It’s completely normal to experience lust, or sexual desire. Your feelings might be focused on a particular person, or you might be drawn to activities like masturbating or watching pornography. But sometimes, these desires can be overwhelming or unwanted. If you just can’t shake those uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, don’t worry—there are things you can do to manage them. If you’re not having much luck dealing with it on your own, your doctor or a counselor can help.

1

Set boundaries for yourself.

  1. Avoiding temptations can help you manage your desires. For instance, if you’re tempted to look at porn whenever you’re on your computer, download an app or browser extension to block tempting websites. Or, if you’re struggling with sexual feelings about a particular person, limit how much time you spend with them if possible.[1]
    • Making your activities more public can make it harder to give in to sexual urges. For instance, try using your computer in a public place, like a park bench or coffee shop, instead of while you’re alone in your room.
    • If you go out to a bar or the beach, bring a friend who can distract you and keep you busy so you’re not scoping people out.
    • If you're lusting over a specific person, avoid checking their social media or doing things to get their attention.[2]
  2. Advertisement
2

Make a list of reasons to resist.

  1. Clearly defining your values can strengthen your resolve. When you set a goal for yourself—whether it’s eating healthier or getting better at resisting sexual temptation—it helps to have a clear idea of why you’re doing it.[3] Write down the main reasons why overcoming lust is important to you, and review it any time you feel your resolve starting to slip. For example, your reasons might include things like:
    • “I want to wait on having sex until I’m married, because sexual intimacy is sacred and special to me.”
    • “I’m trying to resist temptation because I want to be faithful to my spouse.”
    • “Self-discipline is an important part of my spiritual beliefs. I want to overcome lustful thoughts to improve my relationship with my higher power.”
    • “I don’t want my unwanted sexual urges and behaviors to damage my relationships or cause problems in my professional life.”
3

Identify your triggers.

  1. Understanding your desires makes it easier to control them. Next time you experience feelings of lust, think about what’s going on. For example, do you get more unwanted sexual thoughts when you’re stressed out or bored?[4] What about when you’re around certain people or in specific places (like at the beach or in a bar)? Write down a list of things that seem to trigger those unwanted thoughts and feelings, and jot down some ideas about how to deal with those triggers.
    • For instance, if you realize that those lustful thoughts show up more when you’re bored, look for ways to keep your mind busy. Try listening to music or a fun podcast while you’re doing boring tasks, like folding laundry.
    • You might realize that you’ve been using sexual thoughts or behaviors to cope with stress. Set an intention to find new coping methods and form healthier habits.
  2. Advertisement
4

Find healthy ways to keep yourself busy.

5

Rekindle your romance with your significant other.

  1. Strengthening your relationship may reduce temptation. If you’re married or in a committed relationship, remind yourself of what you find attractive about your partner. Make an effort to spend quality time with them. Go out of your way to nurture love, affection, and physical intimacy in the relationship. This will help you refocus your thoughts and desires on your SO instead of other people.[7] If you’re not sure how to get the spark going again, here are a few things to try:[8]
    • Schedule a little time each day—even if it’s just 10-15 minutes here and there—to talk about fun things. Make it a rule not to discuss work, school, kids, or any other day-to-day business during this special time!
    • Make a list of the top 10 things you love most about your SO, or of your favorite memories together.
    • Do something new together, like going on a weekend trip, taking a dance class, or checking out a new restaurant in your neighborhood.
    • Practice physical intimacy. Even if you’re not having sex, there are other ways to show physical affection, such as hugging, kissing, or giving each other back rubs.
  2. Advertisement
7

Join a self-help group.

  1. Others going through the same thing can be a great resource. Ask your doctor or a therapist to recommend a group, or look for support groups online. Being in a group can help you feel less alone and make your unwanted sexual desires feel less upsetting. Other members of the group can also share strategies and advice to help you cope.[10]
    • If you’re still social distancing or don’t feel comfortable meeting in person, look for a group that meets online.
    • You might need to try different groups before you find one that feels right to you.
    • Self-help groups take many forms. Some are faith-based, while others take a more psychological approach. Think about which method will be most helpful to you, and search for groups that meet your needs.
  2. Advertisement
8

Pray for guidance if you’re religious or spiritual.

  1. Prayer can help you find peace and clarity. Many people of faith turn to prayer when they’re struggling with issues like lust and temptation. If you believe in a higher power, take a moment each day to privately commune with them and ask for guidance.
    • For instance, some Christians pray on specific Bible verses that help them refocus their thoughts on their commitment to God (such as Psalm 19:14).[11]
    • Studies show that prayer brings greater peace and well-being when you keep it positive and focus on talking to your higher power instead of blaming yourself and dwelling on your failings.[12] For example, instead of saying something like, “God, I failed and gave in to temptation again,” try something like, “God, I’m so grateful to be on this path to becoming the person I want to be. Can you help me through the challenge of overcoming these tempting thoughts?”
9

Get advice from a spiritual or religious leader.

