How can self-control be strengthened when facing attraction to the opposite sex?

We advise the esteemed questioner to fear Allah and to stay away from anything that arouses desire, especially following one glance with another glance, for Allah Almighty says: "Tell the believing men to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do" (An-Nur 24:30), and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Do not follow one glance with another."

We also advise him with what the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, guided the youth to, when he said: "O young men, whoever among you can afford to marry, let him marry, for it helps him lower his gaze and guard his chastity. And whoever is not able to do so, then he should fast, for it will diminish his sexual urge."

Among what benefits a Muslim in this context is to busy himself with important and beneficial matters concerning his religion and worldly life, such as increasing acts of obedience like prayer, remembrance (dhikr), reciting the Quran, and supplications, engaging in productive work, and staying away from all provocations such as images, songs, and the like.