{"id":200,"date":"2016-06-23T05:57:54","date_gmt":"2016-06-23T05:57:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blsandbox1.wpengine.com\/?p=200"},"modified":"2019-08-07T11:51:57","modified_gmt":"2019-08-07T17:51:57","slug":"important-tools-to-heal-in-your-porn-addiction-recovery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lifestartherapy.com\/important-tools-to-heal-in-your-porn-addiction-recovery\/","title":{"rendered":"Important Tools To Heal In Your Porn Addiction Recovery"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Breaking porn addiction is not an easy process. Various emotions come up and old habits are hard to let go of. No matter how hard it may seem, it is possible to\u00a0overcome and heal from your addiction<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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As with stopping any addiction, you\u2019ll need to take time and establish new habits. People can get pulled deeper into their addictions due to boredom, anger, loneliness, depression,and other various emotions. The key is to find other ways to deal with your triggers, and develop new routines, or habits, to support you in your healing.<\/p>\n

\u201cRock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.\u201d \u2014 JK Rowling<\/p>\n

Quitting porn, especially cold turkey, is hard and a process where you\u2019re going to have to rely on various tools and resources to help you throughout the whole approach. One of the first things we recommend is installing a software to block porn on your computer and phone. There are many apps and software programs out there, such as\u00a0Covenant Eyes<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Net Nanny<\/a>, to look at and see which one best fits your needs and budget.<\/p>\n

During this time it\u2019s also important to establish boundaries. Boundaries are essential to set for yourself so you can decide what your limits are and what compromises you\u2019re not willing to make. By taking time to determine your boundaries, you can use these lines to help you in your road to recovery. An example of a boundary you might set for yourself is not getting on the computer during dinner, but instead spending that time with your family. Another might be no longer hiding somewhere to use the computer, but to use it in the open where you won\u2019t be tempted to view porn.<\/p>\n

While you determine and set your boundaries, consider them for all the areas in your life: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. This is also a good time to share these boundaries with your spouse so they can help you hold yourself accountable.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve made the commitment to yourself and your family to\u00a0quit porn<\/a>, create a \u201ctoolbox\u201d\u2014a kind of first aid kit\u2014that you can access easily when you need some reinforcement and inspiration to keep going in your recovery.<\/p>\n

Some tools add to your toolbox? Here are 5 suggestions:<\/p>\n

1. Write a letter to yourself.<\/b><\/p>\n

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\"\"You\u2019re going to have good and bad days in your recovery (that\u2019s part of life) and, because of that, having a reminder to why you started this journey and why you want to see it all the way through is crucial. Sit down and write yourself a letter, add pictures of happier times, your spouse and family, and any other images (your Higher Power, a beautiful landscape, or whatever speaks to you) to help you stay focused and continue down this path.<\/p>\n

While you write this letter, keep the tone persuasive and remind yourself of all the positives into seeing this process through.<\/p>\n

2. Three-second rule.<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cRespect yourself to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes you happy.\u201d \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u2013\u00a0Robert Tew<\/p>\n

One of the hardest things people face when developing new habits is managing their thoughts. This is a tricky process because, as human beings, negative thoughts are usually the primary thoughts we have. While you may not have the power to control your environment, you have the power to manage your thoughts. Because of this, we recommend practicing positive affirmations when you first get up, before bed, and throughout the day.<\/p>\n

However, we also know that practicing daily affirmations and executing on them when things spin out of control is easier said than done. To help you establish better habits, when you feel a trigger has been set off inside you (or even before) take a moment to practice the three-second rule to replace with help you let go of the negative thought and embrace a more positive one.<\/p>\n

How it works: First, recognize that you\u2019ve been involuntarily triggered. Next, look away and don\u2019t look back. Third, distract yourself by choosing a more positive, healthier thought. You might think of a happy family memory, repeat a positive mantra or affirmation, or call a trusted friend.<\/p>\n

As you begin to practice this technique, remember, it takes time to change your thoughts. But the important thing to keep in mind is to keep practicing. Maybe the first time only last for a few seconds, maybe a minute, but over time, this will become more natural for you.<\/p>\n

3. Positive Affirmations.<\/b><\/p>\n

Speaking of positive thoughts, as you move forward in your recovery, we strongly recommend having 1-2 positive affirmations you can repeat to yourself. These affirmations can help to boost your self confidence and remind you to stay true in your healing.<\/p>\n

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<\/center>If you feel weird about saying positive affirmations to yourself remember, no one is going to know you\u2019re doing it because you can say these silently in your mind. Plus, what do you have to lose? If negative thoughts are running wild in your mind, telling you what you can\u2019t do or how awful you are, now is the time to start replacing those negative thoughts with ones that are more empowering. If you don\u2019t like yourself and feel worthless, you\u2019re not going to be inspired to change and start your recovery towards a life\u00a0free of pornography addiction<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Here are a few mantras you can start practicing today or write some of your own to start repeating to yourself.<\/p>\n