I’m currently at 30 days no pmo (longest streak is around 1000 days).
I’m laughing more (and more robustly), smiling more at strangers, less anxiety, more open, a bit more confidence etc.
Something I find really helps me is looking at a screen as little as possible/not consuming any media. I have been watching some youtube and the like because my body is pretty broken down (for being in my late 30s) so I can’t exercise a lot. With my injuries I’m also not able to go places and socialize for long periods, or work much, so I don’t get a ton of interaction. Luckily, I don’t live alone though, so that helps.
Another thing that really helps me is eating clean/low fat. I eat plain greens, a little bit of plain rice, and a really clean protein powder. I find the lack of fat, sugar, salt etc. makes me more chill, and really reduces my urges.
As many others have said, also just trying to get dopamine naturally.
You can overcome this (or at least have looong streaks) if you keep problem solving to do everything you can.
I saw someone else write something like “getting affection from someone you love and are attracted to is so much better than anything you can watch.” I have been without that affection for a while because of my challenges from injuries and not having consistently good habits, but I have had times where I have had consistent, romantic affection, and let me tell you, that person is sooo right.
If you do what is easy, life will be hard. If you do what is hard, life will be easy.
;