  1. They can offer faith-based guidance. If you’re religious or spiritual, you might find it helpful to get the perspective of someone who shares your beliefs. Ask to meet with a trusted clergy member or find a counselor who offers faith-based therapy. Explain that you are experiencing lustful thoughts and ask if they can offer strategies to deal with them.
    • This can feel embarrassing, but remember that there’s a good chance they have struggled with similar issues themselves! It’s also their job to help people work through issues related to their faith, whatever those might be.
  2. Advertisement
10

Practice mindful meditation

  1. Look up guided meditations online or sign up for a class. Studies show that mindfulness can help people with all kinds of sexual challenges, including feelings of shame or discomfort related to sex.[13] It may help your sexual urges feel less overwhelming and stressful when they happen. To practice a simple mindful meditation:
    • Sit or lie down in a quiet, comfortable spot. Close your eyes if you like.
    • Take a few slow, deep breaths. Focus on the feeling of your belly rising and falling as you breathe.
    • Focus on other physical sensations, like feelings of tension in your body or things that you can sense in your environment (like sounds or smells).
    • Sit for a few minutes and be aware of your thoughts. You might notice that you are having sexual thoughts or sensations. Just notice them without trying to analyze or judge them.
    • Gently turn your focus back to your breath for a few minutes before you go back to your regular activities.
11

Accept that sexual thoughts and feelings are normal.

  1. Trying to push down unwanted thoughts and feelings doesn’t work. This can be really frustrating, but you’ll feel so much better if you acknowledge your thoughts instead of fighting them! Instead of ignoring them or trying to force them out of your mind, just notice them and let them sit there without judgment. Your mind will eventually wander to something else.[14]
    • It can be helpful to label these thoughts and feelings as “unwanted” or “intrusive.” Don’t try to pick them apart or figure out what they mean—just calmly remind yourself that they’re not wanted.[15]
    • This doesn’t mean that your unwanted sexual thoughts and feelings will go away forever. In fact, expect that they will come back. Just practice being more accepting of the thoughts when they come.
    • Nobody can completely control their thoughts and feelings. Remind yourself that what’s going on in your brain and body isn’t your fault and doesn’t make you a “bad” person, even if it feels scary or inappropriate. The important thing is how you act on those thoughts.
  2. Advertisement
12

Talk to a therapist if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

  1. It’s okay to ask for help if you’re struggling. Reach out to your doctor or look for a therapist with experience treating sexual issues. They can help you manage your feelings and figure out if there are any underlying issues making the problem worse.[16]
    • If you struggle with constant sexual fantasies or urges that cause you a lot of distress or interfere with your day-to-day activities, or if you feel like you can’t control your sexual behaviors, you may be experiencing “compulsive sexual behavior.” If this sounds like you, don’t feel ashamed. It’s not your fault, and you’re not alone. Your doctor or therapist can help![17]
    • Your therapist may recommend treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic psychotherapy. Both kinds of therapy help you identify unhealthy thoughts and behavior patterns and build healthier habits.
13

Ask your doctor about medication if nothing else is working.

  1. Sometimes a chemical imbalance can cause obsessive sexual thoughts. If therapy alone isn’t working, your doctor or therapist might recommend a combination of therapy and medications. This can be especially helpful if your sexual urges are related to another condition, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or a hormone imbalance. Some medicines that might help include:[18]
    • Antidepressants and antianxiety medications, which can help reduce obsessive thoughts.
    • Naltrexone, a medication that is used to manage addictive behaviors.
    • Mood stabilizer medications, like those used to treat bipolar disorder.
    • Anti-androgens, which reduce hormones that are associated with sexual behaviors.
  2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How do I know if it's love or lust?
    Jan & Jillian Yuhas
    Jan & Jillian Yuhas
    Relationship Coaches & Boundary Specialists
    Jan Yuhas and Jillian Yuhas are Relationship Coaches & Boundary Specialists and the Founders of Entwined Lifestyle. They specialize in helping individuals and couples work on effective communication, healthy boundaries, and lifestyle wellness. They have also been featured on media outlets such as Yahoo Lifestyle and Bustle. Jan and Jillian both hold a BA in Psychology from The University of Illinois at Chicago and an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Adler School of Professional Psychology.
    Jan & Jillian Yuhas
    Relationship Coaches & Boundary Specialists
    Expert Answer
    You have to to take a look inward. Any relationship built on just lust is a bust. If the connection has the potential to grow from the lust phase, then use your relationship values to determine if this person is a great fit or not for a long term relationship.
Advertisement

About This Article

Jan & Jillian Yuhas
Co-authored by:
Relationship Coaches & Boundary Specialists
This article was co-authored by Jan & Jillian Yuhas and by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Jan Yuhas and Jillian Yuhas are Relationship Coaches & Boundary Specialists and the Founders of Entwined Lifestyle. They specialize in helping individuals and couples work on effective communication, healthy boundaries, and lifestyle wellness. They have also been featured on media outlets such as Yahoo Lifestyle and Bustle. Jan and Jillian both hold a BA in Psychology from The University of Illinois at Chicago and an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Adler School of Professional Psychology. This article has been viewed 1,058,615 times.
116 votes - 88%
Co-authors: 37
Updated: November 14, 2022
Views: 1,058,615
Categories: Personal Development
Article SummaryX

To overcome lust, choose a hobby to distract you whenever you have lustful thoughts, like decorative braiding or memorizing a holy text. If your lust is directed at a particular person, try hanging out with them in groups so that you have less opportunity for lustful thoughts. You should also avoid physical contact with the person, since this is likely to increase your lustful feeling. Whenever you look at them, focus on their eyes rather than any other body part which may trigger your lust. In order to control your lust for sexual or pornographic material, consider putting a filter on your computer or other electronic device to block access to such content. For tips on how to approach your spiritual adviser about your feelings of lust, read on!

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement