The “nofap flatline” is a term used in the nofap community to describe a period of time during which an individual experiences a temporary loss of libido or sexual desire, as well as a decrease in motivation, energy, and other negative symptoms. It is a common experience for those who practice semen retention, also known as “nofap” or “brahmacharya”, where individuals abstain from any form of sexual activity, including masturbation, for an extended period.

During the flatline, individuals may feel discouraged or confused as to why they are not experiencing the benefits of nofap, and may even experience feelings of depression or anxiety. However, it is important to note that the flatline is a temporary phase and is often followed by a period of increased libido, energy, and motivation. It is also a natural process that the body undergoes as it adjusts to the new sexual habits and it is not a sign of permanent damage or malfunction.

At the beginning of semen retention or nofap, some people may experience an increase in sexual urge, anger, irritability, depression, mood swings, frequent wet dreams, increased hunger, lack of hunger, or thirst, to name a few.

These symptoms of withdrawal are the body and mind’s reactions to any notable changes in their routine, whether internally or externally. For instance, when a person receives a vaccine, their body reacts to the foreign matter in the bloodstream by producing antibodies that result in a brief fever for a day or two. This ‘fever’ is the body’s reaction to fight the foreign matter and build immunity against the particular disease.

Similarly, when a person starts exercising or playing a sport, they may experience muscular pain, even though exercise is a healthy and vitalizing activity. This pain is due to the body’s reaction to the sudden and abrupt change in its normal routine. Since the muscles have not experienced this type of stress and strain before, they react to their newfound state of stress through pain.

Therefore, the withdrawal symptoms experienced during the initial stages of Brahmacharya are the body and mind’s way of reacting to the change in routine. It is essential to continue with Brahmacharya and understand that these symptoms will eventually subside. With regular practice and discipline, one can overcome these challenges and reap the benefits of Brahmacharya.

It is not a cause for concern that the muscles experience discomfort at the onset of sprinting. This is because the muscles become accustomed to the new routine and eventually adapt to the physical demands of sprinting.

Similarly, practicing Brahmacharya also involves adjustments at different levels, including physical, mental, and karmic. The reactions people experience during the practice of Brahmacharya often result from past tendencies and activities, which may have roots extending back to past lives in human or animal forms. Therefore, it is not surprising that some people may take a while to adjust to the new way of thinking and behaving that Brahmacharya requires.

At the outset of Brahmacharya, some people may feel an increase in sexual urges, anger, irritability, depression, mood swings, or other reactions such as frequent wet dreams, increased hunger, lack of hunger or thirst, etc. These reactions are indications that the body, mind, and psyche are attempting to adjust to the new lifestyle and find balance.

The intensity of these reactions may vary from person to person depending on their level of evolution in the physical, mental, and karmic realms. A person who was already less sexually active, less aggressive, and more spiritually evolved may experience fewer reactions than someone who is the opposite.

Gradually increasing the period of Brahmacharya, starting with a few days and progressing to a fortnight, then to a month, followed by several months, and ultimately to a year of practice, can help the body adjust to the new lifestyle with no adverse effects.

It is crucial to understand that Brahmacharya is not just about physical abstinence from sexual activity. It must also encompass thoughts, words, and actions. The energy conserved through the practice of Brahmacharya requires a proper outlet to manifest, which can be achieved through regular physical exercise, mental and intellectual work, and most importantly, spiritual activities such as God-meditation. Additionally, it is necessary to avoid people, situations, sights, sounds, and conversations that contradict the principles of Brahmacharya, as they can disturb the mental calmness and harmony that one is striving to achieve.

By following these guidelines, one can become more cheerful and at peace with oneself and the surroundings, making it easier to adapt to the new lifestyle and better cope with withdrawal symptoms.

One should view their occupation and work as part of their Dharma or duty and engage in it with a positive and cheerful attitude, honesty, and without focusing on the results. Our destiny and past karma determine the path we must follow for overall evolution. By embracing this path and using it as a medium for growth, we can progress on our journey of life.

One’s attitude towards work should be to give their best effort and sustain themselves, while silently watching as a witness without worrying about the fruits of their actions. They should be fully immersed in God’s thought and contemplation, and not be attached to the fruits that their work may or may not bring. Instead, they should engage in work with sincerity and let God handle the fruits of their labor. Whatever comes to them, they should accept it as forwarded by Him, for He is the most impartial and loving well-wisher that has ever existed and will ever exist.

Such an attitude helps one approach the routine of life with a lighthearted perspective and prevents feelings of anger, excitement, boredom, or depression, gradually transferring one into the realm of bliss. Negative traits bother us only when we depend on a particular action and its result as the source of our happiness and well-being. Instead, if we transfer God contemplation and thought as our mainstream activity and primary source of happiness, what we do or do not do in the mundane plane of life or at the workplace would have no effect on our mental state and well-being. This is what many scriptures, such as the Bhagavad Gita, preach. The root cause of man’s sorrow is their dependence on objects other than God as a source of their well-being.

Gradually giving up this dependence and increasing one’s dependence on God’s thought as their main activity through meditation can help alleviate pains and sorrows, as they will soon find no place to rest and vacate. I hope this information helps you overcome withdrawal symptoms.