{"id":251,"date":"2018-01-30T06:31:31","date_gmt":"2018-01-30T06:31:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blsandbox1.wpengine.com\/?p=251"},"modified":"2019-08-07T11:46:31","modified_gmt":"2019-08-07T17:46:31","slug":"7-healthy-lifestyle-changes-to-help-while-you-strive-to-overcome-porn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lifestartherapy.com\/7-healthy-lifestyle-changes-to-help-while-you-strive-to-overcome-porn\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Healthy Lifestyle Changes To Help While You Strive To Overcome Porn"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"\"If you\u2019ve struggled with it in the past, then you already know how hard it can be to\u00a0overcome porn<\/a>. You may have\u00a0stopped<\/i>\u00a0using only to discover that your life still seems to be out of balance. Many in recovery think that when life gets better they will have the time, energy or motivation to get their life back in order. The opposite is true. A balanced life in recovery does not come from having the time or energy for it. It comes from following through on the healthy behaviors of healthy living.<\/p>\n

An unbalanced life frequently drives addicts back to their addiction. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so crucial to replace the unwanted behavior with a new lifestyle. Some people think the only thing you can replace an addiction with is another addiction. That is not what we are talking about when we say \u201creplace the addiction with a new way of life or a new lifestyle.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a healthy lifestyle, we encourage behaviors and activities that become a way of life, not to replace the chemicals of addiction. These behaviors and activities should include things like excitement, relaxation, creativity, and time for reflection. Working on living a new lifestyle will help you in the long haul in living a sober life. So whether it\u2019s a personal project, a craft idea you want to try, or just discovering a new passion, to\u00a0quit porn effectively<\/a>\u00a0you\u2019ll need to explore activities and implement the ones that work for you into your new lifestyle.<\/p>\n

Here are 7 ideas to help you get started.<\/p>\n

Keep a Journal<\/b><\/p>\n

Writing is good for you on a number of levels. It requires higher thought, planning, and introspection. While any significant writing project will be beneficial (a novel, poetry, etc.), keeping a journal is among the best options because it keeps a record of your feelings and experiences. Journaling helps \u00a0identify when your life is out of balance, and it helps you recognize the cycle of addiction. Journalling will also chronicle your efforts to change and improve, which will be helpful in moments when you feel like you haven\u2019t made any progress in the fight.<\/p>\n

Mindful Meditation<\/b><\/p>\n

At\u00a0LifeStar Therapy<\/a>\u00a0we witness that those who are successful in recovery do the hard work. The successful client is able to focus on difficult tasks that maintain consistency. Their daily routines lead to sobriety which prepares for healing down the road. These same clients become \u201cmindfully aware\u201d and are able to respond to situations differently than their usual \u201creactive behaviors.\u201d<\/p>\n

A review of\u00a023 different meditation studies<\/a>\u00a0found that people who practiced mindful meditation for a few months improved their ability to suppress environmental stimuli, which is critical for maintaining attention. And, another review of 30 different\u00a0studies<\/a>\u00a0on mindfulness and meditation showed that just eight weeks of mindfulness-based stress reduction produced results in the brain similar to that of a long-term meditation practice.\u00a0Studies suggest<\/a>\u00a0that meditating regularly reduces mind-wandering and increases our ability to maintain concentration over extended periods of time.<\/p>\n

Read Something New<\/b><\/p>\n

Not everybody reads regularly, but everyone stands to benefit from it when they do. Reading is an adventure, even when it\u2019s nonfiction. Whether it\u2019s taking you somewhere new or\u00a0teaching\u00a0<\/i>you something new, reading has the power to expand your mind and show you new horizons. The key for this piece of advice, though, is to read something\u00a0new<\/i>, as there\u2019s excitement in the novelty, and you never know when you\u2019re going to discover something you\u2019ll love.<\/p>\n

Be around other people<\/b><\/p>\n

The advantages of social activities are myriad: you\u2019re spending time away from the computer, you\u2019re bonding with other people (a key aspect to overcoming addictions<\/a>), and you\u2019re having fun. Join a local organization based around something you\u2019re passionate about, whether that\u2019s improv comedy, medieval martial arts, \u00a0underwater basket weaving, starting a game night, etc. Pick something and get started.<\/p>\n

Learn a new skill<\/b><\/p>\n

Learning a new skill and developing a new talent is good for your brain. Learning new skills has been shown to improve memory and cognitive abilities in older adults, and to help your brain recover from trauma. Exercising your mind by learning novel skills helps forge new mental pathways and repair the damage done by addiction. It doesn\u2019t matter what skill you pursue, just that\u2019s it\u2019s new to you. Learn to play a musical instrument, get into woodworking, learn to paint\u2014these and many more skills could be the doorway into an exciting lifelong hobby and a healthier mind.<\/p>\n

Host a film night with recovery friends<\/b><\/p>\n

There are a lot of films that hit the issues of recovery that can teach needed points that talk therapy cannot reach. Pick some films that are approved for recovery and gather your friends once a month or every other month to keep the message going.<\/p>\n

Attend Performances<\/b><\/p>\n

When you\u2019re using porn, it can be easy to forget that there are forms of entertainment that don\u2019t happen on a screen. Attending a performance gets you out of the house (and away from your computer), and keeps your attention off of the screen on your phone. You\u2019ve paid good money for the ticket, so you\u2019re more likely to devote your time and focus to the performance, giving you a temporary break from your issue. And it\u2019s another activity you can do with friends. If plays and concerts aren\u2019t your thing, then opt for a sporting event instead. Just get out of your house, and spend time with others.<\/p>\n

Other ideas<\/b><\/p>\n