I suggest looking at the big distraction thread and looking to see if there are any strategies. When I used to SI quite regularly I found it most helpful to do colouring - perhaps that will work for you? Or online games? Maybe the butterfly project will help?
The big distraction thread is here
http://www.recoveryourlife.com/index..._articleid=211
As for friends, I have only told one and I came out with something like "you know my scars on my arms? Well I am an SIer, but I havent done for over 2 years now" (I only told her recently) Perhaps something along those lines but add something like "I am getting help/trying to quit", whichever fits best with your circumstances. My friend replies "oh I had no idea that they were from SI, I never really took any notice of them", since my arm scars are pretty old. Hopefully your friend will be as positive and if they arent, they arent worth it. I would be prepared for a negative reaction however and be ready to say "it's a coping strategy" in case your friend thinks it's attention. And if they react really bad, they werent worth it.
