repetitive routines.
4. Find and engage in activities you love.

1. Acceptance( prime of all)

Instead of panicking every time I had an urge, I started accepting my feelings. Without panic, I could think clearly and make better choices.

2. Avoiding Isolation
I was most vulnerable when alone, so I made changes-staying at a friend's house, leaving my room before 7 PM, and ensuring I returned only after 9 PM.

3. Breaking Routines
I stopped staying in one place for too long and started traveling frequently. New environments kept my mind engaged and alert.

4. Doing What I Love
Meeting new people and exploring new places gave me a natural source of dopamine, replacing the artificial high I used to chase through porn.


The Reality of NoFap
NoFap isn't a magic cure. Urges don't disappear after 90 days. The time it takes to fully recover depends on your addiction level.Nofap only give relif from your addiction . For progresses you need in your life you need work on yourself don't expect that from nofap

Changes I Noticed in Myself

1. I still get urges, but I can manage them.
2. I have more time to improve my life.
3. I no longer feel drained of energy.
4. I feel more confident around women.
5. My social connections have improved.
6. I see the world from a completely new perspective.
7. I no longer feel guilt or shame.


Final Message
I was once an introverted boy who skipped meals and sleep just to watch porn. No one ever told me it was possible to quit. Today, I'm sharing my success story.
If I can do it, so can you.Stop waiting. Start your journey.

Relapse Is Not The End - rising Again Is What Matter
 

Attachments

My NoFap Journey: Lessons from 5 Years of Struggle

Introduction
I began my NoFap journey in 2021, and today, I have reached 150 days of a clean streak. Breaking free from my addiction has been a long and challenging road, but I'm sharing my story, strategies, and lessons in the hope that it helps others struggling as I once did.


Strategies That i employed

1. Reducing Phone Usage
Smartphones are often the biggest enablers of porn addiction. Initially, I thought that getting rid of my smartphone would solve my problem, but boredom and intrusive thoughts still found their way in.The panic of potential relapse led to overthinking, restlessness, and another cycle of addiction.

2. Keeping Busy with Work
Idle time was one of the biggest triggers. I tried to fill my schedule, but I learned that staying busy all the time isn't sustainable. One of the most vulnerable moments for relapse is when you're exhausted and have free time.

3. Normalizing Porn in My Mind
At my lowest point, I sought help from a psychiatrist. He told me: "If you focus only on quitting porn,your mind will stay obsessed with it. Instead, shift your focus to other aspects of life." This mindset didn't immediately solve everything, but it gave me hope.

4. Practicing Mindfulness
I tried using mindfulness to stop intrusive thoughts about porn and masturbation. However, I learned that repressing thoughts doesn't work. The more I tried to force them away, the stronger they became, leading to relapse.

5. Staying in Social Environments
Loneliness was a major trigger for my addiction. To counteract this, I made an effort to stay in public places. However, addiction is strong-even being in public didn't completely stop urges.

6. Having an Accountability Partner
I once thought that having a mentor or a NoFap challenge with friends would help me. But sharing my struggles often made me feel ashamed. Losing a NoFap challenge also added to my feelings of failure.

7. Restricting Access to Porn
At one point, I gave a trusted friend control over my phone's access to porn. While this reduced my access, it didn't eliminate my addiction-it just made me feel more ashamed.


Mistakes I Made

1. Being Impatient
I was too impatient for results, wondering when I would finally be free. But NoFap is a gradual process, not something you master in 90 days or in few attempts.

2. Focusing Too Much on Avoiding Porn
My biggest mistake was making "not watching porn" my only goal. This kept my full attention on porn, ironically making the addiction stronger.

3. Counting Days
Counting days made me constantly think about my urges. Instead, I marked my start date on a calendar and wrote an inspiring quote for my 90th day. But reseting my calendar made me feel more depressed

4. Spending Too Much Time Alone
Loneliness was my biggest enemy. I was spenting too much time in loneliness then I learned that going out with friends, even temporarily, helped me regain control.

5. Talking Too Much About My Progress
Sharing progress with friends made me overconfident and gave me feel of achivement and eventually led to relapse.


My 5-Year Lesson

After years of struggling and failing, I identified the biggest factors working against me:
- Loneliness
- Fear of failure
- Lack of meaningful work
- Anxiety
- Escapism (avoiding pain, depression, etc.)


The Formula That Finally Worked

It may sound simple, but it took me five years to master:

1. Accept everything without judgment.
2. Avoid being alone for long periods.
3. Break free from repetitive routines.
4. Find and engage in activities you love.

1. Acceptance( prime of all)

Instead of panicking every time I had an urge, I started accepting my feelings. Without panic, I could think clearly and make better choices.

2. Avoiding Isolation
I was most vulnerable when alone, so I made changes-staying at a friend's house, leaving my room before 7 PM, and ensuring I returned only after 9 PM.

3. Breaking Routines
I stopped staying in one place for too long and started traveling frequently. New environments kept my mind engaged and alert.

4. Doing What I Love
Meeting new people and exploring new places gave me a natural source of dopamine, replacing the artificial high I used to chase through porn.


The Reality of NoFap
NoFap isn't a magic cure. Urges don't disappear after 90 days. The time it takes to fully recover depends on your addiction level.Nofap only give relif from your addiction . For progresses you need in your life you need work on yourself don't expect that from nofap

Changes I Noticed in Myself

1. I still get urges, but I can manage them.
2. I have more time to improve my life.
3. I no longer feel drained of energy.
4. I feel more confident around women.
5. My social connections have improved.
6. I see the world from a completely new perspective.
7. I no longer feel guilt or shame.


Final Message
I was once an introverted boy who skipped meals and sleep just to watch porn. No one ever told me it was possible to quit. Today, I'm sharing my success story.
If I can do it, so can you.Stop waiting. Start your journey.

Relapse Is Not The End - rising Again Is What Matter
I feel and understand you.
I have witnessed the same thing too. Travelling and being in different locations is great for recovery.

At times I have lots of energy at other times I have low energy, but keeping to a strict diet of avoid sugar, and carbs helps.
I have recently reached 30 days Clean

Even thought I do not focus on days, I focus on the progress am making.

Travelling, walking, running, driving, all this activity made me heal more and better,
 
Yes
Books I would recommend Atomic habits By James clear, power of your subconscious by Joseph Murphy and power of by now by Ekhrant tolle
Podcast I would recommend Andrew Huber man podcast and jatty Shah
 
Back
Top