“How Long Can A Man Abstain From Physical Intimacy?”

While I was doing research for this article, I came across a bunch of articles…

All of them had one thing in common: they hinted that a lengthy abstinence from sex could be harmful.

Today, I will be writing from a different angle.

This makes me feel like a frontiersman conquering a new territory.

Let’s delve into the topic and glean some helpful insights on how a man can abstain from physical intimacy for long.

But before we do that, we need to answer a question…

“How Long Can A Man Abstain From Physical Intimacy?”

We live in a world that often equates physical intimacy with personal fulfillment.

This is why the question of how long a man can—or should—abstain from such encounters has become a topic of significant intrigue with people having different views.

The answer, however, is not a one-size-fits-all, as the effects of abstaining from physical intimacy can vary greatly among individuals.

However, we do know that certain individuals take oaths to abstain from physical intimacy and sex throughout their lives, and before you mention that it is an oath, don’t forget that oaths can also be broken.

How do priests, monks, and other men who have embraced abstinence abstain from sex so long?

This is an important question, and I intend to explore it.

You must note that I am not asking you to choose to be celibate for the rest of your life.

But if you have already made the decision to abstain from sex till marriage or for a period of time, and you are feeling like you may not be able to keep to your decision, this article is for you.

I hope that by the end of this article, your resolve is fully strengthened.

How To Abstain From Physical Intimacy For A Long Period

1. Remember why you chose to abstain

I know this may look like I am just being a motivational speaker, but any changes that occur in you usually begin in your mind.

The mind is so powerful, and all that is required for you to do something meaningful is a change in your mindset.

I usually listen to very successful businesspeople speak about the struggles and challenges they faced when they were starting up.

Whenever they were asked how they surmounted their challenges, they usually had this to say…

“I had a vision, and I just stuck with it.”

You can apply a similar strategy if you are trying to abstain from sex and you are struggling with the urges.

Never forget why you have chosen to abstain from physical intimacy.

Always keep the reason for your abstinence in mind.

That’s your vision, and it will help you when you are confronted with difficult situations.

How you feel and what you believe matters.

Hold on to them.

2. Involve yourself in activities that engage the mind

The mind… it’s always the mind.

That’s where the trouble usually starts.

So, you are walking down the road, and you see a really attractive lady.

You are not actively thinking about her until your mind begins to paint a really tempting picture of her in your head.

Or you may be in your room with a female friend, and your mind begins to make suggestions.

“Look at how she’s leaning towards you. She wants to kiss you so bad. Go for it.”

That’s how you suddenly find yourself in trouble.

So, how do you deal with your mind?

The answer is simple.

Involve in activities that engage the mind!

Cultivate intellectual habits that can stimulate the mind.

You could try reading new books, learning a new language, or watching educative documentaries or podcasts.

The fact is that when you are involved in activities like these, you are keeping your mind busy.

It’s not just freely roaming around the place and dwelling on things that it shouldn’t be dwelling on.

“Your mind is a garden; cultivate it with seeds of wisdom and kindness.”

A wise man once said this to me, and it has stuck with me for a long time.

I have realized that I am more productive when actively engaging my mind.

You could try this, too.

3. Channel your inner creativity

Many of us are creative, but we don’t know this because we don’t intentionally harness that talent.

I remember being told by friends and siblings that I had it in me to be a good writer.

I usually laughed it off because, in school, I hated essay writing.

Once I was done, you could never catch me writing another essay.

Until… I fell in love, and my heart was broken.

I became a writer.

I wrote poems and stories to express what I was feeling inside of me.

It turns out that pain can actually make you a good writer.

Everyone who read those poems and stories agreed that they were powerful.

It became a daily exercise for me.

When trying to abstain from physical intimacy, you can always channel your emotions into creating something worthwhile.

So, you are feeling frustrated?

Why don’t you write a story about a frustrated young man?

It could end “happily ever after” or tragically…

The choice is yours.

You may choose to paint or play an instrument.

The choice is still yours.

But don’t forget to channel what you feel into something creative.

It will help you relieve those feelings and also create something worthwhile.

4. Exercise

This is one thing I don’t do frequently.

However, it is a great way to release pent-up sexual energy.

Exercise is generally good for health, and it could also help you stay true to your decision to abstain from physical intimacy.

People believe you have to go to the gym to exercise.

That’s not true.

You could run, do some calisthenics right in your backyard, take a long walk, or go to the gym.

Whichever one you choose, the fact remains that exercise is a rewarding substitute for sexual energy.

It has the added benefit of getting you in better physical shape.

It’s a win-win situation for you!

5. Connect with nature

This is closely related to channeling your creativity.

One of the best ways to deal with sexual urges when you are trying to abstain is to spend time outdoors.

Nature has that unique calming effect on the soul.

You could go hiking or just spend some time in a park. Either way, you would be doing yourself a lot of good.

Connecting with nature will allow you to reflect on and meditate on your life and the choices you are making.

It is funny, but some of the most important directions in your life can be received in this kind of moment.

6. Volunteer your time

Do you know one thing that can make abstinence easier for you is realizing that there are more important things in this world than you and your urge for sex?

Find a worthy cause that you can relate to and volunteer your time with them.

You will find that helping others can be incredibly rewarding, and there are much more important matters than your need for sex.

Volunteer at a local charity, mentor youths, help with community projects, give food to the homeless…

Just make a mark, no matter how small it seems.

The satisfaction you would get for “being one of the good guys” will far outstrip the pleasure you can get from sex.

7. Build meaningful relationships

We live in a generation where people just have casual sex without even knowing the other person.

When you examine it closely, you will notice that this trend coincides with a period when people are more connected to their phones than to their family members.

We are basically focused on going with the vibes, and we hardly make attempts to build lasting relationships.

Now that you have decided to abstain from physical intimacy, you could utilize that time to nurture meaningful relationships with family and friends.

Strong platonic friendships can serve as a support system for you even as you decide to abstain from sexual relationships.

They can provide emotional support and companionship without the need for sexual intimacy.

8. Develop a routine

Developing a routine for your daily activities will most definitely help you with your resolve to abstain from physical intimacy.

Set goals and create to-do lists to ensure daily stability and focus.

When your day is unplanned, you would involve yourself in things you don’t want to.

9. Avoid alcohol and drugs

If you are trying to abstain from physical intimacy, then you must also abstain from risky behaviors like drinking alcohol and using drugs.

You really don’t want to lose control of yourself.

Hence, you should avoid any intoxicating substance.

Alcohol and drugs can affect your decision-making and make you do things you will later regret.

This is why you should avoid them.

10. Pray

 

I wrote an article once where I said that “a belief in something bigger than themselves is what helps Priests abstain from sex.”

To abstain from sex, you need to believe in something bigger than you.

Belief in God is one of the ways people abstain from physical intimacy successfully.

This is because, in your weak days, your belief in God gives you strength to overcome the temptations you may face.

At the risk of this sounding like a Christian sermon, this is another important way men can control their sexual desires.

It’s no secret that the Bible promises a supply of strength to those who believe whenever they seem to be weak.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

This was Apostle Paul quoting Jesus.

Having decided to abstain, Paul must have known what it is to be weak in the face of temptation.

I have faced such temptations myself.

And in my weakest hours, I remember crying in my spirit for help.

Guess what?

Help came!

Remember this the next time you are about to make a decision that could destroy you.

Ultimately, Sexuality is an essential part of human nature.

It’s normal to feel the
urge to satisfy your sexual desires.

However, you shouldn’t lose control of yourself.

Whenever you are faced with that almost irresistible urge to have sex, remember that it is a choice you are presented with, and go ahead and resist it with the tips above.