Dealing with Urges

List of Methods

See Category: Urge Management Strategies for the latest list of methods.

See also The Problem of Instant Gratification (PIG) and Externalizing the Urge.

Alternative Methods from GYE Members

Note: These methods are original ideas that have not been mentioned in any scientific literature, but feel free to try it.

The "thank you" method

All feelings are generated by your body for a purpose, to help you in some way. So when you get the urge, just say "thank you for caring", and then just let go.

Reverse Psychology

When you get the urge just say, "okay, I'll do it." But then don't. This takes the sting out of the urge, and makes it feel less threatening.

General tips from GYE Members

Nip it in the bud

#wilnevergiveup: Someone wrote "it feels like I am turning in the whirlpool of a toilet being flushed, you know where you are going to end up and there is little to do to stop it." When this happens, I need to grab onto something before it's too late. The hard part is that when we are turning in the toilet it's very hard to stop and think. I don't really have a good strategy for this and in the passed when I ended up this far I haven't been able to climb out. I guess the trick is not to end up here. The main idea here is to nip it as early as you can. We all fall into the trap of "if I give in a little, it will leave me alone for a while". I don't really know why after all this time we still fall for it...  I don't know anyone who fell who didn't first give in a little. On the other hand, anyone who succeeds does so by saying no.

#Tzvi5: Get a stronger brain, so if it comes you could ignore it.

See also DISARM.