Feeling sexual urges is a normal part of being human, but it can often lead to harmful behavior that can have a negative impact on your life. Learning how to control your sexual desires when you’re single can help improve your quality of life and relationships.
Practicing healthy mindsets, setting boundaries, and engaging in other activities can all help you learn how to overcome these urges.
1. Establish clear boundaries for yourself.
One of the best ways to prevent sexual urges is to establish clear boundaries for yourself. This includes identifying the things that trigger your sexual impulses, such as certain situations, places, or activities. It also means limiting your exposure to triggering stimuli, such as pornography and masturbation.
When you start feeling sexually triggered, try to break the link by changing the subject or engaging in another activity. For example, if you are thinking about watching pornography, take the time to research how to improve your fitness level instead.
In addition, you should not be afraid to reach out for help. Seeking support from a therapist or counselor can provide you with tools to overcome your struggles, as well as advice on how to manage your urges when single.
It is important to remember that healthy sexual desires are normal, but they can quickly become sinful if you give into them. By establishing clear boundaries, seeking support, and engaging in other activities, you can control your sexual urges while single and remain focused on personal growth.
2. Get out of your current environment.
When sexual urges begin to rise, find ways to distract yourself. Whether it’s watching a different TV show or taking a walk, find something that will fully occupy your attention so you can push the thought of sex to the back of your mind.
Avoid drugs and alcohol. They can cause you to lose control and have a negative impact on your sex drive. If you need help breaking a habit like this, try talking to your doctor or finding a local support group.
It may be helpful to take a self-assessment and identify what environments or activities trigger your sexual thoughts. Doing this can allow you to avoid triggering situations and environments in the future.
Remember, healthy sexual desires are normal, but they can turn sinful when they lead to lust or sexual practices outside of marriage. Spend time worshipping God and engaging in spiritual growth to help you have a healthier relationship with your sex drive. For more tips on how to control your sexual urges while single, listen to this impactful 2-hour event on the topic.
3. Keep a to-do list in your pocket.
Keeping a list of tasks, errands or chores can be an effective way to distract yourself when you feel a strong sexual urge. When you feel the urge coming on, look at your to-do list and think about how you can tackle one item each day toward getting closer to your goals. You can also try other activities to redirect your energy and focus such as exercising, engaging in hobbies or focusing on personal and professional development.
4. Seek support from a therapist or counselor.
If you’re struggling with sexual desires while single, seek out support from a therapist or counselor. They can help you navigate your sexual urges by guiding you to avoid triggering situations and environments and establish personal rules that align with your values and goals.
Another way to combat sexual temptations is to keep yourself busy in other activities. This can include physical exercise, spending time with friends, and taking on new hobbies. The key is to distract yourself as soon as you notice sexual thoughts begin to arise. This will nip them in the bud and prevent them from growing into something sinful.
Healthy sexual desires are normal, and they’re part of God’s gift of sexual intimacy within marriage. However, they can easily become sinful if you let them lead you to pornography or masturbation. If you find yourself struggling with sexual temptations, take a look at how Jesus managed his urges to serve others and point people to Himself. Then, apply those lessons to your own life by setting boundaries and seeking support.
5. Engage in other activities.
Aim to spend time on activities that stimulate your senses, including jogging, working out, playing sports or focusing on a hobby. This can help keep your mind off of sex thoughts and help you to stay busy and focused on healthy goals for your life.
Do a self-assessment to figure out what triggers your sexual urges. Look for patterns in the times of day and the environments in which you tend to experience these impulses. Then, figure out ways to change your environment or behavior so that you can break the cycle.
Be sure to talk with your primary care provider about any health or mental health issues you may be experiencing. They will be able to do a physical exam to see if there are any physical reasons for your sexual urges, and they can refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist that has experience in this area. Also, look for online or local support groups that are trustworthy. They can provide you with suggestions for mental health providers that have experience in dealing with sexual urges, as well as give you resources and tools to deal with them.
