List of things to do when you get urges

[guitarwhiz56]

Hi all,

I was making a list of the things that I can do when I get the urge to use P when in the dorm, when I realized that the list was really incomplete; it only reflects my interests and I'm sure that you guys ought to have some good ideas yourselves. I'm going to put my working list here, which reflects some of the things that reflect my interests, as well as some things I ought to do more of. Here goes:

1) Go to the gym or take a jog
2) Practise a musical instrument or write music for them (in my case guitar or piano),
3) Call up some friends, either just to chat or to get them to hang out
4) Play some video games, preferably with others (I'd be careful with this one though, cause if you play a game that's bound to make you lose then it could get me more stressed out. Go for something fun and easy to occupy the time)

As you can see it's short right now, but I'd like to make my personal list longer with some suggestions, and we can share them. Please, any ideas are welcome :D

Thanks,

guitarwhiz56

[Daniel]

guitarwhiz,

My inaugural post by the way. I like your approach, have a list, a battleplan if you will, when P keeps breaking into your thinking.
I would add:
5) simply leave where you are and go someplace else. Break down the environment that is setting you up for a fall.
6) find work to do and do it. Preferably outside physical-type work (gardening, mowing, wash car/truck, etc., etc.).
7) play your favorite music. For some reason I never mixed P with music thus there's a sublime quality to my favorite music as I see it "pure".

Good work.

[Thisisme18]

Here's what I do when I get tempted.

1) Meditate
2)Read
3)Exercise
4)Go Biking
5)Play a game.

[Vincent]

Examples:
* Read your favorite book
* Go watch a tv show

Many other activities that you can do without the use of the internet for at least 30 minutes or so.

[wanttochange]

Hi everyone, I do this:

- if I'm on PC, and I have no work to do, turn off, if I'm alone, leave the place.

- If my thinkings are taking me to want MB, start thinking in some things of my interest, like motorcycles, proyects to do, photos I'd like to shoot, etc, each one know what likes.

- start praying, and ask for me and for others, realize how fortunate I am and do something with that position.

Best to all.

\:D/

[forgotten_not]

I think this is a great idea, I'm def. going to mention it to my PA. Thanks!

[gnein]

1. Go outside and exercise.
2. Do some work
3. Put on some music or some other form of entertainment (not related to P).
4. Play a computer game that might take your mind off P for a while.
5. Install cyber controls on your computer. Yes, I know it isn't technically something else to do, but it will at least make it harder for you to access P immediately if you do get the urges.

[glovert]

prayer, ipod (religious song if possible), go for a jog

[Lee89]

I'm a new user and was browsing around the sight and saw this. GREAT IDEA. The one thing that I do that never fails is to get around people or just away from private areas. Whether it's going to the store, the gym, or just going outside and walking around, getting out of private situations helps me.

[Zero_Complex]

Great idea!
My list is kind of dinky so far but here it is;

1) Get around other people, you might call a friend to go hang out somewhere.
2) Change location, I find that I tend to get urges around the same private, familiar places.
3) Meditate, do some physical exercise or deep breathing (music helps during exercise)
4) Work, chores or assignments you have due, even just cleaning your room helps.
5) One thing I've done is take up a hobby, something I can do when I get urges that keeps requires my full attention (something that keeps you moving, preferably)

That's it, but I've gotten some really helpful tips on here, I'll make a list and keep it in my pocket in case of an attack, who knows, it might work?