Omarion has opened up about his 3-year celibacy journey. During a recent interview with André Duqum’s Know Thyself podcast, the R&B singer revealed how that journey affected his physical and mental health.

“That was an interesting time,” he began. “I kinda took it on as a challenge … When I decided to become celibate, it was because I was really just searching for something more for myself.”

The former B2K member continued, “At the time, I was practicing Christianity. I was really studying my Bible and ultimately it wasn’t for me, but it allowed me to kinda step out of this world and have the responsibility of being a sex symbol and a young adult. In hindsight, it was preparing me for my contribution to music, me being integral in my words and what I’m saying — not having to live a double life.”

Omarion also responded to the surprising reactions to his decision.“At that time, it was very weird for some people. A lot of people would be like, ‘He’s young, he’s on top of the world, he just put out a number one album. You ain’t out here f**king these h**s?’ And I’m like, ‘Nah!’ It’s more to life than that,” she explained. “I just found myself in that position of wanting to understand my energy and give myself time to grow. And also I knew that if I could control two areas of my life, which is food and the urge of sex, then nothing can stop me.”

During the conversation, the Inglewood native joked about when he discovered that Lenny Kravitz was also practicing celibacy for years: “And then I come to find out that Lenny Kravitz has been celibate for however long! I’m like, ‘Wow!’ That’s a different glow.” Check out the full interview below.